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How to Fix the Error When Adding a Second OneDrive Account on Mac
Question details
The user encounters an error when attempting to add and sync a second OneDrive for Business account on the same Mac device.
- Product
- OneDrive for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Trying to sign in and sync a second work or business account within a single OneDrive installation on a Mac.
- Observed behavior
- An error occurs preventing the second account from being added, because OneDrive for Mac does not natively support syncing multiple OneDrive for Business accounts in one installation.
Ensure you have administrator privileges on your Mac, as you will need to create a new macOS user profile to bypass this account limitation. Also, verify that your OneDrive app is updated to the latest version.
Create a Separate macOS User Profile
Since OneDrive limits users to one business account per Mac user session, creating a dedicated macOS profile is the most effective workaround to sync a second work account.
Currently, the OneDrive client for Mac does not support running multiple OneDrive for Business accounts simultaneously under a single login. To access and sync files from a second business account, you must isolate the instance by utilizing a separate macOS user account.
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen, select 'System Settings' (or 'System Preferences' on older macOS versions), and click on 'Users & Groups'.
Click the 'Add Account' button (or the '+' icon). You will be prompted to enter your Mac administrator password to unlock this setting.
Select 'Standard' or 'Administrator' for the account type, fill in the full name and password for the new profile, and click 'Create User'.
Log out of your current macOS account or use Fast User Switching from the menu bar to log into the newly created Mac profile.
Open the OneDrive application in this new Mac profile and sign in using your second OneDrive for Business credentials. Your files will now sync independently in this isolated workspace.
Try WPS Office for Mac as a Seamless Microsoft Alternative
Frustrated by account limitations and sync errors in Microsoft 365? Switch to WPS Office for Mac. It provides a lightweight, unified workspace that makes handling documents across different cloud storage accounts simpler and more efficient.
- 1. Download WPS Office for Mac: 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 into your Applications folder.
- 3. Connect your clouds and open files: Launch WPS Office, sign in, and effortlessly connect your preferred cloud storage services to edit Microsoft Office files seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install multiple copies of the OneDrive app on the same Mac?
No, macOS does not allow you to install multiple instances of the same OneDrive application within a single user profile. The only native workaround is utilizing separate macOS user accounts.
Does this error happen with personal OneDrive accounts?
Usually, you can link one personal OneDrive account and one OneDrive for Business account simultaneously without issues. The sync error specifically occurs when trying to add a second Business account.
Do I need to install multiple Microsoft 365 licenses to fix this?
No. Multiple Microsoft 365 licenses do not need to be installed separately on the same device. The limitation is strictly related to the OneDrive app's ability to handle multiple business credentials at once.
