Unable to view my inbox or subfolders in outlook when off line

Question

When i am off line with no access to wifi - when i go to open my outlook and my email folders and subfolders - a flag pops up that i have to sign into my yahoo account - but as I am off line I can't do that and therefore it doesn't show any of my emails - i have checked my settings to ensure it is enabled 'offline' but still doesn't work. Please help?

Answer 1

Hi Kamel Hothi,

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A forum.

When a Yahoo mailbox is set up with web sign‑in (OAuth), Outlook may still show a sign‑in window even when you are offline. You should be able to read any content that’s already downloaded to your local data file. Please follow the steps below to make sure messages and subfolders are fully cached for offline use and to prevent the repeated sign‑in prompt.

1. Confirm Outlook and account type

• In Outlook, go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
• Select your Yahoo account and check the Type (IMAP or POP).
• For best offline functionality, please use Classic Outlook for Windows (not the new Outlook).

2. Download full items for offline use (IMAP)

• Press Ctrl+Alt+S to open Send/Receive Groups.
• Click Edit (for “All Accounts”).
• Select your Yahoo account on the left and make sure:
  • Include the selected account in this group is checked.
  • Download complete item including attachments is checked for each folder.
• Keep Outlook online until the status bar shows All folders are up to date.
• Switch to Work Offline and confirm you can open messages without Wi‑Fi.

If subfolders appear empty, right‑click the Yahoo account > IMAP Folders > Query > Subscribe to the folders you need, then let Outlook finish the download.

3. Remove the recurring web sign‑in prompt (Yahoo app password)

• When you are online, open Yahoo Account Security.
• Turn on two‑step verification (if not already).
• Create an App password for “Outlook desktop.”
• In Outlook: File > Account Settings > Account Settings > Change your Yahoo account and paste the app password as the account password.

This keeps access working offline and prevents the web prompt.

4. Check the local data file location

• Go to File ▸ Account Settings ▸ Data Files and note the path.
• Ensure the file is local (typically %localappdata%\Microsoft\Outlook\ ).
• If it is on a network drive or within OneDrive, move it local to ensure reliable offline access.

5. Repair or rebuild if needed

• Close Outlook and run SCANPST.EXE on the data file to repair any corruption.
• Or rebuild the profile: Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles > Add, re‑add your Yahoo account, and repeat Step 2 to download full items.

6. Optional: keep a local archive

• Export important folders to a PST file (File > Open & Export > Import/Export > Export to a file > Outlook Data File (.pst)). PSTs are always readable offline.

---

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

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.