Permission & Access Issues

How to Fix SharePoint Permission Errors in Word for Mac

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is experiencing permission errors when trying to open files directly from a SharePoint site in the desktop version of Microsoft Word on a Mac, despite being able to edit the same files via OneDrive and Office Online.

Product: Microsoft Word for Mac, SharePoint, OneDrive
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Opening SharePoint files in desktop Word on a Mac.
Observed behavior: A permission error occurs when opening the file from SharePoint to the desktop app, but signing out of OneDrive alters this behavior, indicating a synchronization or account conflict.

Before you start

Ensure you have your Microsoft account credentials ready, as you will need to sign out and sign back into your Office and OneDrive accounts during the troubleshooting process.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear the Office File Cache and Browser Cache

Clearing corrupted cache files can resolve authentication and permission conflicts between SharePoint, OneDrive, and Word for Mac.

The Office cache stores temporary files to speed up file loading and syncing. When these files become corrupted or out of sync with your cloud permissions, it can trigger false permission errors on Mac.

Close Microsoft Applications

Ensure that Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneDrive are completely closed on your Mac.

Navigate to the Office Cache Folder

Open Finder, press Cmd + Shift + G to open the 'Go to Folder' window, and type or paste ~/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/OfficeFileCache, then hit Enter.

Delete the Cache Contents

Select all files and folders inside the OfficeFileCache folder and move them to the Trash.

Clear Browser Cache

Open your default web browser (such as Safari or Chrome), access the settings or preferences menu, and clear your browser cache and cookies.

Restart and Test

Restart your Mac, open Word, and try opening the SharePoint file again.

Solution 2

Sign Out and Relink Your OneDrive Account

Refreshing your OneDrive connection ensures your account permissions sync correctly with SharePoint and the Office desktop apps.

Solution 3

Install the Latest macOS and Office Updates

Outdated software can cause compatibility and authentication issues between Microsoft cloud services and desktop applications.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Management on Mac

If Microsoft Word and SharePoint continue to cause permission headaches, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a lightweight, highly compatible alternative that makes editing and saving documents a breeze on macOS without complex syncing errors.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac version of WPS Office.
2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and click 'Open' to browse your local folders or connected cloud drives.
3. Edit Seamlessly: Edit your document and save it in standard .docx format, ensuring full compatibility with other users.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formatsLightweight and fast performance on macOSBuilt-in cloud storage integration for easy accessFree to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate interface

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I only get SharePoint permission errors in the Mac desktop app and not online?

Desktop applications rely on local caches and saved keychain credentials that can sometimes become out of sync or corrupted. The online version directly authenticates with your current active web session, avoiding these local caching issues.

Will clearing the OfficeFileCache delete my documents?

No, clearing the OfficeFileCache only removes temporary synchronization and caching files used by the software. Your actual documents stored safely on SharePoint or OneDrive will remain completely unaffected.

How can I check which account is currently logged into Word for Mac?

Open Microsoft Word, click on your profile picture or initials located in the top-left corner of the document gallery, and verify that the connected email address perfectly matches the account you use for SharePoint and OneDrive.

What should I do if the permission error continues after updating and clearing the cache?

If the issue persists, you may need to clear your macOS Keychain credentials. Open the 'Keychain Access' app on your Mac, search for 'Office' and 'OneDrive', delete the related credential entries, and then sign back into your Microsoft applications.

Document & File Issues