No longer able to edit Dropbox files

Anonymous
2025-04-07T04:22:17+00:00

I used to be able to go from my files saved in my Dropbox account and edit them in word and excel with an iPad mini over the last 10 years or so. But when I upgraded to the newest release (7), I’m being asked to sign up for a 365 subscription. According to Dropbox I shouldn’t need a subscription since I’m on a basic personal account. I’ve deleted the Dropbox and word and excel apps, reinstalled and restarted the tablet and still can’t edit documents. How do I fix this?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | iOS

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-04-11T17:46:29+00:00

    Hello Amy,

    Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Community. I can Understand your concern regarding the Dropbox account, Rest assured we are here to help you.

    The recent changes you’re experiencing are likely due to Microsoft’s policy requiring a Microsoft 365 subscription for editing Office files on devices with screens larger than 10.1 inches. This applies even if you’re using a Dropbox Basic account.

    To regain editing access, here are your options:

    -Subscribe to Microsoft 365: This will unlock full editing capabilities for Word and Excel on your iPad Mini.

    -Use Office Online: You can upload your files to OneDrive or Dropbox and edit them for free using the web versions of Word and Excel.

    -Alternative Devices: If you have a device with a screen size of 10.1 inches or smaller, you can edit files without a subscription.

    I hope one of these solutions works for you. If you need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

    Best Regards,
    Shivi | Microsoft Support Community Specialist.

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-04-11T23:08:42+00:00

    Thank you for the suggestions but the screen of my iPad mini is less than 10 inches— it is roughly 5x7.5 so that shouldn’t be the issue. I also am not seeing an option to edit a document in word or excel if I open a web version Dropbox document.

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