Follow these steps that address common Gmail–Outlook connection problems.
- Check that IMAP is enabled in Gmail
- In a browser, go to Gmail.
- Open Settings (gear icon) > See all settings.
- Select the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.
- Under IMAP access, select Enable IMAP.
- Select Save Changes.
- Make sure Outlook is on a fixed build for Gmail sign-in
- For classic Outlook issues like “The browser or app may not be secure” or “We weren’t able to set up your Google account with IMAP”, install an Outlook build that includes the Gmail sign-in fix (for Outlook for Microsoft 365, this is available starting with Version 2404 Build 17531.10000 in supported channels).
- After updating Office, restart Outlook.
- Re-add or retry connecting the Gmail account
- If an error window appears when adding Gmail and there is a Retry link, select Retry and complete the browser sign-in again.
- During Google sign-in, when prompted to let Microsoft apps & services access Gmail, make sure the permission “Read, compose, send, and permanently delete all your email from Gmail.” is checked, then allow access.
- Verify server settings if using manual setup
- Incoming (IMAP) server:
imap.gmail.com, SSL required, Port 993.
- Outgoing (SMTP) server:
smtp.gmail.com, SSL or TLS required, 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).
If connection still fails after these steps, confirm IMAP is enabled in Gmail again and that Outlook has been updated to a version that includes the Gmail sign-in fixes, then repeat the add-account process.
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