Connect IMAP to Outlook for Desktop Access: Settings & Steps

Published By Jamie Kaler

Approved By Rollins Duke

Published On July 31st, 2026

Reading Time 5 Min Read

Wants to connect IMAP to Outlook New, Classic (2024, 2021, 2019, and 2016) or Mac to manage to synchronize and manage all emails within Outlook. If so, this is the right place for you. In this blog post, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to set up and add IMAP to Outlook.

Migration vs Setting Up An IMAP Account in Outlook

Setting up an account refers to the process of adding a new email account to Outlook for the first time. One can use the Outlook application to synchronize and manage the IMAP account data directly from the server.

Migration, on the other hand, refers to the process of transferring an existing IMAP account’s data like emails from the IMAP server to Outlook’s local storage (PST file). You are not synchronizing the data to use both of them in conjunction. But you are enabling local access of IMAP emails in Outlook without connecting to the server.

Users need to connect their IMAP emails in Outlook desktop application often when they get a new account needs to be set up, troubleshooting sync issues. However they often run into errors like “Something Went Wrong” or face issue collecting correct server setting.

However, don’t worry, here we will help you with complete information and step by step guide to add IMAP email to Outlook.

Official Documented Steps Connect IMAP to Outlook: By Microsoft

Outlook email client allows users to connect any IMAP-based email client or service for migration or configuration. So, you can easily add IMAP account to Outlook on Mac or Windows by following the given steps:

Open Outlook and select “File”.
Choose the “Add Account” tab.
Choose “Manual Setup” and “Next”.
Simply choose the “POP or IMAP”.
Next, provide account IMAP ID, password, etc.
Also, enter other IMAP account information.
Select “More Settings” from the bottom.
Next, Head to the “Outgoing Server”
Here, checkmark the “My Outgoing Server Requires Authentication” option to enable it.
This time, go to the “Advanced” tab to connect IMAP to Outlook.
Next, you’ll need to enter your IMAP server settings. This includes your incoming and outgoing server settings, as well as your port numbers.
Once you’ve entered your IMAP server settings, select “OK” to save your changes.
Once Outlook has finished setting up your IMAP account, select “Finish” to complete the process.

And that’s it! You’ve successfully connected IMAP to Outlook. Now you can start sending and receiving emails from your IMAP account in Outlook.

Direct Solution to Import IMAP to Outlook New/Classic With Unicode File

RecoveryTools IMAP Server Backup Tool is a powerful tool that allows users to add IMAP to Outlook. This software ensures that every email is successfully migrated to Outlook. Even non-technical users find it easy to use this software because of its user-friendly interface.

You can download the free trial version here to try the software on your end without spending any penny. So that you can easily understand how it works to connect IMAP to Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, and older versions:

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How to Add IMAP Email to Outlook Desktop Client Directly?

First, we will export IMAP emails in PST format, because Outlook only accepts PST format for importing data.

Install and launch the software to connect IMAP to Outlook on your system.
Enter your credentials and host of the source email account (IMAP account) and click on the “Login” button.
Select the IMAP folders that you need to transfer or migrate to Outlook.
Now, choose the “PST (Outlook Data File)” from the list of saving options.
Apply some advanced filters to sync IMAP email with Outlook selectively and browse the path to save output.
The wizard will start to download emails from IMAP folders after clicking on the “Backup” button.
Wait until the process is completed, then close the wizard.

After exporting IMAP server data, now we will import it into Outlook by following the rest steps:

Launch Outlook on your system.
Select the “Import/Export” option from the “File” menu >> “Open & Export”.
Choose the “Import from Another Program or File” option, then hit “Next”.
Select the “PST” file type as the import source.
Then locate and select the exported file.
Map the IMAP Backup Wizard file(s) to the Outlook folder(s) you desire.
Hit Finish, and your IMAP data will be migrated or transferred to Outlook.

Note: The process does not delete your data from the IMAP account. It simply exports IMAP emails to PST (a copy of your data) and then imports it into the Outlook application.

Queries Asked by Users

Q 1: Why is Outlook not connecting to IMAP?

Ans: Check your internet connection, and verify provided incoming and outgoing server settings are correct or not.

Q 2: Is Outlook POP3 or IMAP?

Ans: Outlook supports both POP3 and IMAP configurations.

Q 3: How do I find my IMAP settings in Outlook?

Open Outlook, go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings, select your account, and click Change to view the server name and port.

Concluding Lines

In conclusion, connecting an IMAP account to Outlook can be a seamless process if you follow the right steps. It is essential to ensure that you have the correct login credentials and connect to the right ports and servers. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you will successfully add IMAP to Outlook desktop version, and enjoy the benefits of the platform. Remember to check your settings and test your connection before starting the migration process to avoid any errors