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'Can you get Microsoft Word on an iPad?': Yes, you can — here's how to download and set it up

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You can download Microsoft Word, along with other Microsoft Office apps, on your iPad. Shutterstock

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Microsoft Word allows you to write, edit, and save documents — whether it's a shared assignment, a presentation for work, or a personal project. Although it's most commonly used on a PC or Mac computer, you can also download the app to access files on your iPad.

The Word app is extremely similar to the desktop version, and allows you to create a blank document or start from a template. Additionally, you can quickly view a list of your recent files or shared projects. After downloading the app from the App Store, you'll be prompted to sign into your Microsoft Office account, or create an account if you don't have one already.

It's important to note that your document changes will only sync across devices if you are signed in with the same Microsoft Office account on both the mobile app and your PC or Mac.

Here's how to download and sign into the Microsoft Word app on your iPad, along with how to use it.

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How to download Microsoft Word on your iPad

1. Open the App Store on your iPad.

Can you get Microsoft Word on iPad
Open the App Store. Marissa Perino/Business Insider

2. Tap on the "Search" option at the bottom-right hand corner of the app.

3. Type "Microsoft Word" or "Word" in the search bar at the top. The App Store should automatically populate search results and show Microsoft Word for iPad. You can also download Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.

4. Tap "Get" next to Microsoft Word. If you've previously downloaded the app, a cloud icon with an arrow will show instead. This prompts you to redownload the app from iCloud.

Can you get Microsoft Word on iPad
Search for and download Microsoft Word. Marissa Perino/Business Insider

5. You can also tap on the Microsoft Word app to view more details. There, you can also tap "Get" or the iCloud download.

6. Enter your Apple ID password if prompted. If your settings do not require a password for free app downloads, Microsoft Word should automatically start downloading. Tap the download icon again to pause if you need to. 

Can you get Microsoft Word on iPad
Word beginning to download. Marissa Perino/Business Insider

7. Press your Home button to return to your iPad home screen. You should see the Microsoft Word app downloading.

Can you get Microsoft Word on iPad
The Word app will appear on your home screen. Marissa Perino/Business Insider
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How to set up the Microsoft Word app on your iPad

1. After Word has finished downloading, tap to open the app. Once the app loads, you will be greeted with a series of pop-ups you'll have to tap through.

2. The first pop-up will read "Use Word on the Go." You have the option to sign-up for free, sign into an existing account, or skip this step. Tap "Not Now" to skip.

Can you get Microsoft Word on iPad
The first pop-up. Marissa Perino/Business Insider

3. The next pop-up will detail Microsoft's updated privacy settings for mobile apps. Tap to learn more or tap "Next" to move on.

4. The pop-up "Getting better together" asks you the question, "Do you want to send optional data about Office to Microsoft?" Tap to learn more, accept, or decline the offer. Regardless of your choice, this will move you to the next screen.

5. Tap "OK" after reading the next pop-up and adjusting your privacy settings if needed.

Can you get Microsoft Word on iPad
Tap to continue through pop-ups. Marissa Perino/Business Insider

6. When prompted with "Don't Miss Anything" you are given the option, "Get notified when someone shares a document or collaborates with you." Tap the blue button to turn this feature on, or tap "Not Now" to skip. You can always adjust these settings later.

7. The final pop-up will read "You're All Set" letting you know, "You're now ready to view documents." Tap the blue "View" button to continue.

Can you get Microsoft Word on iPad
You are now ready to start. Marissa Perino/Business Insider
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How to use Microsoft Word on your iPad

1. You are now able to use the Microsoft Word app on your iPad, with options to view a list of recent documents, shared projects, or open saved files on the left hand side. The top option of the toolbar allows you to start creating new documents. You can also take a tour of Word.

Can you get Microsoft Word on iPad
The Word app. Marissa Perino/Business Insider

2. Tap "Blank document" to start a new document, or choose from one of the templates to make a newsletter, brochure, or other file type. You should recognize the setup of a blank document as looking almost identical to Word on a PC or Mac.

3. Regardless of which option you pick, you will be prompted to sign in. You will be unable to edit and save changes in your document until you sign into a Microsoft account.

Can you get Microsoft Word on iPad
A blank document. Marissa Perino/Business Insider
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How to sign into your Microsoft Office account on your iPad

You can sign in from a document page (or almost any other page), but the easiest way is to tap on "Settings" when you first open the app. It should be the last option on the left blue toolbar.

1. The Settings pop-up should open. Tap "Sign in" at the top.

Can you get Microsoft Word on iPad
Tap "Sign in." Marissa Perino/Business Insider

2. Enter your email and password when prompted. If you don't have an existing Microsoft Office account, you also have the option to create one at this time. You can also recover your password if you forgot it.

3. Once you've correctly entered your information or signed up, tap the blue "Sign in" button.

Can you get Microsoft Word on iPad
Enter your account information. Marissa Perino/Business Insider

4. You should see your name at the top of the "Settings" pop-up. You can now save changes in your documents and are free to use the app as you please. Similar to iCloud, if you are signed in with the same Microsoft Office account on both your iPad and PC or Mac, file changes will sync across your devices as you edit. Your recent documents list will also update as you work.

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Can you get Microsoft Word on iPad
You are now logged in and can fully use the Word app. Marissa Perino/Business Insider
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