Configure Outlook with Gmail

Step-by-step instructions to connect Outlook clients to Gmail or Google Workspace SMTP securely.

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Prep Gmail / Google Workspace

Turn on IMAP in the Gmail settings panel, confirm 2-Step Verification, and create an app password specifically tagged for Outlook. Workspace admins should also enable the Gmail API and modern OAuth scopes for the org so Outlook can negotiate refresh tokens instead of storing static passwords.

Collect the SMTP/IMAP details

Gmail + Workspace both use smtp.gmail.com on port 465 (SSL) or 587 (STARTTLS) plus imap.gmail.com on port 993. Require authentication for both and jot down the sending identity's full email address because Outlook will prompt for it multiple times during the wizard.

Configure Outlook profile

Add a new account, choose manual setup, and select IMAP. Enter the Gmail servers, SSL/TLS requirements, and the freshly created app password. Outlook desktop releases from 2023 onward prefer OAuth – if available, sign in using the Google prompt rather than storing the app password.

Harden the setup

From the Google Admin console, restrict SMTP relay addresses, enforce DMARC alignment, and monitor login attempts. Pair the mailbox with a security platform that flags impossible travel, brute-force attempts, or unusual sending bursts.

Visual cues

Walk through the Outlook manual setup wizard with Gmail details in hand.

Lock down SMTP relay rules once the connection works.

Pair Gmail telemetry with Outlook logs to watch for abuse.