Use this FAQ if Outlook for Android is not syncing mail reliably, notifications arrive late, or reminders are missing. These issues can happen when Android limits Outlook in the background. The steps below explain what to check and change. Outlook for Android needs permission to keep working when your device is locked or when you are using another app. This allows Outlook to check for new mail, send notifications, and keep calendar reminders up to date. Some Android devices include battery-saving settings that stop apps from working in the background. If Outlook is restricted, you may see delayed email, missing email, late notifications, or missing reminders.
Most background problems are caused by one of these settings:
| Scenario | Cause |
|---|---|
| Battery Optimization, also known as “Power Saver mode” or “Optimized/Restricted Battery mode” | Your device’s power-saving settings are limiting Outlook because Outlook battery settings have not been set to “Unrestricted”. |
| Full Background Restrictions | You or an IT admin has manually restricted the app from running in the background. This can sometimes occur on devices managed by an organization. |
What Happens When Outlook Is Battery Optimized
If Outlook is set to battery optimized, Android may restrict what Outlook can do when you are not actively using the client. You may see the following behavior:
- Emails will either intermittently sync or not sync at all when Outlook is not in use.
- You may receive notifications minutes or hours late.
- You may be asked to sign back into your account several times.
- Certain scheduled actions, such as delayed send or calendar reminders, will not function as expected.
What Happens When Full Background Restrictions are Enabled
If full background restrictions are turned on, Outlook cannot work in the background. This can stop core features, such as mail sync, notifications, and reminders, from working reliably.
How to Exempt Outlook from Battery Optimization
To help Outlook work reliably, change Outlook battery usage to "Unrestricted." Exact steps may vary depending on your device.
Note
This may potentially consume additional battery resources.
Google Devices (Pixel, Android One)
- Open Settings → Apps → Outlook → Battery
- Select “Unrestricted”
- Alternatively: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All Apps → Outlook → Don’t optimize
Samsung (One UI)
- Open Settings → Apps → Outlook → Battery
- Select “Unrestricted” Also make sure Outlook is not listed as a sleeping app. Sleeping apps may not run in the background, which can delay mail sync and notifications: Sleeping apps on your Galaxy device
Xiaomi (MIUI / HyperOS)
- Open Settings → Apps → Manage apps → Outlook → Battery saver
- Select “No restrictions”
- Also check: Settings → Battery → Battery saver → ensure Outlook is not restricted
Managed/MDM Devices
If your device is managed by your company or school, you may not be able to change some device settings yourself. If the setting is locked, contact your IT support team and ask them to allow Outlook to run with unrestricted battery usage.
How to Disable Power Saver Mode
Power Saver mode is a device-wide battery setting that may turn on when your battery is low. It can limit background activity for all apps, including Outlook. Outlook may have sync or notification problems even if Outlook battery usage is set to "Unrestricted." To turn off Power Saver mode, open your device’s Settings app and look for Battery Saver, Power Saving, or a similar battery mode. Turn the mode off. Some devices also let you turn it off from the quick settings menu.
Still Having Issues?
If you've exempted Outlook from battery optimization and are still experiencing sync issues:
- If you are using a VPN, corporate proxy, or other restricted network, switch to a different network and check whether Outlook syncs normally.
- Check that background data is enabled for Outlook. You can typically find this option under your device’s Settings app → Apps → Outlook → Mobile data
- If installed, make sure the Microsoft Authenticator and Company Portal apps are also exempt from battery and background restrictions. If Outlook does not sync correctly, contact Outlook in-app support for more help. In Outlook, go to Settings > Help & Feedback > Contact Support.