outlook adding new mail problem

Question

After following all the prompts on outlook I cannot add my AOL mail account

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Moved from Microsoft 365 and Office | Other

Answer 1

Hi Larry Lemma

I understand you are having problem with adding your AOL mail account in the new Outlook for Windows. What exact message do you see when the AOL add fails (for example “Something went wrong” / “app password” / “can’t connect”), or does it just return to the add-account screen with no error? 

I look forward to hearing from you. Have a lovely day! 

Answer 2

Use these steps to get the AOL account working in Outlook:

1. Make sure the AOL account is added with the correct type
   • In classic Outlook, AOL should normally be added as an IMAP account.
   • Go to File > Add Account, enter the AOL email address, and let automatic setup try first.
2. If Outlook says the password is wrong or cannot connect
   • AOL often requires an app password instead of the normal AOL password.
   • Follow AOL’s instructions in Create and manage 3rd-party app passwords to generate an app password.
   • When Outlook asks for the password, paste this app password instead of the normal AOL password.
3. If Outlook never prompts for a password when adding AOL as IMAP
   • On the IMAP details page, make sure Require logon using Secure Password Authentication (SPA) is unchecked.
   • If it still fails:
     1. Open Control Panel in Windows.
     2. Select Mail > Email Accounts….
     3. On the Email tab, select New.
     4. Enter name, AOL email address, and the AOL app password in both password boxes.
     5. Select Next and complete the setup.
4. If mail added previously but stopped syncing
   • AOL had a past sync issue that was fixed, but folder structure can still cause problems.
   • Sign in to AOL webmail and try:
     • Method 1 (recommended): Rename folders under Inbox (for example, Recipes → Recipes1), then reopen Outlook and let it sync.
     • Or Method 2: Create new folders, move mail into them, delete the old Inbox subfolders in webmail, then reopen Outlook and let it resync. Be sure all mail is moved before deleting folders, as deleted-folder mail may not be recoverable.

If these steps are followed (especially using an AOL app password and ensuring SPA is unchecked), the AOL account should add and sync correctly in Outlook.

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References:

• Add an email account to Outlook for Windows
• Troubleshoot Outlook email setup
• Outlook stops syncing AOL email