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Word iOS always defaults to "Auto-detect headings" even after toggling it off

Anonymous
2025-05-15T04:12:30+00:00

Word iOS does not respect my heading auto-detect setting when I toggle this off--it turns itself back on every time I reopen the Word app. The auto-detected headings are completely wrong in the 150,000 word long document I am working on.

Here is a screenshot showing the setting I am describing. I tried resetting Cloud settings on my iPad for both Word and Office365, then restarted Word again to test. The problem still persists. Every time I turn this setting off, it turns itself back on the next time I open a document. I have reported this issue multiple times from within the app and it has yet to be resolved. Please fix this.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | iOS

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-05-15T15:58:07+00:00

    Hello,

    I appreciate you posting this concern to Microsoft Community Forum.

    As per your description, It looks like Word for iOS is not retaining the Auto-detect headings setting after you toggle it off, causing unwanted headings to appear in your document. Since you've already tried resetting cloud settings and restarting the app, here are a few additional steps to resolve the issue:

    First, ensure that your Word app is updated to the latest version. Open the App Store, search for Microsoft Word, and check for any available updates. Sometimes, bugs like this are fixed in newer versions.

    Next, try resetting Word preferences by signing out of your Microsoft account in Word, closing the app, and signing back in. This can refresh settings and resolve persistent issues.

    If the problem persists, consider reinstalling Word. Delete the app from your iPad, restart your device, and reinstall Word from the App Store. This ensures a clean installation without corrupted settings.

    Hope this information will help in resolving the issue.

    Regards,

    Matt | Microsoft Community Moderator

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  2. Stefan Blom 308.2K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2025-05-15T18:14:14+00:00

    Since you have been able to permanently turn off the "Auto-detect headings" option in the past, you should report this as a (potential) bug to Microsoft, for example via the feedback facility in Word for iOS.

    Generally, you will get more accurate headings if you consistently apply heading styles to text in your document.

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-05-15T19:46:43+00:00

    Since you have been able to permanently turn off the "Auto-detect headings" option in the past, you should report this as a (potential) bug to Microsoft, for example via the feedback facility in Word for iOS.

    Generally, you will get more accurate headings if you consistently apply heading styles to text in your document.

    Thank you Stefan, I have reported this at least a dozen times through the feedback option within the app itself. That is why I have come here.

    I do apply heading styles manually to my document, that's the entire reason I don't want auto-detected headings on and why this issue is so frustrating: the auto-detect adds numerous erroneous headings.

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  4. Stefan Blom 308.2K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2025-05-17T08:24:48+00:00

    Thanks for the follow-up. I'll see if I can find out something more about this issue.

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  5. Stefan Blom 308.2K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2025-05-21T09:56:03+00:00

    I have been informed that this issue is being investigated.

    I will post back with any further updates I receive.

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