Microsoft Office for Android will soon let you listen to documents even if your screen is locked

The Android version of Office will soon make it easier to listen to documents on the go.

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What you need to know

Microsoft Office on Android will soon support playing documents out loud when the screen is locked. The new feature will make it easier to catch up on documents or to review content by listening to it. April 2022 is the tentative release date for the feature on the Microsoft 365 roadmap, but that’s subject to change. As is the case with any feature on the roadmap, the date is a loose goal, not a firm release date.

“Listen to your documents on mobile when screen is locked,” reads theMicrosoft 365 roadmap.

At the moment, the mobile versions of Office pause audio playback when you lock this screen. This can be a hassle if you’re trying to listen to a document and your screen locks automatically after you don’t touch it for a while. The current setup is also an issue if you want to listen to content while driving in a car or keeping your phone in your pocket.

If you don’t have an Office subscription, or it’s time to renew yours, make sure to check out our guide comparingOffice 2021 vs. Microsoft 365. If you value using Office across your mobile devices, Microsoft 365 is likely a better choice.

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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.