my gmail account has stopped working in outlook classic.

Question

suddenly I cannot send or recieve my gmail account that has been working perfectly well for several years. I have another gmail account and tried adding that to outlook but it will not add and just gives a message - We weren't able to set up your google account using IMAP. You may need to make changes to your Gmail settings

Answer 1

Hi,

Several users have recently reported experiencing this issue. The Microsoft team is currently aware of the problem and is actively investigating the cause. While a permanent fix has not yet been released, Microsoft has provided a temporary workaround that may help resolve the issue in the meantime. You can find the details of the current workaround 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 indicates a known Gmail/Outlook classic sign‑in issue and/or an IMAP configuration problem. Use these steps to restore both the existing Gmail account and to add the new one.

1. Update Outlook to a fixed build

• In Outlook classic, go to File > Office Account > Update Options > Update Now.
• Ensure Outlook is on a build that includes the Gmail fix:
  • For the “browser or app may not be secure” / IMAP setup issue: at least Version 2404 (Build 17531.10000) in Current Channel or later.
  • For the permission box issue when adding Gmail: at least Current Channel Version 2412 Build 18324.20168.

2. Re‑run the Gmail sign‑in and grant full access For the account that stopped working and the one that will not add:

• Start adding the Gmail account again in Outlook classic.
• When the Google sign‑in page opens in the browser, sign in to the Gmail account.
• On the consent screen, make sure the checkbox is selected for:
  • “Read, compose, send, and permanently delete all your email from Gmail.” under Select what Microsoft apps & services can access.
• Complete the sign‑in. If Outlook shows an error window with a Retry link, select Retry to repeat browser sign‑in and ensure that box is checked.

3. Verify IMAP is enabled in Gmail

• The error “We weren’t able to set up your Google account with IMAP. You may need to make changes to your Gmail settings.” can occur if IMAP is disabled.
• In Gmail settings (via a web browser), confirm IMAP is enabled as described in Google’s guidance at Add Gmail to another email client.

4. If automatic setup still fails, try manual setup

• In Outlook classic, choose File > Add Account.
• Enter the Gmail address, then select Advanced options > Let me set up my account manually.
• Choose IMAP.
• Enter the IMAP/SMTP server details from your provider (Gmail) and the correct password or app password if required.
• If setup fails, choose Change Account Settings and correct the server names/ports using the values from the provider or from the POP and IMAP server name reference.

5. If Outlook never prompts for a password

• On the IMAP details page, ensure Require logon using Secure Password Authentication (SPA) is unchecked.
• If still not prompted:
  1. Open Control Panel in Windows.
  2. Select Mail.
  3. Select Email Accounts….
  4. On the Email tab, select New.
  5. Enter name, Gmail address, and password, then select Next and complete the wizard.

6. Check if an app password is needed

• If the Gmail account uses additional security and the normal password fails, an app password may be required. In that case, generate an app password in the account’s security settings and use it in Outlook instead of the regular password.

If these steps are followed on a supported Outlook build, the existing Gmail account should resume sending/receiving and the new Gmail account should add successfully.

---

References:

• Unable to add a Gmail account to classic Outlook
• Unable to sign in or add a Gmail account to classic Outlook
• Troubleshoot Outlook email setup
• gmail accounts no longer working in outlook classic - Microsoft Q&A
• search for solutions another user has found - Microsoft Q&A