Fix Microsoft Word for Mac Saying Correct Password Is Incorrect
Question details
The user is unable to sign in to Microsoft Word for Mac because the application continuously rejects the password as incorrect, despite the user knowing it is the right password.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Signing in to activate or use Microsoft Word on a macOS device.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Word displays an 'incorrect password' error and blocks access, even when the entered credentials match the user's records or work on other devices.
Before proceeding, verify that your Mac has a stable internet connection and ensure the Caps Lock key is not accidentally enabled while typing your password.
Verify Your Credentials via Office.com in a Private Browser
Test if the password is truly correct by logging into the Microsoft website independently, without relying on the Mac's locally saved credentials.
Often, Word for Mac tries to use conflicting cached data from the system. By using a private or incognito browsing window, you force Microsoft to authenticate your credentials fresh, helping you determine if the issue is with the account itself or the local Word installation.
Launch Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Mozilla Firefox on your Mac and open a new Private or Incognito window.
Go to the official website at www.office.com and click the 'Sign In' button.
Type in your email address and manually type out your password instead of using autofill or a password manager.
If prompted, ensure you select the correct account type—either 'Personal Microsoft account' or 'Work or school account'—as choosing the wrong one will cause the password to be rejected.
Rule Out Keyboard or Input Issues
Ensure that a faulty keyboard or incorrect language input setting isn't causing typos during the password entry.
Reset Your Microsoft Account Password
If your password fails on the official website as well, it may have been changed, expired, or locked, requiring a full reset.
Try WPS Office for Mac as a Lightweight Alternative
If Microsoft Word login issues are keeping you from your work, switch to WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative that lets you view, edit, and create Word documents seamlessly on your Mac without complex account login hurdles.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac version of WPS Office.
- 2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Word documents to resume your work instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Word for Mac rejecting a password that works on my iPhone?
Your Mac might be pulling outdated credentials from the local Keychain app, or Word is experiencing a sync delay. The app may also be attempting to log you into a different account type (like a work account instead of a personal one).
Can choosing the wrong account type cause a password error in Word?
Yes. If your email address is registered as both a personal Microsoft account and a work/school account, selecting the wrong option at login will cause the correct password for the other account to fail.
How do I clear old Microsoft passwords from my Mac?
Open the 'Keychain Access' app on your Mac, use the search bar to look for 'Microsoft Office' or 'ADAL', and delete those saved password entries. Restart your Mac, open Word, and try signing in again.
