Outlook for Mac stuck in a login loop

Question

I'm running Outlook for Mac, version 16.104 on a Mac Studio (Mac OS 15.7.3 (24G419)). When I open the app, it brings up a screen asking me to sign in to my Google account (message says: "We need to launch a browser so you can sign in to @gmail.com.") When I sign in, it brings me back to that same message in an endless loop, eventually causing the app to freeze up, requiring me to force quit the app.

I have tried all of the recommended fixes: restart, update, keychain fixes and even remove & re-add accounts. The only thing that temporarily fixed the problem was remove and re-add accounts, but then it went back to the same endless loop problem when I restarted my Mac the next day.

Answer 1

It seems you are experiencing a common issue with Outlook for Mac where it gets stuck in a login loop when trying to authenticate with your Google account. Here are a few steps you can try to resolve this issue:

1. Check for Updates: Ensure that your Outlook for Mac is updated to the latest version. Sometimes, updates include fixes for known issues.
2. Clear Keychain Entries: Since you've mentioned trying keychain fixes, make sure to delete any cached passwords and authentication tokens related to your Google account in Keychain Access. This can help remove any corrupted entries that might be causing the loop.
3. Remove and Re-add Account: You mentioned that removing and re-adding the account temporarily fixed the issue. After re-adding, ensure that you are entering the correct credentials and that your Google account settings allow access from less secure apps if necessary.
4. Check Google Account Security Settings: Sometimes, Google may block sign-in attempts from certain apps. Check your Google account security settings to ensure that there are no restrictions preventing Outlook from accessing your account.
5. Try Safe Mode: Boot your Mac in Safe Mode to see if the issue persists. This can help determine if third-party applications or extensions are causing the problem.
6. Contact Support: If the issue continues, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for further assistance, as they may have additional troubleshooting steps specific to your situation.

If none of these solutions work, it may be beneficial to check for any specific error messages or logs that could provide more insight into the issue.

Answer 2

Hello Dean Faith,

Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A forum! 

I have reviewed the thread and see that after trying the steps provided by Q&A Assist, the issue still persists, and you have now requested guidance on contacting support. 

Given that standard troubleshooting, including keychain management and re-adding accounts, has not provided a lasting fix, the persistent login loop with your Google account likely indicates a deeper issue. This could be related to corrupted application data or a system setting conflict that requires more targeted diagnostics. 

To connect with Microsoft Support via live chat, please follow these official steps: 

1, Visit the Microsoft Support contact page: Contact - Microsoft Support 

2, In the search bar provided on the page, type "Contact support" and press Enter. 

3, Click on the "Get Help" button that appears. 

4, Scroll down the page until you see and click on the "Contact Support" option. 

5, When prompted to select your product or service, choose "Microsoft 365 and Office". 

6, For the category, choose "Technical Support". Then, select "Confirm".

7, Look for and click on "Chat with a support agent in your web browser". 

8, Confirm your personal email when prompted—this is the email Microsoft will use to communicate with you during and after the support session. 

9, When connected, clearly explain your situation. Be concise but include all relevant details 

This direct support channel is the best next step to get personalized assistance for this specific authentication issue.