Having trouble with your Outlook Mail

IMAP and POP are the two vital protocols that help in fetching emails from the server. Users can choose these settings during the setup to enjoy a hassle-free emailing experience. However, due to some technical glitches/faults, users can encounter some errors with their accounts. If you are having IMAP and POP-related issues in Outlook, then it could be the result of email delivery problems, syncing issues, configuration settings, and other errors. 

In addition, getting rid of the problem and having the correct IMAP/POP settings is necessary to have your email account working properly. Here, learn about the causes and solutions of the IMAP and POP-related issues at great length to resolve the error in no time. 

Causes of IMAP and POP-Related Issues in Outlook 

Before we jump to the troubleshooting process, let’s take a look at the potential causes that can lead to the IMAP/POP settings issues in Outlook. 

• You are using outdated or incompatible email client software

• Your device has storage limitations on the email server

• Incorrect login credentials or authentication issues

• Maybe you have Incorrect server settings or configuration

• Firewall or antivirus software blocking email access

• Your account has been suspended or terminated

• Or network connectivity issues or server outages, etc. 

Apart from that, some other reasons also contribute to this problem. Make sure you try to figure out the issue, as it makes the troubleshooting process easier. 

Solution 1: Inspect if the POP/IMAP Settings Are Configured Correctly in Outlook 

The following steps will help you check if your POP/IMAP settings are as required in your email account. 

1. You need to use the provided URL to sign into the Outlook Web App in your internet browser. 

2. Then, type your username and password and select the Sign-in option. 

3. Now, you should move to the top side of the page, choose the Settings option/button, and select Options. 

4. After that, you can check the IMAP and POP settings and make changes accordingly. 

5. Now, verify if the port numbers of the incoming/outgoing servers are correct. 

6. Also, you need to check and enable the SSL encryption for incoming/outgoing servers. 

7. At last, you have to select the Save option to apply all the changes and confirm if the problem is resolved. 

Solution 2: Verify That the Internet Connection Is Working Properly

If you have problems with the internet connection speed or stability can also be the reason for getting the POP/IMAP settings error. Follow these steps to ensure everything is working well with your network connection. 

1. First and foremost, launch your primary web browser and try to open the Outlook website to check if the net is working properly. 

2. If the page opens without any issue, then there is some problem with the Outlook settings or software. 

3. In case the Outlook page does not appear, then close that browser and try to open it in another browser. (If the page opens in the new browser, then the problem is with the other browser.)

4. However, if the same problem appears in both browsers, restart your device and check the network connection. 

5. If all these steps do not work, then get in touch with your internet service provider to fix the issue. 

Solution 3: Make Sure That the Account Is Not Exceeding Its Storage Limit

The problem with your Outlook POP and IMAP can also occur if the account surpasses the storage limit. Here is how you can confirm the free storage space on your account. 

1. Open your account and then head to the File tab. 

2. And then, select the Account Settings button on the open page. 

3. Next, open the drop-down menu and select the Account Settings option. 

4. In order to check the storage limit, click on your account option and then select the Change button. 

5. In the Server Settings section, check the size of the mailbox. 

6. You can compare the mailbox size to the account storage limit by your email provider. 

7. If the storage is about to exceed the limit or about to exceed it, then you need to free up some space by deleting the unnecessary data and files. 

Solution 4: Try to Remove Your Outlook Account and Re-Add It

Sometimes any unknown glitch can lead to Outlook program settings issues. So, you can get rid of this issue by removing the account from your device and then adding it once again. 

1. After opening and logging into your account, move to the File tab. 

2. Then, you are required to choose the email account that you are having the problem with POP/IMAP.

3. After selecting the account, click on the Remove option. 

4. Once the account is removed, click on Add Account and then complete the basic steps in order to add your account once again. 

5. While you log in, please check that you enter the correct login details. 

6. In addition, during the setup process, select the correct IMAP and POP settings. 

7. Once you have added the account successfully, check if the account problem still persists. 

Solution 5: Remove Any Add-Ins That Can Cause Conflict in POP/IMAP Settings

Follow the below steps to remove any unnecessary add-ins from your email account. 

1. Firstly, you should open your account on your PC and tap on the File. 

2. After that, you are required to select Options. 

3. Then, make sure you look for the Add-ins option and open it. 

4. Now, move to the Manage drop-down, click on the COM Add-ins option, and also select Go. 

5. Next, you need to turn off the currently enabled add-ins on the account. 

6. In the next steps, click on the OK option. 

7. Finally, you should restart Outlook to see if the change takes effect.