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jm821607's avatar
jm821607
Occasional Reader
Feb 27, 2026

setting up gmail in classic outlook

I have purchased a new laptop and am having trouble setting up gmail in classic outlook.

I am receiving a message "we weren't able to set up your Google account with IMAP. You may need to make changes to your Gmail settings" 

any advice?

 

1 Reply

  • VasilMichev's avatar
    VasilMichev
    MVP
    Mar 01, 2026

    Make sure that IMAP is indeed enabled within Gmail settings. Classic Outlook supports OAuth, so it can add any Gmail account, even those protected with 2FA or passkeys. If you are using an Outlook version that does not support OAuth, you will have to configure an app password within your Google account instead and use it within Outlook. Both methods are detailed here: 

    https://support.google.com/a/answer/9003945?hl=en