Learn how to resolve the error message "We couldn't log on to the incoming (POP/IMAP) server. Please check your email address and password and try again" when adding a Gmail account to Outlook.

Also Known As

• Outlook IMAP authentication failed
• Gmail IMAP server connection error
• Outlook cannot connect to Gmail

Root Cause

This error typically occurs when email permissions aren't properly granted during the Google account setup process. Specifically, the checkbox for "Read, compose, send and permanently delete all your email from Gmail" must be selected when authorizing Microsoft apps & services, as shown in the image below:

If this permission isn't granted, you'll see this error in Outlook:

How to Fix This Error

1. First, remove existing permissions on Google's side:
   • Close Outlook completely
   • Go to https://myaccount.google.com/connections?continue=https%3A%2F%2Fmyaccount.google.com%2Fsecurity
     alternatively: https://myaccount.google.com/security > Your connections to third-party apps and services
   • Make sure you're signed into the correct Google account
   • Find and remove any "Microsoft apps & services" connections
2. Then, clear existing OAUTH credentials on your computer:
   • Open Start menu and search for "Credential Manager"
   • Click on "Windows Credentials"
   • Remove any credentials starting with "MicrosoftOffice16_Data"
3. Add your account again:
   • Open Outlook
   • Go to File Add Account
   • Enter your Gmail address
   • Click Connect
   • When the Google permissions screen appears, make sure to check the box for "Read, compose, send and permanently delete all your email from Gmail"
   • Click Continue

Additional Notes

• The most common cause of this error is missing email permissions during setup
• Make sure you're using a modern version of Outlook that supports OAuth 2.0
  

  These versions of Outlook support OAuth:

  • Outlook from Microsoft 365 (desktop version)
  • Outlook 2019
  • Outlook 2016

  Check what version of Outlook you have.

• Starting in January 2025, Google Workspace accounts will no longer support less secure apps, third-party apps or devices that ask you to sign in to your Google Account using only your username and password. For exact dates, visit Google Workspace Updates. To access apps, you must use OAuth. To prepare for this change, review the details in Transition from less secure apps to OAuth.
• Check that your internet connection is stable
• Google's article on Set up Gmail with a third-party email client

Want Further Assistance?

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