Sign-in & Login Problems

Fix Microsoft 365 Sign-In Error "No Account Exists" on Mac

Bushra Parveen Sep 29, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user is unable to sign in to Microsoft 365 on a Mac due to a loop or an error stating that no account exists.

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Activating or signing into Microsoft 365 applications on a new or existing Mac device.
Observed behavior: The sign-in process fails, often resulting in a continuous login loop or a specific error message claiming the Microsoft account does not exist, despite the user having a subscription.

Before you start

Ensure you are using the exact email address associated with your Microsoft 365 purchase and verify that your subscription is active by logging into account.microsoft.com/services.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear Office Credentials from Keychain Access

Resolve account confusion by ensuring your subscription is active and clearing old, conflicting Microsoft Office login data from your Mac's Keychain.

Often, macOS caches outdated login credentials that interfere with new sign-in attempts. Removing these credentials forces Office to prompt for a fresh, clean authentication.

Verify Subscription

Go to https://account.microsoft.com/services in your web browser and sign in to confirm your Microsoft 365 subscription is active.

Close Office Applications

Quit all open Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) on your Mac.

Open Keychain Access

Navigate to the Applications folder, open the Utilities folder, and launch the 'Keychain Access' app.

Delete Microsoft Credentials

Search for 'Microsoft Office' in the top right search bar and delete any cached credential entries found in the list.

Clear Office Credentials from Keychain Access

Account Type Selection: When signing back in, only select 'Work or school account' if your subscription was explicitly provided by an organization or educational institution.

Solution 2

Remove Microsoft 365 Activation Cache Files

Clear outdated activation cache files stored in macOS library containers that may be causing persistent sign-in loops.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience on Mac

Experiencing persistent sign-in issues or activation loops with Microsoft 365? Switch to WPS Office, a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative that lets you create and edit documents without frustrating login blockers.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac version of WPS Office.
2. Install and Launch: Install the application and open WPS Office instantly without navigating complex activation hurdles.
3. Open Your Files: Simply drag and drop your existing Microsoft Office files into WPS Office and continue your work.

No complex subscription activation or sign-in loops required to start workingFully compatible with Microsoft Office formats like .docx, .xlsx, and .pptxLightweight and optimized for fast performance on macOSFamiliar user interface makes transitioning completely seamless

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft 365 say my account doesn't exist?

This usually happens if you enter an incorrect email address, if your subscription has expired, or if there is conflicting cached login data saved in your Mac's Keychain.

Will deleting Keychain Access entries delete my Microsoft files?

No, clearing Microsoft Office credentials from Keychain Access only removes saved passwords and sign-in tokens. Your documents, spreadsheets, and files remain completely safe.

How do I know if my Microsoft 365 subscription is actually active?

You can verify your subscription status by signing in to the official Microsoft account page at account.microsoft.com/services using the email address you used to purchase the software.

What is the difference between a personal and a work or school account?

A personal account is created by you using your own email (like Outlook or Gmail), while a work or school account is provided by an organization and managed by an IT administrator. Choosing the wrong type during sign-in can cause the 'no account exists' error.

Login & Account Issues