my outlook is offline and will not toggle to online

Question

email outlook is offline and will not toggle online

Answer 1

Use the status bar and the Work Offline control to bring Outlook back online.

1. Check Outlook’s status
   • In classic Outlook, look at the bottom of the window.
   • If it shows Working Offline, Disconnected, or Trying to connect…, Outlook is not connected to the mail server.
2. Toggle Work Offline in classic Outlook
   • Go to the Send/Receive tab on the ribbon.
   • In the Preferences group, select Work Offline once to toggle it.
   • If the button background was shaded (offline), it should become clear (online) and the status bar should change so you can send/receive mail again.
   • If messages are stuck, open them from the Outbox and send again or choose Send/Receive.
3. If using classic Outlook 2007/2010
   • Outlook 2010: On the Send/Receive tab, click Work Offline so that “Work Offline” no longer appears in the lower right corner.
   • Outlook 2007: Click the Offline indicator in the lower right corner, then click Work Offline to clear it.
4. If using Outlook for Mac
   • On the Outlook menu, make sure Work Offline is not checked.
5. If using the new Outlook for Windows
   • Select Settings (gear icon) > General > Offline.
   • Turn on the toggle Enable offline email, calendar, and people if offline access is needed, or adjust Folders to save and Days of email to save if the issue is related to offline storage.

If Outlook still will not go online after toggling Work Offline, verify the internet connection in Windows and check whether mail works via the web (for example, Outlook on the web). If mail works there but not in Outlook, the profile or account settings may need repair.

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References:

• Work offline in Outlook
• I can't send or receive messages in Outlook
• Outlook 2007 / 2010 status is always offline and can't receive or send mail normally (Easy Fix Articles)
• I'm not receiving email or other items in my Exchange account in Outlook for Mac