Fix Power Automate Add-In Sign-In Issues in Excel for Mac
Question details
The user is unable to authenticate the Power Automate add-in in Excel for Mac due to a sign-in loop that fails to display the required authentication window.
- Product
- Excel for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to launch and log into the Power Automate add-in to manage or trigger automated workflows directly from an Excel workbook.
- Observed behavior
- The add-in continually prompts the user to sign in, but the pop-up authentication window never appears, leaving the user trapped in a sign-in loop.
Ensure your Mac has a stable internet connection and that no aggressive pop-up blockers or firewall settings are preventing Microsoft authentication windows from launching.
Update Excel for Mac and Reinstall the Power Automate Add-in
Installing the latest software updates ensures compatibility bug fixes are applied, while reinstalling the add-in clears any corrupted temporary data causing the sign-in loop.
Microsoft frequently releases updates for Office for Mac that patch authentication protocols for web add-ins. Running an outdated build is the most common cause of the sign-in window failing to render.
Open Excel for Mac. Navigate to the top menu bar, click on 'Help', and select 'Check for Updates'. Follow the Microsoft AutoUpdate prompts to install the latest version.
In Excel, go to the 'Insert' tab on the ribbon and click 'My Add-ins'. Locate Power Automate, click the three-dot menu icon in its top-right corner, and select 'Remove'.
Still on the 'Insert' tab, click 'Get Add-ins'. Search for 'Power Automate' in the store and click 'Add'. Once added, click the Power Automate icon on your ribbon and attempt to sign in again.
Check Organization Account Restrictions and Licenses
Verify that your Microsoft 365 account has the proper permissions and that IT policies aren't blocking third-party integrations on macOS.
Experience Seamless Spreadsheet Management with WPS Office for Mac
If add-in compatibility issues and complex authentication loops in Microsoft Excel are disrupting your workflow on Mac, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for managing your spreadsheets without heavy ecosystem dependencies.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free version designed specifically for macOS.
- 2. Install the Software: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your existing .xlsx files instantly to continue your work without missing a beat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Power Automate ask me to sign in repeatedly on Mac?
This usually happens due to an outdated Excel build, a corrupted web add-in cache, or an issue with how macOS handles the specific Microsoft authentication pop-up window.
Does the Power Automate add-in work on all versions of Excel for Mac?
No. The Power Automate add-in requires a supported version of Microsoft 365. Older, non-subscription standalone versions like Excel 2016 or 2019 for Mac may not fully support the latest add-in authentication protocols.
How can I clear the web add-in cache in Excel for Mac?
You can clear the cache by navigating to your Mac's hidden Library folder (~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.Excel/Data/Library/Caches) and deleting the 'WEF' (Web Extension Framework) folder, then restarting Excel.
