Fix PowerPoint for Mac Cannot Tag People with @Mentions
Question details
The user is unable to use the @mention tagging feature in PowerPoint for Mac, whereas it works perfectly in PowerPoint for the web.
- Product
- PowerPoint for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to collaborate and tag colleagues using @mentions in a presentation.
- Observed behavior
- The @mention feature stops working, and the application repeatedly requests a sign-in despite an active user session, though the web version functions normally.
Ensure that your presentation is saved to a Microsoft cloud location (like OneDrive or SharePoint), as the @mention collaboration feature in PowerPoint is only supported for cloud-synced files.
Update macOS and Reset Office Activation Credentials
Updating macOS can resolve system-level compatibility issues, while resetting Office activation credentials fixes persistent sign-in loops that prevent the @mention feature from verifying your account.
Sometimes macOS updates contain essential fixes for Microsoft Office application synchronization. If your system is up to date, the tagging issue is likely caused by corrupted local login credentials, requiring a reset via the official Office License Removal Tool.
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, select 'System Settings' (or System Preferences), go to 'General', and click 'Software Update'. Install any pending updates.
Visit the official Microsoft support website and download the Microsoft Office License Removal Tool for Mac.
Open the downloaded .pkg file and follow the on-screen instructions to completely remove your corrupted Office activation credentials.
Restart your Mac, open PowerPoint, and sign in again with your Microsoft 365 account to reactivate the software and refresh your session.
If the issue persists, click 'PowerPoint' in the top menu bar, select 'About PowerPoint', and note your specific version number for further technical support.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Presentation Collaboration
Tired of activation errors, sign-in loops, and tagging failures in PowerPoint for Mac? WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative for macOS, allowing you to create, edit, and collaborate on presentations without unnecessary hassle.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for macOS.
- 2. Install the Application: Run the downloaded installer and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Your Presentations: Launch WPS Presentation and open your existing .pptx files to seamlessly continue your work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does PowerPoint for Mac keep asking me to sign in when using @mentions?
This usually happens due to corrupted Office keychain credentials on your Mac. These corrupted files prevent PowerPoint from verifying your Microsoft 365 subscription status, which is required for cloud-based collaboration features like @mentions.
Do @mentions work on locally saved PowerPoint files?
No, the @mention feature requires the presentation file to be saved and actively synced to a Microsoft cloud service, such as OneDrive or SharePoint.
How do I check my current PowerPoint for Mac version?
Open the PowerPoint application, click on 'PowerPoint' in the top-left corner of your Mac's menu bar, and select 'About PowerPoint'. The exact version number will be displayed in the pop-up dialog box.
Will using the Office License Removal Tool delete my files?
No, the Office License Removal Tool only clears the activation credentials and product licenses from your Mac. Your personal documents, presentations, and the Office applications themselves will remain untouched.
