I can't re-add Gmail to my Outlook, it said IMAP error.

Question

I can't re-add Gmail to my Outlook, I said IMAP error. After QC the problem, I deleted the account and am trying to add it back.

Now it says edit Google settings, but IMAP works on my phone. This is specific to my computer and Outlook.

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 IMAP error when re‑adding Gmail in Outlook is typically caused by Gmail settings or by how Outlook is connecting, even if the same Gmail account works on a phone.

Try these steps on the affected computer:

1. Enable IMAP in Gmail
   1. In a browser on the computer, sign in to the same Gmail account at Gmail.com.
   2. Select Settings (gear icon) > See all settings.
   3. Open the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.
   4. Under IMAP access, select Enable IMAP.
   5. Select Save Changes.
2. Verify IMAP/SMTP settings in Outlook If adding the account manually in Outlook.com (Manage connected accounts):
   1. Open Manage Connected Accounts in Outlook.com.
   2. Use these settings:
      • Incoming mail (IMAP) server: imap.gmail.com, SSL required, Port 993
      • Outgoing mail (SMTP) server: smtp.gmail.com, SSL required, TLS required if available, Authentication required
      • Port for SSL: 465; Port for TLS/STARTTLS: 587
      • Username: full Gmail address
      • Password: Gmail password (or app password if using that model)
3. If Outlook shows a message like “We weren’t able to set up your Google account with IMAP. You may need to make changes to your Gmail settings.” This is consistent with IMAP not being enabled or Gmail rejecting the connection. After confirming IMAP is enabled and the servers/ports above are used, retry adding the account.

If IMAP is enabled and the correct servers/ports are configured but the error persists only on this computer, remove the Gmail connection from Outlook.com (if present), wait a few minutes, then add it again using the settings above.

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References:

• Fix problems connecting your Google account to the Microsoft Cloud
• Unable to sign in or add a Gmail account to classic Outlook
• Unable to add a Gmail account to classic Outlook