How To Fix Outlook Cannot Connect To IMAP Server?

If you are an Outlook user, you might face the "Outlook cannot connect to IMAP server" error. The recurrence of this error can be frustrating. But now you don't need to face this problem any longer. Here is the article that can help you in fixing this error.

So, let's start and understand why this error can occur and how you can avoid this error appearing again and again. At the end of the article, you will have the complete knowledge to tackle the error expertly.

Part 1: Why Outlook Cannot Connect To IMAP Server?

There are different reasons that can cause the issue. It is essential to comprehend the root causes of Outlook's inability to connect to IMAP Server issues to fix the error. The following are the main reasons for the error message:

Now, let's explore the approaches to solving the problem. The solutions will fix the error, and you don't need to say why my outlook IMAP not working.

Part 2: How To Fix Outlook Cannot Connect To IMAP Server?

"Outlook cannot connect to IMAP server" error generally occurs because of the wrong configuration of the IMAP server. If you do not know how to configure the IMAP server appropriately, you might be encountering this error.

Now, we are moving to the solutions that will help in fixing the IMAP outlook not working problem. Here are some solutions that can fix this error:

1.      Switch To A Stable Network

Check if your computer is connected to the internet if the "Outlook cannot connect to server" problem keeps coming. You must ensure your internet connection is reliable and quick enough. If there is a problem, you should switch to a more reliable form of connectivity.

There is a chance that it will fix your Outlook cannot connect to IMAP server problems. Although it may seem simple, we frequently take internet connections for granted. So, there's a potential we could overlook issues with the router and adapter.

If you want to see if your computer is connected to the internet, open any other program. For example, you can try to run your browser. If it doesn't, check the network adapter, restart your computer and router, and see if your internet connection is fixed.

2.     Outgoing Authentication Issue

You must enable outgoing server authentication in order to resolve the Outlook can't log in to IMAP Server problem. It facilitates creating a safe connection between Outlook and the IMAP Server.

By following the instructions listed below, you can enable outgoing SMTP authentication:

Step 1: The first step is to open the Outlook program.

Step 2: Select Account Settings under the Info tab after clicking on the File option.

Step 3: After that, pick Account Settings from the list of choices.

Step 4: On the screen, a fresh wizard will appear.

Press the Change option after choosing the desired email address.

Step 5: Press the additional settings button now in the Add Account window.

Step 6: The next thing to do is select the outgoing server tab.

Step 7: Selecting the checkbox next to My outgoing server (SMTP) requires the authentication option.

Step 8: To save the settings, click the OK button at the end.

Now, restart Outlook to see if the problem has been fixed.

In the end, you can get rid of the outlook IMAP not working issue. If this doesn't work, we also have other solutions for you.

3.     Inappropriate IMAP Server Port

A suitable port number is necessary to establish a better connection between the client and the server. You need to make sure to enter the correct port number for the IMAP server. It is vital that you configure the settings manually.

Besides, the error message "Outlook cannot connect to IMAP Server" must be resolved. Any of these may be utilized as required. Below are the instructions for changing the IMAP Server port.

Step 1: Open the Microsoft Outlook.

Step 2: Now, select File from the menu bar.

Step 3: After that, click on the Account settings icon at this time.

Step 4: Select the Account settings option once more from the list.

Step 5: Click the Change icon next to the specific email account in the new window.

Step 6: Select the More Settings button in the window for changing accounts after that.

Step 7: The following step is to select the Advanced tab now.

Step 8: Incoming Server (IMAP) settings should be 143 (for non-SSL) and 993. (for SSL).

Step 9: To finish, press the OK button to make the modification.

These manual methods will resolve Outlook cannot connect to the IMAP Server issue. Even though these methods work, you need to be a technical specialist to implement them. Additionally, if corrupted PST files cause the error, you cannot fix it. As a result, you ought to use an automatic solution.

4.     Disable All Extensions/Add-Ins

Some Outlook add-ins and antivirus software can block server connections. It is because they perceive them as possible threats. Disable any software that might interfere with the IMAP server connection.

Possibly, your Outlook has an extension enabled that is causing you to experience this issue. You can only try to connect after disabling each extension in such circumstances. If everything runs smoothly, there must be a problem with the extensions.

Moreover, you must know about the steps that you can follow. So, here are the quick steps that might help you:

Step 1: The first step is simple. It is to open Outlook.

Step 2: From the left bar, select "File" > " Options" > " Add-ins."

Step 3: After unchecking every extension, click "OK" on the "Go" button.

Restarting Outlook can help to see if the issue has been fixed. Your Outlook might work perfectly after this solution. If not, then any corrupt PST file might be causing the error. It can get solved with the help of the next solution.

5.     Repair PST Files

Another factor that could prevent a reliable IMAP connection from being made is a large number of severely damaged PST files. Your PST files can be faulty if you still are unable to connect to the IMAP server.

This problem is also a result of the PST files' degradation and corruption. Using a specialized tool for Outlook PST Repair is the right choice as they are simple to fix. So, to restore and recover the Outlook PST files, you can choose an automated option.

We recommend you use one of the best tools for repairing your corrupted PST files. It is Wondershare Repairit for Email.

Don't worry if your Outlook PST/OST files are corrupted or damaged. Wondershare Repairit for Email is available to fix numerous email problems on Windows and Mac in a variety of circumstances. It recovers the deleted emails and allows a preview before saving the files.

Let's know some key features of the tool:

Wondershare Repairit for Email

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1,010,994 people have downloaded it.

• Repair damaged PST & OST Files in Outlook in all Email corruption scenarios, such as hard disk crashes & bad sectors, virus attacks & tojan horse, outlook corruption & malfunctions, improper shutdown procedure, etc.

• Restore Outlook Emails deleted for a long time and extract the Email messages, folders, calendars, etc. within seconds.

• Repair corrupted Emails and restore deleted Emails with a very high success rate.

• Repair Emails in bathes without size limits and support to preview all of them before saving.

• Compatible with Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11, Windows Server 2012/2016/2019, and MacOS X 10.11~ MacOS 12 (Monterey).

After understanding the characteristics of the tools, let's know how it works in three simple steps:

Step 1: The first step is uploading the corrupted PST/OST file you want to repair.

Step 2: Next, click the Repair button and start the Email repair process.

Step 3: Preview the repaired file and save it to the desired path.

After using the tool, you will see how easy it is to fix the "cannot connect to IMAP server outlook" error, as the PST and OST file corruptions will be solved quickly with Repairit.

Part 3: Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Now you feel no more confused about whether Outlook cannot connect to IMAP server issues. The above information includes the solutions to Outlook cannot connect to IMAP Server problems. You can try these techniques if you are also facing the same problem. Many people find it difficult to follow the procedure manually.

Therefore, tools like Repairit for Email are the right choice for them. These are powerful tools that can repair PST files without erasing any data. The tool helps fix PST files and recover deleted contents from Outlook mailboxes. If your PST files are corrupt, it aids you in fixing the IMAP Server problem.