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How to set up and use Gmail in Outlook: Windows, Mac, and mobile
With web-based email clients the norm nowadays, Microsoft’s Outlook might seem outdated. However, there are a lot of strong use cases for Outlook, and it’s a great tool for monitoring multiple email accounts. But how do you set up Gmail in Outlook?
Below, we tell you how to set up Gmail in Outlook across multiple platforms. Generally, if you use any of Microsoft’s Outlook apps, we’ve got the instructions you need.
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QUICK ANSWER
On Outlook for Windows, you can head to File > Info and then hit the Add Account button to start. You then follow the on-screen instructions to set up Gmail in Outlook. You'll need your Gmail account and that account's password. You'll also need your two-factor authentication device, which is usually your smartphone.
DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS
Set up Gmail in Outlook on Windows
Adding Gmail to Outlook for Windows is easy. Below, you’ll find the complete steps to do it within an existing install of Outlook. We’ve also included some screenshots. The instructions work for Outlook 2013 and later. That includes the Office 365 version of Outlook.
If you’ve just installed Outlook, you’ll be automatically prompted to add an account when you first start the app. Just begin with the second step in the instructions below.
Open Outlook and head to File > Info, and then hit the Add Account button to start.
A dialog box will pop up. When it does, enter your Gmail account.
With your email entered, hit the Connect button. A new dialog box will pop up. You’ll need to prove to Google that you own this account before you’ll be able to set up Gmail in Outlook. Hit the blue Next button to begin.
Enter your Gmail password into the box. Make sure the Stay Signed In checkbox is ticked so you don’t need to enter your password each time you open Outlook.
Hit the Sign In button. You will need to verify your account ownership with two-factor authentication. This usually involves a text to your phone or a pop-up notification on your phone. Check your smartphone to make the approval.
Once approved, the dialog box on your PC will ask you if you want to allow Gmail access. You do, so hit Allow.
You’ve set up Gmail in Outlook. Hit the Done button and watch all your email download.
Set up Gmail in Outlook on macOS
On macOS, adding Gmail to Outlook is a little different from how you do it on Windows. You’ll still need to prove to Google that you own the account, which will involve two-factor authentication with your smartphone. However, you’ll need to use your browser to actually log in to your account. Don’t worry, you only need to do this once to get set up.
- First, open your default browser (Safari, Chrome, etc.) and make sure you are logged in with Google. You can do this by visiting mail.google.com and making sure the account you want to use is logged in. If it’s not, go through the usual steps of logging in. First-time logins will ask for two-factor authentication using your smartphone.
- Once connected in your browser, open Outlook and head to Outlook > Preferences > Accounts. Hit the + icon at the bottom left and then hit the New Account button to start.
- A dialog box will pop up. When it does, enter your Gmail account.
- With your email entered, hit the Continue button.
- Outlook will match your email to the provider, which should be Google. If, for whatever reason, it doesn’t, just hit Choose The Provider and select the appropriate company.
- Your default browser will open, and you’ll need to choose your desired account. Since you already logged in during Step 1, the appropriate account should be listed here. Select it.
- Click the Allow button. If necessary, click Allow again.
- Success! You’ve set up Gmail in Outlook. Hit the Done button and watch all your email download.
Gmail in Microsoft Outlook for Android and iOS
Microsoft’s mobile app version of Outlook is very different from the two desktop versions. However, there are not too many differences between Android and iOS. Just follow the instructions below to set up Gmail in Outlook on either platform.
Set up Gmail in Outlook for Android
- Install the Outlook app for Android.
- Open the app. On the welcome screen, hit Add Account.
- You don’t need to enter your email address in the box that appears. Instead, just hit Add Google Account.
- A dialog box will pop up asking you which account you’d like to add. Tap the Gmail account you want or hit Add Another Account to connect to a different one.
- Once you’ve selected the appropriate account, you’ll need to grant access to Microsoft. Hit Allow.
- Success! At this point, you can either add another account (hit the Add button) or hit Maybe Later if you’re finished.
Set up Gmail in Outlook for iOS
- Install the Outlook app for iOS.
- Open the app. Type in your email address and then hit Add Account.
- Enter the password for your account in the next dialog box and then tap Sign In.
- At this point, you will likely need to authenticate your login using two-factor authentication. This could involve a text message or other notification on your phone. Follow the instructions and grant access to the Outlook app.
- Once authenticated, you’re done! You can either add another account (hit the Let’s Do It button) or hit Maybe Later if you’re finished.
Read more: How to recover deleted emails from Gmail
FAQs
Yes. In all Outlook apps, you can connect as many accounts as you wish. Just repeat the instructions above until you’ve added all your accounts. You can also connect your Google calendars to Outlook if you like.
The apps for Windows and macOS are not free. You’ll need to buy them outright or subscribe to Office 365. However, the Android and iOS apps are free.