How to Add Gmail to Microsoft Outlook (Step-by-Step Guide)

Adding your Gmail account to Microsoft Outlook lets you read and send emails from one place — no browser tab required. This guide walks you through every step, even if you've never configured email manually before.

Step 1: Enable IMAP in Gmail

Gmail needs IMAP turned on before Outlook can connect to it.

1. Open Gmail in your browser and sign in.
2. Click the Settings gear icon (top right) → See all settings.
3. Select the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.
4. Under IMAP access, choose Enable IMAP.
5. Scroll down and click Save Changes.

Step 2: Create a Google App Password (if 2-Step Verification is enabled)

If you use 2-Step Verification, you must create an App Password — your regular Gmail password won't work with Outlook.

1. Go to myaccount.google.com → Security.
2. Under "How you sign in to Google", click 2-Step Verification.
3. Scroll to the bottom and click App passwords.
4. Select Mail as the app and your device type, then click Generate.
5. Copy the 16-character password displayed. You'll use this instead of your Gmail password.

Step 3: Add Your Gmail Account in Outlook

1. Open Microsoft Outlook.
2. Go to File → Add Account.
3. Type your Gmail address and click Connect.
4. When prompted for a password, enter your App Password (or Gmail password if no 2FA).
5. Outlook will configure the account automatically. Click Done.

Manual Server Settings

If Outlook can't set up Gmail automatically, use these settings when prompted:

Common Problems & Fixes

• "Username or password incorrect" — Make sure IMAP is enabled in Gmail and that you're using an App Password if 2FA is active.
• Outlook keeps asking for your password — Delete the account from Outlook and add it again using the manual settings above.
• Emails not syncing — Go to File → Account Settings, select your Gmail account, and click Repair.