Signing in - Troubleshooting

Troubleshoot problems related to signing in.

Ensure that you are signing in with the correct account.

It’s not uncommon for people to have multiple Microsoft 365 accounts, you probably have one through your agency (usually using your agency email address) as well as your GovTEAMS account. You might also have a GovTEAMS PROTECTED account.

If in doubt, check your account. To access GovTEAMS OFFICIAL you need to ensure that you are signing in with your GovTEAMS username ending in @govteams.gov.au (Members) or @partners.govteams.gov.au (Partners). If you are a GovTEAMS Guest, your username will be the email address that you registered with.

If you are unsure of your account type, please visit the Membership Types page.

Problems signing in with a web browser

1. Private Windows

Private windows are the best way to resolve access issues because they also allow you stay logged into multiple accounts at the same time. This is handy if you want to be logged into your work/agency account and your GovTEAMS account simultaneously.

Microsoft Edge:

Select Settings and more > New InPrivate window OR Right-click the Microsoft Edge logo in the taskbar and select New InPrivate window.

select the three dots then new inprivate window

Google Chrome:

Select More > New Incognito Window.

select the three dots then new incognito window

2. Clear browser cache

If you don’t have access to private windows, you could try clearing your browsers cache. Please note, you may not be able to clear your cache if your organisation manages the settings within your device. Contact your internal IT area for more information.

Microsoft Edge:

In Edge, select Settings under the three dots > Settings > Privacy and security.
Under Clear browsing data, select Choose what to clear.
Under Time range, choose a time range.
Select Cookies and other site data, and then select Clear now.

Google Chrome:

In Chrome, select More > Settings > Privacy and Security.
Choose a time range. To delete everything, select All time.
Next to Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files, check the boxes.
Select Clear data.

3. Use a different browser

Another option is to try a different web browser. Recommended browsers are recent versions of Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

Problems Signing in to Microsoft Teams desktop application

If you see the below error when trying to add your GovTEAMS credentials to the Teams application, your agency may have disabled the multi sign-on feature for security reasons.

You can still sign in to Teams through the GovTEAMS dashboard in your web browser. You can find the guide here: How Do I - Login | The collaboration service for the Australian Public Service | GovTEAMS

“Sorry, but we’re having trouble signing you in” Error

Sorry, but we’re having trouble signing you in Error

You are logged in with the wrong account. To access GovTEAMS OFFICIAL you need to ensure that you are signing in with your GovTEAMS username ending in @govteams.gov.au (Members) or @partners.govteams.gov.au (Partners). If you are a GovTEAMS Guest, your username will be the email address that you registered with.

If you are still experiencing problems, please see the Problems signing in with a web browser section above.

“This site can’t be reached’ Error

“We couldn’t sign you in. Please try again” Error when picking an account

we couldnt sign you in

Close your internet browser and try using an alternate one. We recommend Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Alternatively, you could try using a private browser window or clearing your browser’s cache. Please see the Problems signing in with a web browser section above for instructions. If you are still experiencing issues, try signing in on a personal device that is not connected to your work Wifi or network. If you can successfully sign in on a personal device, the issue is related to the web browser you are using, or the settings implemented on your work device. You will need to contact your internal IT area for further information.

“You’re missing out! Ask your admin to enable Microsoft Teams for GovTEAMS” error

“Something went wrong” error

Close your internet browser and try using an alternate one. We recommend Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Alternatively, you could try using a private browser window or clearing your browser’s cache. Please see the Problems signing in with a web browser section above for instructions.

If you are still experiencing issues, try signing in on a personal device that is not connected to your work Wifi or network. If you can successfully sign in on a personal device, the issue is related to the internet browser you are using, or the settings implemented on your work device. You will need to contact your internal IT area for further information.

“This site is not secure” error

this site is not secure

Close your internet browser and try using an alternate one. We recommend Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Alternatively, you could try using a private browser window or clearing your browser’s cache. Please see the Problems signing in with a web browser section above for instructions.

If the problem persists you will need to speak to your internal IT area for further information.

Locked/blocked account

locked/blocked account

You will see this error if your GovTEAMS account has been locked/blocked. Your account can be locked for a variety of reasons, including:

Not having Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on your account.
MFA is a tool that helps keep your GovTEAMS account safe and secure. When you create your account, you'll be asked to set up MFA. If you forget to do this or change your MFA without adding a new one, your account will be locked/blocked. This is a precaution to prevent unauthorised access and protect your account from potential security risks.
Breaching the GovTEAMS terms and conditions or code of conduct, or because
It’s a duplicate account that was previously created and subsequently deactivated

Contact us to unblock your account.