Outlook is all of a sudden not able to connect to my gmail account.

Question

Keep getting the error message: We weren't able to set up your Google account with IMAP. You may need to make changes to your Gmail settings. All Gmail settings seem correct. This happened without any changes on my end - working one day - not the next.

Answer 1

The error is a known issue with classic Outlook and Gmail IMAP and is not caused by changes in Gmail settings on the user side.

Use these steps depending on the Outlook build and scenario:

1. Verify Outlook is on a fixed build
   • For the “We weren’t able to set up your Google account with IMAP” error, install an Outlook build that contains the fix:
     • For sign‑in issues (“browser or app may not be secure” / IMAP setup error):
       • Beta Channel: Version 2404 (Build 17531.10000)
       • Current Channel Preview: Version 2404 (Build 17531.10000)
       • Current Channel: Version 2404 (Build 17531.10000)
       • Monthly Enterprise Channel: Version 2407 (Build 17727.10000)
     • For the classic Outlook Gmail-IMAP consent issue: Current Channel Version 2412 Build 18324.20168 or later.
   • In Outlook, go to File > Office Account > About Outlook to confirm the version and update if needed.
2. If Outlook is on Current Channel Version 2412 Build 18324.20168 or later
   • When the Gmail error appears in Outlook, use the Retry link in the error window.
   • In the browser sign‑in flow for Google, ensure the consent box is checked for:
     • “Read, compose, send, and permanently delete all your email from Gmail.” under Select what Microsoft apps & services can access.
   • Complete sign‑in and let Outlook reconnect.
3. If the error mentions insecure browser / app or still shows the IMAP setup error
   • Make sure Outlook is updated to a channel/build that includes the sign‑in fix (Version 2404 / 2407 as listed above).
   • If Outlook was temporarily moved to an Insider channel as a workaround, use the documented registry methods to switch back to Current Channel after updating:
     • Set the registry key that enables the channel toggle (see “Method 2: Registry: InsidersLabBehavior”).
     • Or run the registry command that switches the channel directly, then restart Outlook and choose File > Office Account > Update Options > Update Now.
4. Confirm IMAP is enabled in Gmail (if still failing)
   • In a browser, sign in to Gmail.
   • Go to Settings > Forwarding and POP/IMAP.
   • Under IMAP Access, select Enable IMAP and Save Changes.
   • Note: Google is in the process of removing this control for some users, so it may not appear for every account.
5. If using older Outlook builds with the “Could not sign you in to Google – IMAP” error
   • For Version 2008 Build 13127.20296 and earlier, enable optional connected experiences as a workaround:
     • Open Outlook (or any Office app) > File > Office Account.
     • Under Account Privacy, select Manage Settings.
     • Check Enable optional connected experiences.
     • Restart Outlook and re-add or reconnect the Gmail account.
6. If all above is correct and the account still fails
   • Remove the Gmail account from the Outlook profile and add it again after confirming:
     • Outlook is on a fixed build.
     • IMAP is enabled in Gmail (if available).
     • The Google consent box for Microsoft apps & services is checked during sign‑in.

These steps address the regression where Gmail accounts that previously worked in classic Outlook suddenly stop connecting with the IMAP setup error.

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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
• Fix problems connecting your Google account to the Microsoft Cloud
• Unable to add a Gmail account to Outlook "Could not sign you in to Google"

Answer 2

Best off to just wait for the fix. All the listed fixes dont seem to work and Im worried there making it worse by having me delete things just to get a little further then not able to complete

Answer 3

This issue has been widely reported, and Microsoft is currently working on a fix and plan to release the patch as soon as possible.

In the meantime, if you are experiencing this issue with Outlook Classic, try accessing your Gmail account using the web browser version of Outlook.

Also, until a patch is released for the Outlook Gmail account issue, please check out the solutions provided by Microsoft via this link.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/users-get-errors-0x800ccc0e-0x800ccc0f-synchronizing-gmail-and-yahoo-accounts-in-classic-outlook-e5a7b684-7c5c-4848-ab2d-d48291451f67