This guide is for Microsoft Office 2021 Home and Business for Mac, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote 2021. Mac editions are redeemed through your Microsoft account rather than typed into the app.
Before you start
- Check your macOS version under the Apple menu > About This Mac. Microsoft only supports Office 2021 on recent macOS releases. If your Mac is more than a few years behind on updates, ask us before redeeming; an unredeemed key is covered by the 30-day guarantee.
- You need a Microsoft account. Create one free at account.microsoft.com.
- Remove any trial or older Office: drag the apps from Applications to the Bin and empty it.
- Microsoft support for Office 2021 ends on 13 October 2026. The apps keep working after that, but security updates stop.
Step 1: Redeem your key
- Go to setup.office.com, or the link in your delivery email.
- Sign in with your own Microsoft account. The licence attaches to this account permanently.
- Enter your 25-character key, choose your country and language, and select Next.
Step 2: Download and install
- Select Install. You are taken to the Services page of your Microsoft account, where the Office 2021 for Mac installer downloads.
- Open the .pkg file from your Downloads folder and follow the installer.
- Enter your Mac password when prompted and let it finish.
Step 3: Activate
- Open Word from Launchpad.
- Select Sign in and use the same Microsoft account from Step 1.
- Office finds the licence and shows You're all set. Under Word > About Word it reads Office Home & Business 2021.
Office 2021 for Mac specific problems
"This key has already been redeemed"
The key is attached to a Microsoft account. If you redeemed it, sign in to Word with that account. If you did not, stop and contact support.
Word opens in view-only mode
You signed in with a different account from the one used at setup.office.com. Go to Word > Preferences > Sign out, then sign in with the right account.
The download is Office 2024 or Microsoft 365, not 2021
The Services page sometimes offers the newest installer. Look for the specific Office Home & Business 2021 entry under your products and use its Install button.
Apple silicon
Office 2021 runs natively on M-series Macs. No Rosetta needed.
Need help?
Screenshot any error and contact support with your order number. Your purchase is covered by our 6-month licence warranty.