How to Add Gmail to Microsoft Outlook Using IMAP
A complete step-by-step guide for adding your Gmail account to Microsoft Outlook via IMAP — including how to enable IMAP in Gmail and the correct server settings.
Adding Gmail to Microsoft Outlook lets you read, send, and organize your Gmail messages without opening a browser. This guide walks you through the complete setup using IMAP — the recommended method that keeps your mail synced across all devices.
Before You Start: Enable IMAP in Gmail
Gmail has IMAP disabled by default. You must turn it on first:
- Open Gmail in your browser and sign in
- Click the Settings gear icon (top right) → See all settings
- Click the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab
- Under IMAP access, select Enable IMAP
- Click Save Changes
Create a Gmail App Password (Required if 2FA is Enabled)
If you have two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled on your Google account — which is strongly recommended — you cannot use your regular Gmail password in Outlook. You must create an App Password:
- Go to myaccount.google.com
- Click Security in the left sidebar
- Under How you sign in to Google, click 2-Step Verification
- Scroll to the bottom and click App passwords
- Select Mail as the app and Windows Computer as the device
- Click Generate — copy the 16-character password that appears
Use this App Password instead of your Gmail password when setting up Outlook.
Add Gmail to Outlook (Step by Step)
- Open Microsoft Outlook
- Go to File → Add Account
- Enter your Gmail address and click Connect
- Outlook will attempt auto-discovery. If it succeeds, enter your App Password and you're done.
- If auto-discovery fails, choose IMAP and enter settings manually (see below)
Gmail IMAP Server Settings for Outlook
| Setting | Incoming (IMAP) | Outgoing (SMTP) |
|---|---|---|
| Server | imap.gmail.com | smtp.gmail.com |
| Port | 993 | 587 |
| Encryption | SSL/TLS | STARTTLS |
| Username | Your full Gmail address | Your full Gmail address |
| Password | App Password | App Password |
Troubleshooting Common Gmail + Outlook Issues
Outlook Asks for Password Repeatedly
This usually means you're using your regular Gmail password instead of an App Password. Generate an App Password (see above) and re-enter it in Outlook's account settings.
Emails Not Syncing
Check that IMAP is enabled in Gmail (step 1). Also verify that Outlook's sync interval isn't set too long: File → Account Settings → Change → More Settings → Advanced.
"Cannot Connect to Server" Error
Confirm the server address is exactly imap.gmail.com (port 993, SSL) and smtp.gmail.com (port 587, STARTTLS). Firewall or antivirus software can also block these ports — temporarily disable them to test.