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Fix Word for Mac Keeps Returning to the Sign-In Screen
Question details
Word for Mac keeps prompting for a login when attempting to open shared documents, creating an infinite sign-in loop.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Attempting to open a shared Word Online document directly from the Mac desktop application.
- Observed behavior
- The application repeatedly returns to the sign-in screen and fails to load the document despite successful credential entry.
Before troubleshooting, verify that your Mac has a stable internet connection and that you are logging in with the exact Microsoft account originally granted access to the shared document.
Test Connection on an Alternate Network
Network restrictions or DNS issues can sometimes block Microsoft authentication servers, triggering the sign-in loop.
Corporate or public Wi-Fi networks sometimes have strict firewall rules that interfere with Microsoft 365 authentication. Switching to a completely different network environment can help determine if the local network is causing the login loop.
Click the Wi-Fi icon in your Mac's menu bar and turn off the current connection.
Enable the personal hotspot feature on your smartphone and connect your Mac to this new mobile network.
Launch Word for Mac and attempt to open the shared Word Online document again to see if it bypasses the sign-in prompt.
Open the Shared File via OneDrive Web
Bypassing the direct link and forcing the desktop app to open the file from the web portal can refresh your authentication tokens.
Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Mac Experience
If Microsoft Word for Mac continues to suffer from sign-in loops and authentication errors, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative for Mac users to effortlessly edit and share documents.
- 1. Download WPS Office for Mac: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac version installer for free.
- 2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded installer and drag the WPS Office icon to your Mac's Applications folder.
- 3. Edit Without Hassle: Launch WPS Office and drag and drop your .docx files directly into the workspace to start editing instantly without login loops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word for Mac keep asking me to sign in?
This usually happens due to corrupted keychain credentials on your Mac, strict network restrictions blocking Microsoft's authentication servers, or an expired Microsoft 365 session token.
How do I clear cached Microsoft Office credentials on a Mac?
You can clear your cached credentials by opening the Keychain Access app from your Mac's Utilities folder, searching for 'Microsoft Office', and deleting the corresponding password entries. Afterward, restart your Mac and open Word to sign in freshly.
What should I do if the shared document says I don't have permission?
If you receive a permission error even after signing in successfully, ask the document owner to check the share settings and verify that your specific email address has been granted edit or view access.
