Dec 6, 2021
Unable to re-connect to Gmail server from Outlook.
My Gmail account in Outlook (Office 365 on 2 computers), Outlook for iPhone, and Microsoft Mail (Windows 10) has stopped syncing with Gmail. When I tried to query my IMAP folders, I get an error message saying that the connection was dropped by the server. I disabled IMAP in Gmail, saved the settings, then re-enabled IMAP. I removed my Gmail account from Outlook on one of my computers and also from Microsoft Mail then was unable to add it back to either client, trying both my Google password and then a new app password. Of note, I get test messages in Gmail from Outlook when I try to set up the account but the account setup is still unsuccessful. I went through the steps using the link: https://accounts.google.eom/b/0/DisplayUnlockOaptcha and am still unable to connect.
Any advice?
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Last edited Dec 6, 2021
All Replies (6)
What account type are you adding? Are you allowing Outlook to autoconfigure or are you choosing manual setup?
What version of OL365 are you using?
Dec 7, 2021
Hi Keith,
I have some additional information. I tried to connect my Gmail account in Thunderbird. The account was established using both automatic and manual connections but no emails were downloaded and I got the error message, "IMAP server has disconnected." However, when I configured the Gmail account in Thunderbird with POP, the account was established and emails were downloaded into the client. The messages I received in Outlook were "The connection to the incoming (IMAP/POP) server was dropped" and "Log onto incoming mail server (IMAP). The connection to the server was interrupted." In both cases, test messages from Microsoft went through to Gmail.
I am now assuming that Google is blocking my email clients' connection with the IMAP server, but I don't know why or how to fix it.
Thanks,
Ken
This recipe was written for Outlook, but it’s just the same for all email software so it will also apply to Thunderbird.
If you are using a corporate Google Workspace account (Gmail with a company domain), you should enable two-step verification (2SV) on the Send As account, because that is the only solution that will work into the future. This has side effects that will impact your use of the account. See Two Step Verification (2FA). You can also use this feature on a gmail.com account.
If you have already enabled 2SV on the account, you will need to use an application specific password (created in the account) in the Outlook settings: Signing in using application-specific passwords
If 2SV is not enabled, you must enable less secure access: sign into the account using a web browser at https://mail.google.com, then go to All Settings > Accounts and Import > Other Google Account settings. Under Security, scroll down and enable access for less secure apps. This is essential for IMAP, POP and SMTP connections. NB: Even if you have checked this before, check it now because Google disables this access if it is not in regular use. Using the 2SV solution will stop this being a problem when you use the connection only occasionally
If there is still a problem, try clearing Captcha: visit https://accounts.google.com/DisplayUnlockCaptcha and sign in with the Gmail username and password. If necessary (it's usually not), enter the letters in the distorted picture then press Continue. This will allow ten minutes for Outlook to register as an approved connection. Note that you must use the credentials for the account you are adding to Outlook - if the browser is already signed into another account, you must sign out first. Also, you must trigger Outlook to make the connections within ten minutes of pressing Continue.
Dec 7, 2021
And please let me know what version as it makes a difference on how you connect best.
Last edited Dec 7, 2021
Dec 7, 2021
Thank you very much for your help with this. I am not sure why, but as of a few hours ago, my email client apps, except for Outlook for iPhone, are now able to communicate with Gmail. I assume the iPhone app will get connected soon. If not, I will uninstall and reinstall the app.
Again, I really appreciate your help.
Ken