With an Microsoft 365 plan, Family or Personal, how many tablet and smartphone devices can you install Office Mobile? The rules have changed over time, so confusion is understandable.
Some emails to our Feedback page plus people we’ve met shows some confusion about how many tablets/smartphones you can load up with Office Mobile apps for Apple or Android.
The long-standing ‘five computer’ limit with Microsoft 365 INcludes tablets and smartphones.
But the ‘five’ is now five simultaneous sign-in’s by Office software – NOT installations. You can install Office software on as many devices as you like. See Microsoft 365 now counts your sign-ins not installs
As usual with Office and Microsoft 365 the promoted limits seem simple, but get a little complex in the fine print.
For Microsoft Office 365 there’s no longer a distinction between computers, tablets and smartphones. All that matters is the number of devices you’re signed into.
Any tablet device under 10.1″ screen size can use the Office mobile apps. Microsoft 365 users get some extra features when signed into those apps.
Large screen tablets
Large screen tablets, over 10.1″, are a special case. Microsoft considers them ‘professional’ devices and require a Microsoft 365 plan for the Office apps to work at all (no free ‘core editing’ features).
Apple iPad Pro devices (all over 10.1″ screen) require a Microsoft 365 licence to use the Office apps.
The 10.1″ threshold gets a little unclear, especially when the device is sold as exactly 10.1″. It’s best to test the devices around the 10.1″ limit before buying; see if Office apps can install and run without an Microsoft 365 plan.
Smartphones
There’s no specific smartphone limit for Microsoft 365. No screen size limit to worry about.
Install the Office mobile apps (iPhone or Android) on as many smartphones as you like. What matters is the number of simultaneous sign-ins to all your devices.
Microsoft 365 now counts your sign-ins not installs
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