Fix Word for Mac Add-ins List Blank or Repeated Sign-In Issue
Question details
The user is experiencing a blank add-ins list in Word for Mac and is repeatedly prompted to sign in, even though the same add-ins function properly in Word for the web.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to access, view, or install third-party add-ins (like PERRLA or Grammarly) within the Microsoft Word desktop application on a Mac.
- Observed behavior
- The add-ins menu appears completely blank, and the application repeatedly requests the user to sign in without successfully loading the available tools.
Ensure your Mac is connected to a stable internet connection and that you have your Microsoft account credentials ready, as you will need to sign out and back in during the troubleshooting process.
Sign Out and Re-authenticate Your Account
Refreshing your account session can resolve syncing and authentication token issues that cause the add-ins list to appear blank.
Often, the connection between the Word desktop app and Microsoft's authentication servers becomes stale. Manually signing out and restarting the application forces Word to fetch a fresh authentication token, which usually restores access to your add-ins.
Open Microsoft Word on your Mac. Click on the 'Word' menu at the top left of your screen and select 'Sign Out'.
Completely quit the Word application by pressing Cmd + Q on your keyboard, then reopen Microsoft Word.
Sign back in using your Microsoft account credentials.
Navigate to the 'Insert' tab, select 'Get Add-ins', verify that the list now populates, and install your required add-ins again.
Verify Office License Type and Account Restrictions
Check your license type to ensure your account permissions allow the installation of third-party add-ins.
Try WPS Office for a Seamless Mac Experience
If you are frustrated by complex licensing restrictions and repeated sign-in loops in Microsoft Word, WPS Office provides a lightweight, free alternative for Mac users. It includes powerful built-in tools for writing and editing without the need to rely on temperamental third-party add-ins.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website to download the Mac version and drag it to your Applications folder.
- 2. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Microsoft Word (.docx) files smoothly with formatting intact.
- 3. Enjoy Built-in Features: Utilize the native spell check, templates, and PDF tools without dealing with add-in login loops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my Word add-ins work on the web but not on my Mac desktop app?
Word for the web uses a direct, continuous cloud connection to your Microsoft account. The Mac desktop application relies on local authentication tokens, which can sometimes become corrupted or stale, causing it to fail to load the add-ins.
Can my school or employer block Word add-ins?
Yes. If your Office license is managed by an educational institution or employer, the IT administrator has the ability to restrict or completely block the installation of third-party add-ins for security and compliance reasons.
How do I check what Microsoft Office license I have on my Mac?
Open Microsoft Word, click on 'Word' in the very top menu bar, and select 'About Microsoft Word'. A dialog box will appear displaying your current version number and license type.
What should I do if signing out and back in doesn't fix the blank add-ins list?
If the problem persists, ensure your macOS and Microsoft Office application are fully updated. You may also need to clear the Office cache on your Mac or completely uninstall and reinstall the Microsoft Word application.
