Downloaded app from Apple Store and features not working

If you have installed Microsoft 365 on a Mac use Help> Check for Updates in the menu bar of either program in order to be sure the software is fully updated. Do not attempt to update a Mac installation via the App Store.

What type of device have you installed the Microsoft 365 apps on, is that a mobile device like an Apple iPad or phone, if so, the mobile versions of the Office apps are cut-down versions of the full Office apps with limited functionality, it is only when the Office apps are installed on a Windows or Apple Mac computer or laptop that you can install the full functioning Office apps.

When Office apps are installed from the Mac App Store, available features depend on the license type and how activation was done.

1. Check how Office was installed and which license is used
   • Apps downloaded from the Mac App Store require an active Microsoft 365 subscription to unlock full create/edit capabilities and subscription features.
   • One‑time (perpetual) licenses such as Office 2019/2016 Home & Business or Home & Student do not work with Mac App Store Office apps. If a one‑time license is used with Mac App Store apps, the apps run in reduced functionality mode and a yellow bar appears saying: “Action Required: We've detected a one-time purchase license.”
2. If using a one‑time (perpetual) Office license
   To get full features with that license:
   • Uninstall the Office apps that were downloaded from the Mac App Store.
   • Download and install the Office for Mac apps directly from Microsoft (from the account or services page associated with the license).
   • Sign in with the account that owns the one‑time license and activate again.
3. If using a Microsoft 365 subscription but features still seem missing
   • Confirm the subscription is active and correctly assigned to the signed‑in account (for example, via the Microsoft account Subscriptions page if using Microsoft 365 Family or Personal).
   • If the apps say they are activated but still prompt to activate or limit editing, try:
     1. Quit Word (Word > Quit Word).
     2. Restart Word and check if the activation message or limitations are gone.
     3. If this keeps happening, reset the license data on the Mac:
        • Open Spotlight (magnifying glass in the top-right).
        • Search for and open Keychain.
        • Search for Office and delete the data license entry.
        • Run the Office license removal tool as described in the “Remove Office license files on a Mac” article, then reopen Word and sign in again with the Microsoft 365 subscription account.

If after installing the correct (non–Mac App Store) build and confirming an active Microsoft 365 subscription the features are still missing, remove the license files as above and reactivate to ensure the correct subscription license is applied.

References:

• Microsoft Office activation and the Mac App Store
• What to try if you can't install or activate Office for Mac
• Microsoft 365 subscription features aren't available in Office apps