Outlook not syncing on Mac desktop app or Android app

Jacob Butko 0 Reputation points
2026-09-10T19:44:17.4966667+00:00

I have tried uninstalling and reinstalling both Mac desktop and my Android Outlook apps. Both are not syncing.

Outlook web works fine, so I still have my emails, but there seems to be an issue with the native apps.

I can also receive emails through the desktop app, but I cannot open them (they won't download) and I can't send emails eitherl

Outlook | MacOS | New Outlook for Mac | For business

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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-10T19:44:34.95+00:00

    Since Outlook on the web works, the mailbox itself is available and the issue is likely with the Mac and Android apps or their local sync state.

    Try these steps in order:

    1. Reset the Android Outlook account In Outlook for Android, go to Settings > tap the affected account > Reset Account. Then check whether mail starts syncing again.
    2. Delete and re-add the Android account If reset does not help, go to Settings > tap the affected account > Delete Account > Delete From This Device. Add the account again afterward.
    3. Make sure the Android account is using Exchange, not IMAP/POP Calendar and contacts do not sync with IMAP or POP. In Android device settings, check Settings > Accounts and confirm the account is added as Exchange. If it shows IMAP, remove it and add it back as Exchange.
    4. Check Android sync settings On the phone, go to Settings > Accounts > tap Exchange > tap the affected address, and make sure Sync Calendar is enabled.
    5. Use the PC Outlook verification path if mobile sync still fails Set up the same mailbox in Outlook on a PC using the Exchange protocol, send a test email, create a test calendar event, close Outlook, restart the PC, reopen Outlook, confirm the event is present, and then check the mobile device again. If the event still does not appear, restart the Outlook mobile app from Settings.
    6. Remove and re-add the Mac account For Outlook for Mac, remove the account from Outlook > Settings > Accounts, then add it back. This is specifically recommended in similar Mac sync cases.
    7. Check for the current known issue on Mac and mobile There is a documented issue where Outlook for Mac and Outlook Mobile intermittently stop syncing. If the problem affects both Mac and Android at the same time, this may match that known issue.
    8. If the account had synced before and then stopped, remove the mobile device partnership For Outlook.com scenarios, in Outlook on the web go to Settings > General > Mobile devices, remove the affected device partnership, save, power off the phone completely, restart it, and sync again.
    9. Escalate if needed For a Microsoft 365 for business or Exchange-based work/school account, contact the Microsoft 365 admin or technical support if re-adding the account does not restore sync.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Jay1 Tran 600 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-10T20:14:27.0266667+00:00

    Hi Jacob,

    Thank you for reaching out.

    Since Outlook on the web is working, your mailbox and emails appear to be intact. The issue is more likely related to the connection, authentication, security policy, or local synchronization within the desktop and mobile apps.

    Please try the following:

    1. Check whether this is network-related

    On both devices:

    • Disable any VPN, proxy, antivirus web filtering, DNS filtering, or ad-blocking app temporarily.
    • Connect the Mac to a different network, such as your phone’s hotspot.
    • On Android, switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
    • Restart both devices.
    1. Reset the account in New Outlook for Mac
    • In Outlook for Mac, go to Tools > Accounts, select your account, choose Manage, and then select Reset Account.

    Screenshot that shows the Reset Account option under Manage in Outlook for Mac.

    • Please save any unsent drafts first, as locally stored information that has not synchronized may be removed.
    1. Reset the account in Outlook for Android
    • In Outlook for Android, open Settings > Accounts.
    • Select the affected account, and choose Reset Account.

    User's image

    1. Contact IT admin

    If the problem continues, please ask your IT administrator to review your sign-in logs, Conditional Access results, device compliance, and Exchange Online access.

    In case you do not know who is your IT admin, kindly refer to this article: How do I find my Microsoft 365 admin? - Microsoft Support  

    I hope your issue gets resolved soon. Any updates would be greatly appreciated.

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