Add a Gmail account to Outlook
In February 2021, Google announced it would be phasing out the unlimited and free storage allocation previously available to schools and universities that use Google Drive. Instead, it will offer a base amount of storage for a fixed fee and a charge for additional storage. An initiative is underway to support the university’s transformation to a new Google service.
Here’s how to add a Gmail account to your Microsoft Outlook desktop application:
On Windows:
- Open Microsoft Outlook.
- Click on File in the top menu bar.
- Select Add Account.
- In the new window, choose Email Account.
- Enter your Gmail email address in the provided field.
- Click Connect.
Outlook will attempt to automatically configure your account using IMAP and OAuth 2.0 for secure authentication. Here’s what happens during this process:
- Automatic Configuration: Outlook might prompt you to confirm your Gmail login credentials. Enter your Gmail password and click Sign in. You might also encounter an additional security prompt requiring verification through your phone or another method associated with your Gmail account’s two-factor authentication (if enabled). Follow the on-screen instructions to complete verification.
- Manual Configuration (if automatic fails): In some cases, automatic configuration might not work. If prompted, you can choose Advanced options and manually enter the following server details:
- Incoming mail server (IMAP): [invalid URL removed]
- Port: 993
- Require SSL: Yes
- Outgoing mail server (SMTP): [invalid URL removed]
- Port: 587
- Require SSL: Yes
- Require authentication: Yes (use the same login credentials as your Gmail account)
- Choose folders to sync: After successful configuration, Outlook might ask you to choose which folders you want to sync from your Gmail account. Select the folders you want to access in Outlook (e.g., Inbox, Sent, Trash).
- Click Next and then Finish.
Your Gmail account should now be successfully added to Outlook. You’ll see your Gmail inbox alongside any other email accounts you have configured in Outlook.
On Mac:
The process for adding a Gmail account to Outlook for Mac is slightly different:
- Open Microsoft Outlook for Mac.
- Go to Tools in the menu bar and select Accounts.
- Click on the plus (+) sign to add a new account.
- Choose Exchange or POP/IMAP.
- Enter your Gmail email address in the email address field.
- Select IMAP for the account type.
- Enter the following server details:
- Incoming mail server: [invalid URL removed]
- Port: 993
- Use SSL: Yes
- Outgoing mail server: [invalid URL removed]
- Port: 587
- Use SSL: Yes
- Authentication: Password
- Enter your Gmail password in the password field.
- Click Add Account.
Outlook for Mac will attempt to verify your credentials and configure the account. Follow any additional prompts for two-factor authentication verification if necessary.
Once successful, you’ll see your Gmail account listed in the Outlook for Mac sidebar along with any other email accounts you have configured.
Important Notes:
- Ensure you have a stable internet connection throughout the setup process.
- If you encounter any errors during automatic configuration or have a specific need for a non-standard configuration, you might need to consult Microsoft’s support documentation or contact their support team for further assistance.
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