Outlook Login Problems

How to Fix the Exchange Password Required Error in Outlook for Mac

Camila Milosovich Oct 23, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are experiencing persistent Exchange password prompts in Outlook for Mac, occasionally accompanied by missing reply text or missing signature options.

How to Fix the Exchange Password Required Error in Outlook for Mac

Product: Outlook for Mac
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Accessing and syncing an Exchange email account using the Outlook for Mac client.
Observed behavior: Outlook repeatedly asks for the Exchange password and fails to authenticate normally, while some interface features like signatures and reply text become unavailable.

Before you start

Ensure your Mac is connected to a stable internet connection and verify that you know your correct Microsoft 365 or Exchange account password before making any configuration changes.

Solution 1Recommended

Update Software and Re-add Your Exchange Account

Updating your system and clearing old account configurations resolves most authentication caching issues.

Outdated macOS or Outlook versions can cause compatibility and authentication issues with Exchange servers. Removing the account from Internet Accounts forces the system to pull a fresh authentication token when re-added.

Update macOS and Outlook

Check for system updates in System Settings > General > Software Update. Open Outlook, go to Help > Check for Updates, and install the latest versions.

Remove the Exchange Account

Open System Settings (or System Preferences), navigate to Internet Accounts, select your Exchange account, and click the minus (-) button or 'Delete Account'.

Re-add the Exchange Account

Click 'Add Account' in the Internet Accounts menu, select Exchange, and follow the on-screen prompts to sign in with your email and password.

Update Software and Re-add Your Exchange Account

Data Safety: Removing the account from Internet Accounts will not delete your emails from the server. They will resync once the account is successfully added back.

Solution 2

Generate and Use an App Password

If your organization requires app passwords for two-step verification, generate one to bypass basic authentication errors.

Solution 3

Create a New Outlook Profile

Creating a new Outlook profile fixes issues caused by local database or profile corruption.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Enhance Your Productivity with WPS Office for Mac

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1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the macOS installation package.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Outlook for Mac keep asking for my Exchange password?

This usually occurs due to outdated authentication tokens cached in your Mac's Keychain, outdated Outlook software, or changes made to your organization's Microsoft 365 security policies.

What should I do if the App Password option is missing in my Microsoft account?

If the app password option is unavailable, it means your organization's IT administrator has disabled it or requires modern authentication via an Authenticator app. You will need to contact your IT department to verify the approved sign-in methods.

Will I lose my emails if I remove my Exchange account from Mac Internet Accounts?

No. Removing an Exchange account from your Mac only deletes the local synced copy. All your emails, contacts, and calendar events are safely stored on the Exchange server and will download again once you re-add the account.

Outlook & Email Problems