Fix OneNote for Mac Stuck Before Password Screen During Login
Question details
The user is unable to log into OneNote for Mac because the application remains in an endless loading state after the email address is submitted, failing to display the password window.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to sign in to the OneNote application on a Mac device.
- Observed behavior
- The application accepts the user's email address but gets stuck continuously loading without ever showing the password input prompt, even in Safe Mode or on different networks.
Verify that your Mac is connected to a stable network without aggressive firewalls, and ensure you manually back up any locally stored Office data or unsynced notes to prevent data loss.
Perform a Clean Uninstallation and Reinstall Office for Mac
Completely removing all Office files, including hidden system container folders, and reinstalling the software often resolves deep-seated authentication glitches.
Standard removal or Safe Mode may not work if the issue lies within corrupted Group Container files (such as UBF8T346G9.Office). A complete manual uninstallation is required to wipe the corrupted login cache.
Ensure OneNote and all other Microsoft Office applications are completely closed on your Mac.
Open Finder, navigate to the Applications folder, and drag Microsoft OneNote (and other Office apps if necessary) to the Trash.
In Finder, press Command+Shift+G, type '~/Library/Group Containers/', and press Return. Locate and move folders starting with 'UBF8T346G9' (like UBF8T346G9.Office) to the Trash.
Restart your Mac, then download and install the latest version of Microsoft Office or OneNote directly from the Mac App Store or Microsoft's official website.
Update macOS and the OneNote Application
Outdated software versions can cause compatibility issues with Microsoft's modern authentication servers.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Management on Mac
If you are continually facing login loops or loading screen issues with Microsoft Office apps on your Mac, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, easy-to-use workspace for your notes and documents without complex authentication barriers.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the macOS installation package.
- 2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon to your Applications folder.
- 3. Start Creating: Launch WPS Office from your Launchpad and immediately start working on your documents without mandatory login hurdles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't the password prompt appear after entering my email in OneNote for Mac?
This usually happens due to corrupted authentication cache files in the macOS Library, overly restrictive network settings blocking Microsoft's login servers, or compatibility issues between older macOS versions and the OneNote app.
Where can I find the Office container files to delete on my Mac?
You can locate them by opening Finder, pressing Command+Shift+G, and entering '~/Library/Group Containers/'. Look for directories that begin with 'UBF8T346G9', which store Office's shared configurations and login data.
Will completely uninstalling OneNote for Mac delete my notebooks?
Notebooks that have successfully synced to your OneDrive will remain safe in the cloud. However, any local notebooks or recent changes that have not synced due to the login issue could be lost. Always back up local data if possible.
What should I do if Safe Mode and a new administrator account don't fix the login issue?
If macOS-level troubleshooting like Safe Mode or testing a new user profile fails, the issue is deeply rooted in the Office installation files. Following Microsoft's official guide to perform a complete manual uninstallation is the most reliable fix.
