The highlighting feature works on every other Microsoft 365 app, except for Word. I have an IPad Pro.

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The highlighting feature works on every other Microsoft 365 app, except for Word. I have an IPad Pro.

Kenzie Paradis 0

The highlight feature works everywhere else, on Microsoft and non-Microsoft apps. My iPad is up to date, and I reset every setting. I restarted word, and that didn’t fix it. Then, I deleted it and redownloaded it. The first time I tried to highlight after redownloading it worked. Then, I tried again and it didn’t work. I don’t know what else I can do. I tried to get help from Apple, but it’s a third-party app, so I got nothing.

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Answer 1

Darren-Ng 3,810 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Dear @Kenzie Paradis,

Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum.

Based on your description, it's likely everything else highlights except Word on iPad. Since you’ve already updated iPadOS, reset settings, and reinstalled Word, the issue is likely one of a few Word‑specific toggles or document states that quietly disable or hide text highlighting. For better understanding your situation, could you provide us more details information as:

Are you using an Apple Pencil when trying to highlight, or just your finger? because Apple Pencil can switch Word into drawing/select modes that block text highlight
which version of Word are you using? Is it the newest version?
Does this issue happen only with that specific Word file, or with all files?

In the meantime, here are some suggestions you can try to fix this issue for iPad:

1.Turning off the contrast

To go to Settings > find "Accessibility" > Increase Contrast. Turn it off (Set toggle to off.)

2.Disable Pencil drawing mode (if using Apple Pencil)

Word can treat Pencil input as drawing instead of text selection.

inside Word

Open any document > Draw tab > turn OFF “Draw with Apple Pencil.” (This lets Pencil act like a text selector so you can apply Text Highlight.)

iPad setting

Settings > Apple Pencil > Scribble: try toggling Off, then retry highlighting. Scribble sometimes intercepts text interactions in Office apps.

I hope information above helpful, if you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out.

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Kenzie Paradis 0 Reputation points

2025-10-17T23:57:47.3333333+00:00
Are you using an Apple Pencil when trying to highlight, or just your finger?

I am using my trackpad on my iPad. I think it’s called the hardware keyboard.

which version of Word are you using? Is it the newest version?

i am using the newest version

Does this issue happen only with that specific Word file, or with all files?

it happens with all files. Also, I realized I’ve said highlight instead of select. I can’t select a sentence to copy and paste, which is the real issue. I tried word online, and the select tool works there. I would like to be able to use my app though.
Darren-Ng 3,810 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-10-18T02:26:56.1066667+00:00

Dear @Kenzie Paradis,

Thank you for your reply and verify for us. So, the real issue is about cannot select a sentence to copy and paste. It would be helpful if you could provide us with a screenshot of the issue

In the meantime, have you tried step below to check would it work

1-Select text:

Long press the text you want to copy with your finger until the selection tool appears.

Drag the two blue dots of the selection tool to adjust the selection range.

2-Copy Text:

Once you have selected the text, a menu will appear. Click on the “Copy” option.

3-Paste the text:

Move to the location where you want to paste the text.

Press and hold the location until a menu appears.

Click on the “Paste” option.
Darren-Ng 3,810 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-10-21T00:07:22.18+00:00

Dear @Kenzie Paradis,

If you run into any issues or get stuck at any step, please don’t hesitate to let me know—I’ll be happy to assist you. Also, when you have a moment, I’d really appreciate a quick update on your progress.
Darren-Ng 3,810 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-10-23T06:06:23.28+00:00

Dear @Kenzie Paradis,

I hope this message finds you well.

This is my second follow-up to check whether your issue has been resolved. I truly want to ensure your experience is as smooth as possible. If your problem is still ongoing or if you have faced any new difficulties, please share more details about the current steps you are stuck on. I am here and happy to provide further help whenever you need it.

While waiting for your response, I will continue tracking other customer questions on the forum to ensure everyone receives timely support. If you have additional questions, please feel free to tag my name in your reply so I can assist you promptly and more personally.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Answer 2

Kenzie Paradis 0

Hello, sorry for the delay. I’m not sure if a screenshot would help because it would just show my sentence not being selected. I used the shortcut of pressing shift and using the arrows to highlight, but I don’t want to have to do that. No selection tool appears if I hold down on the text, and the copy button doesn’t appear either. The only way I can select a sentence or word I want is by doing the shift method I mentioned earlier. It just takes way longer than being able to click from the back of the sentence then drag forward to select.

Darren-Ng 3,810 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-10-26T05:46:56.8+00:00

Dear @Kenzie Paradis,

Thank you for your reply, have you tried to double click on the content instead of holding down on the text to check any selection appear? you can drag from the text you select to where you want to highlight, let me know if it works. As a forum moderator with a limited scope of knowledge. Please know that I've done my best to assist you.

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The highlighting feature works on every other Microsoft 365 app, except for Word. I have an IPad Pro.

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