Outlook Classic. 2 accounts: exchange and google. Can't access google calendar (locked)

Question

Outlook Classic. 2 accounts: exchange and google. Can't access google calendar (locked)

Answer 1

In classic Outlook for Windows, a Google calendar can be accessed in two main ways: via the connected Gmail account (sync) or by importing/subscribing to the calendar as an Internet calendar. If the Google calendar appears “locked” or is not accessible, use one of these supported approaches to get access again.

1. If the Gmail account itself is not working in Outlook

• There is a known issue where adding or syncing a Gmail account in classic Outlook can fail with errors like:
  • “The browser or app may not be secure.”
  • “We weren’t able to set up your Google account with IMAP. You may need to make changes to your Gmail settings.”
• This has been fixed in recent Outlook builds. Ensure Outlook for Microsoft 365 is updated to a build that includes the fix (for example, Current Channel Version 2404 Build 17531.10000 or later, or the corresponding builds listed in the article).
• After updating Office, remove and re-add the Gmail account in classic Outlook if it still does not sync, then complete the browser-based sign-in when prompted and ensure the checkbox for allowing “Microsoft apps & services” is selected during Google sign-in.

If the Gmail account cannot be added or synced, the Google calendar associated with that account will not be accessible in Outlook until the account connection is fixed.

2. If only the Google calendar is the problem, use an ICS import as a fallback If the Gmail account is not required for mail in Outlook, or if calendar sync is unreliable, the Google calendar can be imported into classic Outlook as a static calendar snapshot:
3. Sign in to Google Calendar in a browser.
4. In the left pane, under My calendars, hover over the calendar that needs to be visible in Outlook.
5. Select the three dots next to the calendar name and choose Settings and sharing.
6. Under Calendar settings, select Export calendar.
   • This downloads a compressed .zip file containing an .ics file.
7. In Windows File Explorer, right-click the downloaded .zip and select Extract All to get the .ics file.
8. In classic Outlook, go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
9. Choose Import an iCalendar (.ics) or vCalendar file (.vcs) and select Next.
10. Browse to and select the .ics file, then select OK.
11. Choose Open as New.
    • Outlook opens the Google calendar side by side with the Exchange calendar and adds it under Other Calendars.

Important limitation: this imported Google calendar is a static snapshot and does not self-update. To refresh it, repeat the export/import process or use a subscription method (if available in the environment) instead of a one-time import.

If the calendar appears “locked” because it is a broken shared calendar or contact-based calendar, remove that calendar from Outlook and re-add it using one of the supported methods above.

---

References:

• See your Google Calendar in Outlook
• Unable to sign in or add a Gmail account to classic Outlook
• Unable to add a Gmail account to classic Outlook