How to I limit notifications on the IOS Outlook App to favorite contacts only

Verderame, Vince 20 Reputation points
2026-08-11T00:47:14.34+00:00

How to I limit notifications on the IOS Outlook App to favorite contacts only?

I figured it out on the web browser on my MAC, but can't figure it out for the IOS App.

thanks

Outlook | Outlook for mobile | Outlook for iOS | For business
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Answer accepted by question author
BabybooHN 3,040 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-08-11T01:00:32.34+00:00

Dear @Verderame, Vince,

To limit your Outlook notifications on iOS to your favorite contacts only, you need to ensure your contacts are starred as Favorites and then update your account notification preference in the app.

Step 1: Add contacts to your Favorites: Skip if already completed.

  • Open the Outlook app on your iPhone or iPad.
  • Tap your Profile/Office icon in the top-left corner.
  • Tap the Edit (pencil) icon next to Favorites.
  • Search for the contacts you want to prioritize and tap the Star icon next to their names.
  • Tap the Checkmark in the upper-right corner to save.

Step 2: Change Notification Settings to Favorite People Only:

  • Tap your Profile icon in the top-left corner and select the Settings (gear) icon at the bottom-left.
  • Under the Mail section, tap Notifications.
  • Tap Notifications under your specific email account.
  • Select Favorite People (or Favorite People Only).

Please refer to this document: How can I only receive notifications from my Favorite people?

Once configured, Outlook for iOS will suppress push alerts for general messages and notify you exclusively when emails arrive from contacts on your Favorites list.

For official reference on managing mobile notifications, see the Microsoft Support guide on Favorite contacts & notifications in Outlook mobile.

Please let me know if you run into any issues applying these settings.


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  1. AI answer

    2026-08-11T00:47:23.8066667+00:00

    On Outlook for iOS, set mail notifications to favorite contacts only from within the app:

    1. Open Outlook.
    2. Tap Home.
    3. Tap the gear icon in the lower-left.
    4. Tap Notifications.
    5. Select Favorite People for Outlook and Microsoft 365.

    If favorite contacts have not been added yet:

    1. Tap the Office icon at the top of Inbox.
    2. Tap the Edit icon.
    3. Search for the contact and tap the star next to the name.
    4. Tap the checkmark when finished.

    An additional option shown in Outlook for iOS is: Settings > Notifications under Mail > Favorite People.


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