How to download Classic Outlook to Android

Question

How to download Classic Outlook to Android

David 5

I have been endeavouring to download classic outlook on my mobile phone, without success. I am always being routed to New Outlook. I have Classic on my pc and I had it previously on my mobile, but as a result of a factory reset and now need to load it again, but unable to do so. Is it no longer possible?

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Answer 1

Kudos-Ng 15,050 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hi David,

Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum.

I appreciate how jarring UI changes can feel, especially when your daily flow depended on the older design. To help, here’s a concise clarification grounded in Microsoft’s own terminology and current product direction.

When Microsoft says “Classic Outlook,” it’s referring to the long‑standing desktop app for Windows (the Win32 client). In contrast, Android/iOS have a single, continuously updated Outlook for Mobile; there has never been a separate, supported “Classic Outlook” app for phones. Many community posts asking for “Classic” on mobile are, understandably, shorthand for wanting the pre‑redesign mobile UI, not a distinct mobile product.

On mobile, Microsoft does not provide a toggle to revert to the legacy interface. The “Classic vs. New” switch applies to Windows only. If you previously relied on Outlook Lite as a simpler Android experience, Microsoft has formally announced its retirement: new installations were blocked starting October 6, 2025, with full retirement following thereafter. You can check it here: https://m365admin.handsontek.net/retirement-outlook-lite-app/

Note: Microsoft is providing this information as a convenience to you. These sites are not controlled by Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot make any representations regarding the quality, safety, or suitability of any software or information found there. Please ensure that you fully understand the risks before using any suggestions from the above link.

I know some users consider sideloading older APKs to regain the old look. Please be cautious: older builds carry security and reliability risks, and, as Microsoft phases out legacy clients, authentication and sync can break unexpectedly. Given the retirement of Outlook Lite and the forward‑only development of Outlook Mobile, the durable path is to use the supported app and tune its settings (e.g., turning off Focused Inbox, adjusting swipe actions, and simplifying notifications) to recapture much of the previous feel without stepping outside the support boundary. These settings are documented in Microsoft’s official guide: Optimize the Outlook mobile app for your iOS or Android phone.

I hope the information above help! If you have any further questions, please feel free to share.

If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

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Kudos-Ng 15,050 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-10-21T10:40:03.7+00:00

Hi David,

Just checking in to see if you had a chance to review the previous response.

Your feedback would be very helpful in ensuring everything is on track.
Kudos-Ng 15,050 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-10-23T15:06:33.12+00:00

Hi David,

I hope the resources I provided were useful.

If you’ve had a chance to review it, I’d love to hear your thoughts or any questions you might have.
David 5 Reputation points

2025-10-23T15:28:07.6733333+00:00

My apologies for not having got back to you, but I am awaiting return of my technical partner from holiday to assess it. In the meantime, we are in a mess with it.
Kudos-Ng 15,050 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-10-24T09:09:43.42+00:00

Hi David,

Thank you for getting back to me and for sharing the current status.

I just wanted to check whether the information I previously provided aligns with what you were expecting. Please let me know if there’s anything else you’re waiting on from my side, or if you prefer to respond once your technical partner has completed their assessment.

Looking forward to your feedback.
Charles 0 Reputation points

2026-04-24T13:46:13.9566667+00:00

Ok, so basically this answer from Microsoft is basically an outright lie.

There is a version of the Microsoft Classic app still running on the Android phones - I know this because I have one in front of me and am currently running it on my work android phone right now (attached image). This was loaded on the phone prior to Microsoft's AI rebranding and stuffing CoPilot into everything.

The issue I am facing is that I don't know how to get it onto the other company phones I am responsible for as the Google Playstore only has the new version.

The important distinction that Microsoft likes to obscure is that the Outlook (Classic) [Square topped icon] version allows you to open Private and Shared Mailboxes together and the New Outlook [Pointy topped icon] does not. My company uses Shared Mailboxes for departments, and cross department functionality, and the New Outlook just doesn't cover these requirements. The constant push to go in this New direction is a real cause of concern for us as a company.
Uwe Koch 0 Reputation points

2026-09-14T16:26:57.1833333+00:00

Since Microsoft Outlook was released, I have not been able to sinc PC Office Outlook with Cel Windows Outlook. I used Windows Outlook in my pc, but was not able to see older emails in a thread; just the latest one, no matter how much I checked and changed the configuration parameters. I had to go back to the office Outlook. At present I try to use as least as possible my cel Windows Outlook.
Hornblower409 14,970 Reputation points

2026-09-15T04:13:32.53+00:00

@Uwe Koch said

I have not been able to sinc PC Office Outlook with Cel Windows Outlook

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