Applies To
Outlook for Microsoft 365

When email doesn't sync, there are multiple possible causes. Here are some things to try: 

  • Check your internet connection. The network icon in the notification tray show's if you're Internet network not connected icon offline, Wireless connected icon wireless, or Wired connection icon hardwired. Hover over the icon to see the network name and if you have Internet access. If not, check your router and connections. For more info, see Fix network connection issues in Windows.

  • Is Outlook in Offline mode? On the Send/Receive tab, check whether  Work offline button icon Work Offline is currently turned on, and if so, turn it off. If it doesn't start syncing after that, check your internet and connections.

  • Try manually syncing: On the Send/Receive tab, select Send receive groups button  Update Folder or Send/Receive All Folders. For more info see Sync your mail.

  • Check how your email messages are sorted. If everything is working but your inbox isn't showing new mail, select By Date, then All Mail, and choose Newest on top. Press Ctrl + Home to get to the top. Select Received to switch between Newest or Oldest on top. For more details, see Sort messages by date.

  • If Outlook isn't regularly getting mail: Try selecting  Send receive groups button Send/Receive Groups and choosing Define Sent/Receive Groups to specify what folders to update and when to do it. For more details, see Sync your mail automatically.

Tip: To be sure you can sync everything you want, see Sync basics - what you can and cannot sync.

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