You’re writing on your phone. Maybe you’re finishing a report while commuting. Or jotting down story ideas before they slip away. Microsoft Word mobile feels light, fast, and simple—until the moment you need to know how many words you’ve written. That’s when things get a bit tricky. The feature is there, but it’s tucked away, easy to miss unless you know where to look. I’ve been in that situation too. Writing on the go, guessing if I’d hit 1,000 words yet, trying to eyeball it. Spoiler: it never works. But checking your word count on Word mobile is actually quick, once you know the right taps. Let’s go through it step-by-step, with a few valuable tips along the way.
Why Word Count Still Matters, Even on Mobile
Sometimes, writing isn’t just about getting the thoughts out—it’s about how much you write. Word count keeps you on track. Whether you’re a student meeting essay limits, a blogger aiming for SEO length, or an author pacing chapters, those little numbers quietly shape your work. On a desktop, checking the word count is easy. But when you switch to mobile, the screen is smaller, the options are compact, and features get hidden in menus. Yet it’s still there, waiting. You need to know where to tap.
How to Check Word Count in Word Mobile (Step-by-Step)
Alright, here’s the simple breakdown. The process is nearly identical on Android and iPhone, though the interface may vary slightly.
Step 1: Open Your Document
Launch the Microsoft Word app on your phone. Open the document you’re currently writing or editing.
Step 2: Tap the “Edit” Icon
Usually, a small pencil symbol is at the bottom of your screen. This switches your document from viewing mode to editing mode.
Step 3: Tap the “Review” Tab
Once you’re in edit mode, look for the “Review” option on the bottom toolbar (or sometimes in the top menu, depending on your device).
Step 4: Select “Word Count”
Tap on “Word Count.” A small pop-up will appear, showing the total words, characters (with and without spaces), and, sometimes, pages.
Step 5: Review the Numbers
Now you can see your total word count. If you’ve highlighted a section, it will show the count for just that selection—super handy for checking portions like summaries, intros, or SEO descriptions.
That’s it. Five taps, and you’re done.
Pro Tip: Keep the Word Count Visible
Unlike the desktop version, Word Mobile doesn’t continuously display the word count at the bottom of your screen. But you can recheck it anytime by returning to the Review > Word Count option. It takes seconds. If you often work with specific limits, build a quick habit—check every few paragraphs. It keeps you aligned without interrupting your writing flow.
Checking Character Count Too
Sometimes, you don’t just need the number of words—you need the characters. Maybe you’re writing a tweet, a meta description, or a short ad caption. Microsoft Word mobile gives you both. When you open Word Count, you’ll see two options:
- Characters (with spaces) – counts every single space, letter, and punctuation mark.
- Characters (without spaces) – count only the actual letters and numbers.
This helps when your task involves strict limits. For example, if you’re working on SEO snippets or posts, knowing the character limit is often more helpful than word count. If you’re curious about how this works on other devices, too, you can check our complete guide on word count not showing in Microsoft Word— it explains why the count might disappear and how to bring it back.
Word Count on Word for Tablet – A Slight Twist
If you’re using a tablet, things look a little different. The layout resembles the desktop version more than the mobile phone one. You’ll likely find the Review tab at the top, just like on a computer. Once you open Word Count, the same pop-up appears. Tablets also make it easier to edit large documents while tracking your word count, so if you’re doing serious writing, they’re a good middle ground.
What If Word Count Doesn’t Show Up?
Sometimes you open the Review tab, and the Word Count option just isn’t there. Don’t panic. A few things can cause this:
- Older app version: Update your Word app to the latest version from the App Store or Google Play.
- Read-only mode: If your document is view-only (shared by someone else), you won’t see the word count until you switch to edit mode.
- Corrupted document: Rare, but it happens. Try copying your text into a new file and checking again.
If none of these work, reopening the app or restarting your phone usually fixes the glitch.
Why Mobile Word Count Feels Different
Here’s something people don’t talk about much: the feeling of writing on mobile. It’s fast, raw, and a bit messy. You type in bursts, not long stretches. You rarely think about formatting or stats—until you hit that moment of curiosity: “Did I write enough?” And when you check your count, it’s a little reward. A mini milestone. Word Mobile was built for that. To let you write freely, but still keep track when needed.
Comparing Word Mobile to Desktop
The mobile version of Microsoft Word doesn’t have as many visible options, but it handles the essentials beautifully.
- Desktop: Always shows word count in the bottom bar, more detailed stats (paragraphs, lines, pages).
- Mobile: Hides the count behind menus but gives you quick access when needed.
- Online (Web): Displays word count in a sidebar and updates automatically.
If you often switch devices, it’s smart to check where each version stores this feature so you don’t waste time hunting for it.
FAQs About Word Count on Word Mobile
1. Can I check the word count for a selected part only?
Yes! Just highlight the text you want to measure, then tap Review > Word Count. It will show only the count for that portion.
2. Does Word Mobile include spaces in the count?
The word count itself doesn’t, but the character count does. You can view both options in the same menu.
3. Is there a shortcut to show the word count instantly?
Unfortunately, mobile versions don’t support keyboard shortcuts like desktop versions. You have to tap through the menu manually.
4. Can I keep the word count visible while typing?
No, not permanently on mobile. You’ll need to open the Word Count window each time you want to check it.
5. Why doesn’t my Word app show word count at all?
It’s likely outdated or in view-only mode. Update it, switch to editing, and you should see it again.
Final Thought
Knowing how to check word count in Word mobile can make your writing process smoother and more confident. You don’t have to guess anymore. Whether you’re writing a 300-word caption, a 2,000-word article, or even notes for your next big project, having that number just a tap away helps you stay on track.
It’s simple, yes—but powerful like a timer for your creativity. The next time you’re typing on your phone, pause for a second, check your count, and smile. You’re not just writing—you’re progressing. And that small count number? It’s proof of it.