Can't add gmail to Outlook

Question

Hi I hope someone can help.

I am using Outlook in Microsoft 365 with 3 gmails linked to Outlook. One of the Gmail accounts will not download with an error message 0x80070057. The other 2 Gmail accounts still work fine.

The settings in all 3 the Gmail accounts use the same IMAP settings.

I have deleted the Gmail account from Outlook intending to reinstall but I cannot add the account. The error message is "We weren't able to set up your google account with IMAP. You may need to make changes to your Gmail settings". Manually setting up the account gets the same error message.

I have tried deleting IMAP credentials from the Windows Credential Manager. I have also working through Google's tips top no avail.

Thanks

Answer 1

This worked for me! I had the same problem with my wifes computer. I deleted all the generic credentials in Windows Credential Manager not web credentials and then I was forced to reinter all the passwords into Outlook 365 when I clicked on each account. (A banner appears at the top asking to reinter the password) The most important was when the gmail account page poped up and asked for the email and and password you must click on Microsoft apps & services can access: Read, compose, send, and permanently delete all your email from Gmail.” then click continue. In some gmail accounts I got the box for "Microsoft apps & services can access: ......" and sometimes not. Then click continue. The gmail accounts then started to sync and download emails. I hope this helps someone.

Answer 2

Have you run into this known bug?
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/unable-to-add-a-gmail-account-to-classic-outlook-4d9530c5-3f40-4e6d-9b45-4477f160828f

The article title is "Unable to add a Gmail account ..." but I have seen reports that this bug can also cause working GMail accounts to fail. The fix is the same - Clear the Windows Credentials.

Answer 3

Error 0x80070057 with a single Gmail account in classic Outlook, while other Gmail accounts still work, typically indicates a problem with that specific Gmail account’s IMAP access or with how consent/authentication was granted for that account.

Use these steps focused on classic Outlook and Gmail IMAP:

1. Confirm Outlook is on a fixed build

• For issues adding Gmail to classic Outlook, fixes are in Current Channel Version 2404 (Build 17531.10000) and later, and for the consent/permissions issue in Version 2412 Build 18324.20168.
• In Outlook, go to File > Office Account > About Outlook and verify the version/build.
• If older, update via File > Office Account > Update Options > Update Now, then try adding the Gmail account again.

2. Re‑run the Google sign‑in and grant full consent When adding the Gmail account, Outlook opens a browser sign‑in where a consent box must be checked.

• Add the Gmail account via File > Add Account.
• When the Google sign‑in page appears, ensure the box for:
  • “Microsoft apps & services can access: Read, compose, send, and permanently delete all your email from Gmail.” is checked before continuing.
• If an error appears and a Retry link is shown in Outlook, use Retry to repeat the browser sign‑in and ensure this box is checked.

If the account was previously added and failed because this box was not checked, the Retry flow on fixed builds is the supported way to correct it.

3. Verify IMAP is enabled for that Gmail account Google can still block IMAP per account.

• Sign in to the problematic Gmail account in a browser.
• Select the gear icon > Settings.
• Go to the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.
• Under IMAP access, ensure Enable IMAP is selected.
• Select Save Changes.
• Try adding the account again in Outlook.

4. Use the manual workaround if Retry does not work If on the fixed build and Retry does not resolve it, use the manual workaround described for classic Outlook Gmail issues:

• Remove any stored credentials for that Gmail identity from Windows Credential Manager (already done) and from the related Outlook profile registry keys as described in the manual workaround.
• Then open Outlook with the affected profile and use the “Sign in via browser” prompt to sign in again, making sure the Microsoft apps & services consent box is checked.
• If the account was removed from the profile, use File > Add Account and complete the browser sign‑in again with the correct consent.

5. If still failing with “We weren’t able to set up your Google account with IMAP”

• Reconfirm IMAP is enabled for that specific Gmail account (step 3).
• Ensure Outlook is on a build that includes the Gmail sign‑in fix (step 1).
• Then repeat the add‑account flow and consent step (step 2) for that one Gmail account.

These steps address the known causes for classic Outlook failing to add a Gmail account with that IMAP error while other Gmail accounts continue to work.

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References:

• Unable to add a Gmail account to classic Outlook
• Unable to sign in or add a Gmail account to classic Outlook
• Prepare your Gmail or Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) account for connecting to Outlook and Microsoft 365 or Office 365
• Fix problems connecting your Google account to the Microsoft Cloud
• Set up Gmail accounts