Permission & Access Issues

Fix SharePoint Repeatedly Requesting Credentials on macOS

Emma Brown Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are experiencing continuous credential prompts when attempting to access SharePoint, preventing successful login.

Fix SharePoint Repeatedly Requesting Credentials on macOS

Product: SharePoint
Device & OS: macOS Sonoma
Scenario: Accessing SharePoint sites via a web browser on macOS Sonoma.
Observed behavior: SharePoint access may work immediately after a macOS restart but subsequently fails with a continuous login loop. Using Safari in private browsing mode does not resolve the issue.

Before you start

Ensure you have your correct Microsoft 365 login credentials handy and verify that your Mac is connected to a stable internet network before proceeding.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Office.com Portal as a Workaround

Bypass the direct SharePoint URL login loop by authenticating through the main Microsoft 365 web portal.

Authentication tokens can sometimes fail when accessing a SharePoint site URL directly. Logging into the centralized Office portal often establishes a secure session that carries over to SharePoint.

Navigate to the Microsoft 365 Portal

Open your web browser and go to www.office.com.

Sign In

Click 'Sign In' and enter your Microsoft 365 account credentials.

Open SharePoint

Once logged in, click the App Launcher (the waffle icon in the top-left corner) and select SharePoint from the navigation bar to see if your sites open correctly.

Use the Office.com Portal as a Workaround

Temporary Solution: This method serves as a highly reliable temporary workaround while investigating the root cause of the browser-specific authentication loop.

Solution 2

Test Access Using an Alternative Web Browser

Determine if the credential loop is specific to Safari's strict privacy settings by using a different browser.

Solution 3

Request Log Analysis from Your Tenant Administrator

Escalate the issue to Microsoft Support through your organization's IT department if workarounds fail.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Seamless Mac Experience

Dealing with cloud authentication loops can disrupt your workflow. Consider WPS Office as a lightweight, reliable, and completely free alternative for managing your documents, spreadsheets, and presentations locally on macOS.

1. Download the Mac Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the macOS version.
2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon to your Applications folder.
3. Start Creating: Launch WPS Office and instantly open or create Microsoft-compatible documents without login delays.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formatsNo complex cloud login loops required for local offline editingLightweight installation tailored perfectly for macOS environmentsFamiliar all-in-one interface makes transitioning effortless

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does SharePoint repeatedly ask for my password on Mac?

This usually happens due to expired authentication tokens, macOS Keychain syncing errors, or strict cross-site tracking prevention in browsers like Safari that block Microsoft's login cookies.

Why isn't Safari Private Browsing fixing the credential prompt?

Safari's Private Browsing on macOS Sonoma implements even stricter privacy measures. It actively blocks the cross-domain cookies and tokens that Microsoft 365 relies on to verify your identity, often replicating or worsening the login loop.

Can clearing my browser cache resolve the SharePoint login loop?

Yes, clearing your browser cache and cookies can sometimes force the system to generate a fresh authentication token. However, if the issue is rooted in macOS Sonoma compatibility or organizational security policies, using the Office.com portal is a more reliable workaround.

Document & File Issues