Cox communication moved me to Yahoo for email service, since then I have not had Outlook updated automatically.

Question

Cox communication moved me to Yahoo for email service, since then I have not had Outlook updated automatically. Is this a yahoo issue or Outlook settings?

Answer 1

Hello Tom Doyle,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

I reviewed the Q&A Assist response on the thread. Its direction makes sense if you are using an Outlook app (for example, new Outlook or classic Outlook on Windows), because after a provider migration the account often needs to be re‑added using Yahoo’s current sign‑in and server configuration.

However, since this question is posted under Outlook Web (Outlook.com), there is one important point to be aware of: Microsoft removed the ability to add or sync third‑party accounts (such as Yahoo) as “connected accounts” in Outlook.com. In other words, Outlook.com itself may no longer be able to automatically pull new mail from a Yahoo-hosted mailbox. Reference: Connected email accounts like Gmail and Yahoo not working in Outlook.com 

If your goal is to access the Cox/Yahoo mailbox and have it refresh normally, Microsoft’s documented options are to:

• Add the account in an Outlook app (desktop or mobile), or
• Use forwarding to an Outlook.com mailbox if you want to keep reading mail in Outlook.com.

For the Yahoo mailbox configuration itself, Yahoo supports both IMAP and POP, but IMAP is the typical “sync” option because it provides two‑way syncing (changes in the app reflect on the server). POP remains available but is more limited in how it retrieves mail. Yahoo also notes that third‑party clients may require an app password depending on the account’s security settings. Reference: https://help.yahoo.com/kb/SLN4075.html | https://help.yahoo.com/kb/SLN4724.html

Disclaimer: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it. Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to technology.

If you can share whether you’re trying to receive this mail in Outlook.com on the web or in an Outlook desktop/mobile app, the next step can be pointed in the correct direction without guessing.

I hope this helps clarify why the behavior changed after the migration.

Answer 2

Cox moving email service to Yahoo changes the mail provider, not Outlook’s ability to update itself. This is almost certainly an Outlook/account‑configuration issue, not a Yahoo problem.

For Outlook to keep syncing automatically after the migration, the Yahoo (ex‑Cox) account must be correctly added and configured in Outlook with the proper server type and settings. If the account was previously set up with Cox servers (POP/IMAP/SMTP) and those servers were retired or changed during the move to Yahoo, Outlook will stop updating until the account is reconfigured to use Yahoo’s servers.

Recommended actions:

1. Remove the old Cox account profile in Outlook.
2. Add the account again in Outlook as a Yahoo account so Outlook can apply the correct Yahoo settings.
   • In new Outlook for Windows: View > View settings (or File > Account info) > Accounts > Your accounts > Add Account, then enter the Yahoo email address and follow prompts.
3. If automatic setup fails, obtain the current Yahoo server settings from Yahoo’s documentation and configure the account manually in Outlook using IMAP or POP with the correct ports and encryption.

If Outlook is otherwise working and other accounts update normally, the issue is with the Yahoo account configuration, not with Outlook’s update mechanism.

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References:

• Add an email account to Outlook for Windows
• Outlook for iOS and Android FAQ
• How to set up an Internet email account in Outlook 2013 or 2016