Permission & Access Issues

How to Fix SharePoint HTTP 401 Error in Microsoft Edge on macOS

WPS Content Manager Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to access a SharePoint site due to an HTTP 401 Unauthorized error occurring specifically in Microsoft Edge on a Mac.

How to Fix SharePoint HTTP 401 Error in Microsoft Edge on macOS

Product: SharePoint, Microsoft Edge
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Attempting to log into and view a Microsoft SharePoint site using the Microsoft Edge browser on an Apple Mac device.
Observed behavior: The browser returns an HTTP 401 Unauthorized error preventing access to the site, despite the site functioning properly in other browsers like Safari and on Windows virtual machines.

Before you start

Verify that you are logging in with the correct Microsoft account that has active permissions for the SharePoint site, and test the link in an alternative browser like Safari to isolate the issue to Edge.

Solution 1Recommended

Use an InPrivate Window and Clear Edge Cache

Using an InPrivate window temporarily bypasses corrupted cookies and cached credentials, helping to identify and resolve outdated authentication data.

HTTP 401 errors frequently occur when the browser sends expired or conflicting login tokens. Clearing the site data forces SharePoint to issue a fresh authentication prompt.

Open an InPrivate window

Launch Microsoft Edge and press Cmd+Shift+N on your Mac keyboard to open a new InPrivate window.

Test SharePoint access

Navigate to your SharePoint site URL and attempt to sign in. If it works, the issue is related to your standard browsing cache.

Clear browsing data

Close the InPrivate window. In your normal Edge window, click the three-dot menu, select 'Settings', and go to 'Privacy, search, and services'.

Delete cookies and cache

Under 'Clear browsing data', click 'Choose what to clear'. Select 'Cookies and other site data' along with 'Cached images and files', then click 'Clear now'.

Use an InPrivate Window and Clear Edge Cache

Success Tip: Restart Microsoft Edge completely after clearing the cache before attempting to log into SharePoint again.

Solution 2

Update Microsoft Edge and macOS

Running outdated versions of the browser or operating system can lead to security protocol mismatches that cause authentication failures.

Solution 3

Reinstall Edge and Contact the IT Administrator

If caching and updates do not resolve the issue, your Edge user profile may be corrupted, or there may be an account-level policy blocking access.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does an HTTP 401 Unauthorized error mean in SharePoint?

An HTTP 401 error means that the SharePoint server is denying access because it cannot verify your login credentials. This usually happens due to corrupted browser cookies, outdated cached passwords, or incorrect access permissions.

Why does SharePoint work in Safari but not in Edge on my Mac?

This indicates a browser-specific issue rather than a problem with your account permissions. Microsoft Edge on your Mac may have stored an incorrect login token or corrupted site data that Safari doesn't use.

How do I clear cached credentials specifically for Microsoft sites in Edge?

Open Edge Settings, go to 'Privacy, search, and services', select 'Clear browsing data', and ensure 'Cookies and other site data' is checked. This forces the browser to discard old Microsoft login sessions and prompt you for fresh credentials.

Can my macOS version cause SharePoint authentication issues?

Yes, running an older macOS version (such as earlier builds of Monterey) can sometimes cause browser compatibility bugs. Keeping both your macOS and Microsoft Edge updated ensures optimal compatibility with SharePoint's security protocols.

Document & File Issues