Outlook Cannot Connect to IMAP Server! – [Tutorial 2025]
Issues with IMAP configuration settings or bug in the application cause connectivity issues between Outlook & IMAP Server that lead to connection breakdown with IMAP Server that could disrupt user’s workflow or productivity. Therefore, here we will be offering a wonderful method that will help in resolving the issue with ease. But for a smoother experience or in order to operate Outlook as before, utilizing automated tool such as MacMister IMAP Backup can prove secure and efficient method.
Outlook is highly known for delivering efficient and robust features such as email scheduling & management of tasks, meetings, and calendars in a single platform. This makes the application one of the preferable choice among professionals. Its supports integration with variety of email servers that provide users the flexibility to configure different email service providers such as Gmail, Office 365, Exchange and more in the application.
In some situations, users discover an error i.e. “Outlook cannot connect to IMAP Server” while performing the configuration of their local account with IMAP Server. However, the error usually occurs due to constant updates, several add-ins, and sync changes. Encountering the error will stop users from continuing with their live email content that negatively affect the entire performance of Outlook email application.
Reasons behind “Outlook Cannot Connect to IMAP Server” Error
Knowing the root cause of the problem is essential to execute any further operation to resolve the issue. Here, we will be going through many possible reasons that cause Outlook cannot connect to IMAP server issue.
- Having defective add-ins.
- Large size .ost files.
- Virus or malware attack.
- Inappropriate internet connection.
- Changes in IMAP Settings.
- Having corrupt or vague OST file.
Instant Method to Resolve “Outlook Cannot Connect to IMAP Server” Issue
There are multiple options used to solve the issue. Here, we have provided some comprehensible and useful solutions that will help in discovering the main cause of the IMAP Server failure issue.
Note. Before continuing the method, make sure to have good internet connectivity.
Solution 1. Verify IMAP Settings
One of the common reasons of encountering this error is the wrong configuration settings in Microsoft Outlook. So, in order to avoid this error, make sure that IMAP settings are configured properly. Hence, to implement the task, go through the steps mentioned below –
Step 1. Run Outlook Email Client and navigate towards File menu.
Step 2. Go to Account Settings and tap Manage Profile.
Step 3. Hit Email Accounts option.
Step 4. From Email Section, click Change.
Step 5. Choose IMAP option as Account Type and press More Settings.
Step 6. Go to Advanced section; specify values for Incoming (IMAP) Server and Outgoing (SMTP) Server. Then, tap OK button.
Solution 2. Select IMAP Option on the Source Account
If IMAP option is disabled on the source account such as Gmail, Zoho, Yahoo Mail etc., then it could lead to Outlook cannot connect to IMAP Server issue. So, here we have provided the steps that will help enabling IMAP option in Google Mail account.
Step 1. Open Google Mail.
Step 2. Go to the right Google Mail window, click the gear icon (Settings) and tap See all Settings.
Step 3. Navigate to Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab and select Enable IMAP.
Solution 3. Deactivate Faulty Add-ins
Microsoft constantly offers constant updates and add-ins to improve the productivity of email client. But in few situations, some add-ins do not support the configuration of current application. This increases the chance of getting the error “Outlook cannot connect to IMAP Server”. So, follow the below steps to check which add-ins could affect the efficiency of the application, and disable them to resolve the issue.
Step 1. Run Outlook email client.
Step 2. Go to Options.
Step 3. Click Add-ins option and select COM Add-ins appearing in Manage section and then tap Go button.
Step 4. Check if the error is fixed by disabling all the add-ins.
Solution 4. Alternative Solution to Resolve the Issue
Another way to resolve the issue is by using MacMister IMAP Backup Tool Mac & Windows. The option helps in taking backup of Outlook mailboxes into PST file which further can be imported into Outlook after creating a new profile. In such a way, one can use earlier mailbox database in the application. Its interface is manageable and programmed with different types of filters which allow users to backup specific IMAP mailboxes on Mac OS.
The application has a freeware version as well which users can download to test the software working for free. Follow the below steps to know how to download IMAP mailboxes on Mac –
Step 1. Download, install and run the software on Mac.
Step 2. Add necessary login details of IMAP email server with IMAP host and Port number. Then, tap Next button.
Step 3. Now, the application will connect with specified IMAP account and all its folders start displaying on the left side of the software screen. Verify them and continue by navigating towards right panel of the tool.
Step 4. Click Select Saving Options and select PST format from the drop-down menu.
Step 5. Apply the sub-options of PST as per your needs. Simultaneously utilize necessary filter option in case you want to save only the required IMAP mailboxes. Then, tap Start Backup button.
Step 6. The Email Backup Report window will appear which displays live backup progress of IMAP mailboxes to users.
In few seconds, the tool will terminate the task by displaying “Process Completed” message on the screen. However, you may now import PST file into Outlook with the help of its Import/Export option. If you have performed the migration on Mac, then use any external drive or cloud service to transfer PST files into Windows.
However, after the import process finishes, you may open the required file to check the result. And you will see that the tool has successfully implemented the process. All the emails are accurate. They are appearing with precise content, layout and formatting properties.
Epilogue
Facing Outlook cannot connect to IMAP Server issue is common while configuring Outlook email client with IMAP-based server. You may resolve the problem by going through the methods discussed above. However, due to some technical issues or unusual behavior shown by the files could cause this error. So, opting a recommended and safe approach will prove beneficial for the same. Additionally, MacMister offers Email Backup Software Mac & Windows app as well which possesses over 30 email sources to backup email files including IMAP. Also, it has 15 saving options which are useful in saving the emails of a required email server. Download its trial edition and check the process by taking backup of first 25 email files for free.