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Outlook gives me an error message when I try to update gmail.

Mary Ann W-S 5 Reputation points
2026-03-24T16:32:32.05+00:00

Until recently, I have used gmail in Outlook classic very successfully. Suddenly, I am getting this message when I try to update my gmail in Outlook:

"You have denied Office access to Google - IMAP.

Please grant Office access to Google - IMAP and try again."

Outlook | Windows | Classic Outlook for Windows | For home
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Mary Ann W-S 5 Reputation points
2026-03-31T19:08:54.4966667+00:00

I just now figured it out,but unfortunately cannot remember exactly how. I finally added gmail to Outlook. When the Microsoft screen appeared, there was a check box in the upper right that I had failed to see or check before. Instead, I had just been clicking on "continue." FINALLY, I saw the check box and all is well! Thank you everyone who responded.

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  1. Winnie-B 8,125 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-03-29T02:36:18.2533333+00:00

    Hi Mary Ann W-S

    From what you described, classic Outlook is still seeing the Gmail account, but Google is rejecting the IMAP authorization for Outlook. 

    Have you already tried the steps in the Q&A Assist reply under your post? In addition, please try these:

    1, Remove Microsoft’s access from your Google account

    • Sign in to your Google account in a browser.
    • Go to Manage your Google Account > Security > Your connections to third-party apps & services > Microsoft apps & services.
    • Select Remove all access

    2, Delete the saved Google IMAP credentials from Windows Credential Manager

    • Close Outlook
    • Open Credential Manager > Windows Credentials
    • Remove the entries that start with MicrosoftOffice16_Data:OAUTH2 and include tp_google_imap_Oauth2

    If Outlook then shows a Retry link on the error window, Microsoft recommends using that to repeat the browser sign-in after updating to the fixed build.

    You can also refer to the official references linked in the Q&A Assist reply for further details.

    Please feel free to let me know how it goes. I truly appreciate your time and understanding.

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".    

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  2. Arlene D 36,075 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-03-24T17:15:29.68+00:00

    Hello,

    Did this start after you changed your Google security settings or password?

    Remove the Gmail account from Outlook, then add it again using the Google sign in flow. Open Outlook, go to File, Account Settings, Manage Profiles, remove the Gmail account, then restart Outlook. Add the account again by choosing Add Account and enter your Gmail address. Complete the browser sign in and allow all requested permissions. This resets the connection token and fixes denied IMAP access in most cases.

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  3. AI answer

    2026-03-24T16:32:43.7566667+00:00

    The message indicates that Outlook’s access to the Gmail IMAP connection was denied during the Google sign‑in/consent step. Recent Outlook/Gmail changes mean the Google permission must be fully granted, and IMAP must be enabled on the Gmail side.

    Follow these steps:

    1. Confirm IMAP is enabled in Gmail
      1. In a browser, sign in to Gmail.
      2. Select Settings (gear icon) > See all settings.
      3. Go to the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.
      4. Under IMAP access, select Enable IMAP.
      5. Select Save Changes.
    2. Re‑grant Outlook’s access to Gmail When the Outlook sign‑in window for Gmail opens in the browser:
      1. Sign in with the Gmail account.
      2. On the “Microsoft apps & services” consent screen, make sure the permission is checked for: “Read, compose, send, and permanently delete all your email from Gmail.”
      3. Choose Allow to grant access.
      4. If Outlook shows an error dialog with a Retry link (on current builds), select Retry to repeat the browser sign‑in and consent.
    3. Make sure Outlook is on a fixed build The Gmail sign‑in and IMAP issues are fixed in newer Outlook builds. If classic Outlook is older, update it:
      1. In Outlook, select File > Office Account.
      2. Use Update Options > Update Now to move to a build that includes the Gmail fix (for example, Current Channel Version 2412 Build 18324.20168 or later for the consent retry fix, or Version 2404 Build 17531.10000 or later for the updated browser sign‑in behavior).

    After IMAP is enabled and the Google consent is granted with the full email permission, Outlook should be able to connect and update the Gmail account without the “denied Office access to Google – IMAP” message.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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