outllook using gmail

Question

for some reason one of my e-mails were not working as of a few days ago in outlook classic

I removed the email and then tried to add and now I'm unable to add it back into outlook classic

outlook new version this email is there and working properly

need help

Answer 1

Hi, I'm John!

You can try the "Manual Workaround" provided in this Microsoft article:

https://support.microsoft.com/office/unable-to-add-a-gmail-account-to-classic-outlook-4d9530c5-3f40-4e6d-9b45-4477f160828f

Please follow the steps under "Manual Workaround" and then restart Outlook after completing them.

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I really hope this information is helpful! Let me know if you have any further questions or concerns.

Regards,

John J.D.

Answer 2

In classic Outlook, Gmail accounts have recently stopped working or cannot be re‑added due to changes in Google authentication and how Outlook signs in.

Since the same Gmail account works in New Outlook, focus on fixing the classic Outlook profile and sign‑in flow.

1. Confirm Outlook is on a fixed build
   • The Gmail sign‑in issues in classic Outlook are fixed starting with:
     • For the “browser or app may not be secure” / IMAP setup issues: Current Channel Version 2404 (Build 17531.10000) and later.
     • For the missing Gmail permission checkbox (“Read, compose, send, and permanently delete all your email from Gmail”): Current Channel Version 2412 Build 18324.20168 and later.
   • In classic Outlook, go to File > Office Account > About Outlook and verify the version/build.
   • If older, update Office: File > Office Account > Update Options > Update Now.
2. Re‑add the Gmail account in classic Outlook using the fixed sign‑in
   • In classic Outlook, go to File > Add Account.
   • Enter the Gmail address and continue.
   • When the browser sign‑in window opens for Google:
     • Sign in to the correct Gmail account.
     • On the consent screen, ensure the permission for Microsoft apps & services can access: “Read, compose, send, and permanently delete all your email from Gmail.” is checked.
   • Complete the sign‑in and let Outlook finish the setup.
3. If the account still will not add in classic Outlook
   • If the error is “We weren’t able to set up your Google account with IMAP. You may need to make changes to your Gmail settings.” and you are on a fixed build:
     • Check that IMAP is enabled for that Gmail account as described in Google’s “Add Gmail to another email client” help (Google is gradually removing this toggle, but it still exists for some accounts).
   • If the error persists even after updating and granting the permission above, use the Retry option:
     • When the error window appears in Outlook, select Retry to repeat the browser sign‑in and this time ensure the Gmail permission checkbox is selected.
4. If classic Outlook profile was previously broken
   • If the Gmail account was removed from the profile and sign‑in was previously done without the required permission, after updating to the fixed build:
     • Use File > Add Account again and complete the browser sign‑in with the permission checked.

If these steps are followed on a supported/fixed Outlook build, the Gmail account that works in New Outlook should also be added and sync correctly in classic Outlook.

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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
• Add an email account to Outlook for Windows