I can't add another email address.

Question

I was having trouble with one of my 3 email accounts in outlook. It wasn't sending the emails.

I've deleted it and tried to reinstall it and it says " We weren't able to set up your Google account with IMAP. You may need to make changes to your email settings".

When I go to do that and try the different options that are suggested, it doesn't work.

I renewed my Microsoft 365 subscription, in case it was because of it ending soon and that doesn't seem to help.

Luckily, it's working on my cell phone but if anyone can help me set it back up within my Outlook, I'd really appreciate it.

Thank you for your time. Elisabeth

Answer 1

Hello

Many users seem to have this issue recently. Microsoft is still investigating this issue. The current workaround is published here: https://support.microsoft.com/office/users-get-errors-0x800ccc0e-0x800ccc0f-synchronizing-gmail-and-yahoo-accounts-in-classic-outlook-e5a7b684-7c5c-4848-ab2d-d48291451f67

Answer 2

The error message matches a known Gmail/Outlook issue and is not related to the Microsoft 365 subscription.

Follow these steps depending on the Outlook version in use:

1. Confirm Outlook version/build
   • In Outlook, select File > Office Account > About Outlook (or About Office).
   • If using classic Outlook, check if it is at or above Current Channel Version 2412 Build 18324.20168.
2. If using classic Outlook and on Version 2412 Build 18324.20168 or later
   • Add the Gmail account again.
   • When the browser window opens for Google sign-in, sign in with the Gmail address and password.
   • On the consent screen, under Select what Microsoft apps & services can access, ensure the option “Read, compose, send, and permanently delete all your email from Gmail.” is checked.
   • If the account was already added but is failing with IMAP/POP errors, look for the error window in Outlook and select the Retry link. This reopens the browser sign-in so the permission box can be checked.
3. If the Retry option is not available or still fails
   • Remove the problematic Gmail account from Outlook again.
   • Add it back from scratch and carefully repeat the browser sign-in, making sure the Gmail permission “Read, compose, send, and permanently delete all your email from Gmail.” is selected before continuing.
4. If using an older Outlook build
   • Update Office/Outlook to the latest version so the Gmail fix and Retry behavior are available.
   • After updating, repeat step 2.
5. If instead seeing the error “Sorry, we could not sign you in to Google – IMAP” after pressing Allow
   • Ensure Outlook is updated at least to Version 2008 Build 13127.20296.
   • As a workaround on older builds:
     1. Open Outlook or any other Office app.
     2. Go to File > Office Account.
     3. Under Account Privacy, choose Manage Settings.
     4. Check Enable optional connected experiences.
     5. Restart Outlook and add the Gmail account again.

These steps address the specific IMAP setup error for Gmail accounts in Outlook and should allow the Gmail account to be added back alongside the other two accounts.

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References:

• Unable to add a Gmail account to classic Outlook
• Unable to add a Gmail account to Outlook "Could not sign you in to Google"
• Add an email account to Outlook for Windows