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How to Fix Word Add-in Store 'Cannot Connect to Catalog' Error on Mac
Question details
Users are unable to access the Office Add-in Store within the Word for Mac desktop application due to a 'Cannot connect to catalog' error.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- Mac (Apple M1 and Intel)
- Scenario
- Attempting to open the Add-in Store to browse or install new add-ins in Microsoft Word desktop.
- Observed behavior
- The Add-in Store fails to load and displays a 'Cannot connect to catalog' error. However, add-ins continue to work correctly in Word for the web.
Ensure your Mac is connected to a stable internet network and verify that Microsoft online services are not currently experiencing an active outage.
Sign Out, Restart, and Update Software
Refreshing your Microsoft account session and installing the latest Office and macOS updates can resolve most catalog connection glitches.
Outdated software versions or a stuck authentication session can prevent Word from securely connecting to Microsoft's Add-in catalog servers.
Open Microsoft Word on your Mac, click on 'Word' in the top menu bar, and select 'Sign Out'.
Click the Apple menu, go to 'System Settings' (or System Preferences), select 'General', and click 'Software Update' to install any pending OS updates.
Reopen Word, click on 'Help' in the top menu bar, and select 'Check for Updates'. Install the latest Office updates.
Once everything is updated and your Mac is restarted, open Word and sign back into your Microsoft account to test the Add-in Store.
Disable Network Security Tools
VPNs, proxies, or strict firewalls may block Word's access to the Microsoft Add-in catalog.
Reinstall Microsoft Office for Mac
If updates and network troubleshooting fail, reinstalling Office will repair any missing or corrupted catalog service files.
Experience a Seamless Alternative with WPS Office for Mac
If Microsoft Word add-in issues and constant connection errors are disrupting your Mac workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, incredibly fast, and free alternative optimized natively for both Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) and Intel Macs.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac version installer.
- 2. Install on Mac: Open the downloaded package and drag the WPS Office icon to your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing .docx files without needing to convert formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 'Cannot connect to catalog' error mean?
The 'catalog' is Microsoft's centralized online repository for Add-ins. This error means your Word desktop application is unable to communicate with Microsoft's servers to retrieve the list of available add-ins.
Why does Word say my installation is managed by an 'ADMIN'?
This message usually appears if your Office license is managed by an organization, school, or if there is a leftover mobile device management (MDM) profile on your Mac that restricts certain features, including access to the Add-in Store.
Will my already installed add-ins stop working because of this error?
Generally, no. Add-ins that are already installed often continue to work normally. The 'Cannot connect to catalog' error typically only prevents you from browsing the store and installing new add-ins.
Does this issue only affect M1 Macs?
No. While frequently reported on M1 devices, this catalog connection issue can also affect Intel-based Macs running various versions of macOS and Office 2021 or Microsoft 365.
