Gmail Stopped Syncing with Outlook Mac: Get Top 6 Fixes

What to do if Outlook for Mac not syncing with Gmail? Read this article to get the possible causes and 6 effective solutions.

By @Lily Last Updated August 9, 2024

User case: Gmail stopped syncing to Outlook 365 for Mac

“Using the original version of Outlook as the new mail is not complete until it supports local folders and apple script. And it's worthless to me without those features. As of today, both of my gmails stopped syncing. When I try to sync, it wants to sign into Google. So I sign in, but then it doesn't do anything afterward I'm signed in on my browser. Usually at this point, it recognizes the sign in and proceeds to sync up. Not anymore. It's signed in but waiting for me to sign in, have tried signing in several times, with 3 different browsers. All the same results.”

– Microsoft Community

Why Outlook for Mac not syncing with Gmail?

When Gmail stopped syncing with Outlook for Mac, several factors could be causing the issue. Here are some common reasons:

  • Internet Connectivity Issues: A stable internet connection is required for email synchronization. Any interruptions or weak connections can prevent Outlook from syncing with Gmail.
  • Firewall or Antivirus Interference: Firewall or antivirus software on your Mac might be blocking Outlook's access to Gmail servers.
  • IMAP Not Enabled: Gmail requires IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) to be enabled for third-party email clients like Outlook to access and sync emails.
  • Permission Issues: Outlook might not have the necessary permissions to access your Gmail account. This can happen if permissions were revoked or not granted correctly.
  • Outdated Software: If either Outlook or macOS is outdated, compatibility issues may arise, preventing proper syncing.

How to fix Gmail not syncing with Outlook on Mac

Here are 6 effective solutions to help you fix Gmail not syncing with Outlook on Mac. Pick one solution that best fits your situation.

πŸ‘‰ Fix 1: Check internet connection πŸ‘‰ Fix 2: Check firewall and antivirus settings πŸ‘‰ Fix 3: Verify Gmail settings πŸ‘‰ Fix 4: Re-add Gmail account in Outlook πŸ‘‰ Fix 5: Clear Outlook cache πŸ‘‰ Fix 6: Update Outlook and macOS πŸ‘‰ Bonus: Best freeware to protect your Mac filesπŸ”₯

Fix 1: Check internet connection

Ensure your Mac is connected to the internet. A stable and strong internet connection is crucial for syncing email.

1. On your Mac, choose Apple menu System Settings, then click Network in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.)

2. View the network connection status on the right. A green, yellow, red, or gray status indicator appears below the service name.

πŸ‘‰ Green: Your Mac is connected to the network and has an active internet connection. Everything is functioning correctly. πŸ‘‰ Yellow: Your Mac is connected to the network but may not have an active internet connection. There might be an issue with the router or internet service provider. πŸ‘‰ Red: Your Mac is not connected to the network. This could be due to the network being unavailable or a problem with your network settings. πŸ‘‰ Gray: The network interface (such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet) is inactive or turned off. This can happen if you have manually disabled the network connection or the network hardware is not in use.

Fix 2: Check firewall and antivirus settings

Ensure that your firewall or antivirus software is not blocking Outlook's access to Gmail.

1. On your Mac, choose Apple menu System Settings, click Network in the sidebar, then click Firewall. (You may need to scroll down.)

2. Click Options. If the Options button is disabled, first turn on Firewall.

3. Click the + button under the list of applications and services, then select Outlook to allow connections through the firewall.

4. If you are using antivirus software, check its settings to ensure Outlook is not blocked.

Fix 3: Verify Gmail settings

Make sure IMAP is enabled in your Gmail settings to allow email syncing.

1. Log in to your Gmail account in a web browser.

2. Click the gear icon in the upper right corner and select See all settings.

3. Navigate to the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab. Under the IMAP Access section, ensure Enable IMAP is selected.

 

4. Click Save Changes if any modifications were made.

Fix 4: Re-add Gmail account in Outlook

Sometimes, removing and re-adding the Gmail account can resolve syncing issues.

1. Open Outlook for Mac.

2. Select Tools Accounts. On the left-hand side of the window, select the Gmail account you want to sign out of.

3. In the lower left of the Accounts dialog box, click the - button. Then select Sign out.

Note: For third-party email services or accounts (Gmail, Yahoo! Mail, etc.), you can sign out on your current Mac device or all your devices.

4. Restart Outlook for Mac.

5. Select Tools Accounts. In the lower left of the Accounts dialog box, click the + button > New Account.

6. Enter your Gmail email address and follow the prompts to add your account.

Fix 5: Clear Outlook cache

Clearing the Outlook cache might resolve syncing issues.

1. Close Outlook.

2. Open Finder. In the menu bar, click Go > Go to Folder.

3. Type ~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.Outlook/Data/Library/Caches. Then click Go or hit Enter to open the target folder.

4. Delete the contents of the Caches folder.

5. Reopen Outlook.

Fix 6: Update Outlook and macOS

Ensure both Outlook and macOS are updated to their latest versions to avoid compatibility issues.

πŸ’œUpdate macOS:

1. Click the Apple menuSystem Settings.

2. Click General in the sidebar of the window that opens, then click Software Update on the right.

3. If an update is available, click Update Now or Upgrade Now.

πŸ’œUpdate Outlook:

1. Open Outlook for Mac.

2. Go to Help > Check for Updates.

3. If an update is available, follow the prompts to update.

Bonus: Best freeware to protect your Mac files

You never know when errors might strike on your Mac, so it's essential to back up your important data. AOMEI Backupper Mac, the best free Mac sync software, can help you with this. It allows you to sync files and folders from one location to another, providing an effective backup solution.

AOMEI Backupper Mac
Easy and Free Mac File Sync Software
  • It is embedded with three sync types: Basic SyncMirror Sync and Two-Way Sync, catering to your different needs.

  • You are able to sync Mac files and folders to a local disk, USB flash drive, network location and NAS device, etc.

  • To keep files up-to-date in the sync destination, you can run automatic folder sync on Mac with the Schedule feature.

  • It is easy to use and supports macOS 10.15 or later.

Don't wait - download AOMEI Backupper Mac and give it a try today! To sync Mac folders using AOMEI Backupper, click New Task in the main interface. Then, choose sync type > select sync source/destination. Finally, click Sync to run the task.

Summary

The problem Gmail stopped syncing with Outlook Mac can be frustrating, but with the right approach, it's a problem that can be resolved efficiently. By understanding the common causes of these syncing issues and following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you can restore seamless communication and productivity.

To ensure your data security on Mac, it is suggested to copy your important files to different locations with the best file copy software for Mac – AOMEI Backupper. It enables you to transfer files between Macs or from Mac to external drive. Just explore it by yourself!