my gmail account stopped working on 3-26-2026

Question

My email has gmail account is not working on my lap top --message directs me to sign in via browser-then directs me to gmail - next message is google cannot imap the account? this is sudden-- I have had this set up for years.

what do i do next?

Answer 1

Hello Donatella Todfield

I understand how disruptive it is when your Gmail connection suddenly stops working after years of reliable service.

To avoid repeating the Q&A Assist suggestion, could you please confirm whether you already tried those steps yet? In addition, please try the following:

1, Remove and re-add the account

• Click the Settings (gear icon) in the top right corner.
• Go to Accounts > Email accounts
• Find your Gmail account and select Manage, then click Remove
• Restart the Outlook app.
• Return to the Email accounts menu and select Add Account
• Enter your Gmail address and follow the browser prompts to "Allow" Microsoft apps and services access to your Google account.

2, Check Gmail "Forwarding and POP/IMAP" Settings

• Log into your Gmail account via a web browser (gmail.com)
• Click the Settings (gear icon) > See all settings

Click the “Forwarding and POP/IMAP” tab.

• Ensure "Status: IMAP is enabled" is selected. If it was already on, toggle it off, save changes, then toggle it back on and save again.

Disclaimer: The Google options and steps referenced above are based on publicly available documentation and information found online. As Google may update or change its interface and settings over time, some steps or options may differ slightly. If there are any inaccuracies or minor discrepancies, I appreciate your understanding and apologize for the inconvenience.

3, Reset the app

• Close Outlook.
• Go to Windows Settings > Apps > Installed Apps
• Search for Outlook (New), click the three dots (...), and select Advanced options
• Scroll down and click Repair. If that doesn't work, try the Reset button.

Warning: Resetting will require you to sign back into your accounts, but your emails (which are stored on Google's servers) will not be lost.

Please feel free to let me know how it goes after trying these steps. Thank you for your time and understanding.

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Answer 2

The issue is caused by recent changes in how Gmail IMAP works with classic Outlook. Outlook now uses a browser-based Google sign-in and specific builds include the fix.

Follow these steps in order:

1. Confirm Outlook is updated to a fixed build
   In classic Outlook on Windows:
   • Select File > Office Account.
   • Select Update Options > Update Now.
   • After updates install, restart Outlook.
     The fix for the Gmail sign-in issue is available starting with:
   • Current Channel: Version 2404 (Build 17531.10000) and later
   • Monthly Enterprise Channel: Version 2407 (Build 17727.10000) and later
2. Remove and re-add the Gmail account in Outlook
   After updating:
   • In Outlook, go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
   • Select the Gmail account and choose Remove.
   • Close and reopen Outlook.
   • Go back to File > Add Account and add the Gmail address again.
   • Outlook should open a separate browser window for Google sign-in. Complete the Google sign-in and consent screens, then finish setup.
3. If sign-in still fails with an IMAP message
   • Check in Gmail (via browser) that IMAP is enabled if that setting is still visible in the Gmail account. Google is removing this control for some users, but if present it must be on. For details, see Google’s article Add Gmail to another email client.
4. If Outlook build is older and cannot be updated immediately
   The classic symptom is:
   • Error like “We weren’t able to set up your Google account with IMAP. You may need to make changes to your Gmail settings.” or
   • “Sorry, we could not sign you in to Google – IMAP. Please try again later.”
     These are fixed in newer builds. If stuck on an older build temporarily, ensure optional connected experiences are enabled:
   • Open Outlook.
   • Select File > Office Account.
   • Under Account Privacy, choose Manage Settings.
   • Check Enable optional connected experiences.
   • Restart Outlook and try adding the Gmail account again.

If the Gmail account itself is disabled, it must be re-enabled in Google before Outlook can connect.

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References:

• Unable to sign in or add a Gmail account to classic Outlook
• Unable to add a Gmail account to Outlook "Could not sign you in to Google"
• Your Google account is disabled