No email coming in my Outlook account

Sign in to Outlook.com in a browser and check Settings → General → Storage first, because a full Microsoft cloud storage quota stops incoming mail and messages rejected while it was full cannot be recovered.^1^

1. Check storage

1. Open Outlook.com and select Settings (gear icon).
2. Go to General → Storage.
3. If mailbox or Microsoft cloud storage is full, delete unneeded messages and files.
4. Empty Deleted Items afterward so that the deleted mail no longer consumes mailbox space.
5. Once space is available, send a new test message from another email account.

Messages sent while storage was full may have been returned to their senders and will not arrive later automatically.^1^

2. Remove settings that may redirect or hide mail

Because the Spam/Junk folder is already empty, move to these checks rather than checking it again:

• Settings → Mail → Rules: Disable or delete rules that move or delete incoming messages.
• Settings → Mail → Forwarding: Turn off forwarding unless it is intentional.
• Settings → Mail → Junk email: Review Blocked senders and domains and remove legitimate senders.
• In the message list, select Filter → All, followed by Filter → Sort → Date.
• Check Other, Deleted Items, Archive, and any custom folders. Rules, Sweep, Focused Inbox, or accidental archiving can move messages out of Inbox.^2^

If messages were deleted, open Deleted Items → Recover items deleted from this folder on a computer. Items removed from Deleted Items remain recoverable for up to 30 days.^2^

3. Run an external delivery test

Send a new message to the Outlook.com address from a different provider or ask someone to send one.

• Verify that the address is spelled correctly.
• Ask the sender whether they received a non-delivery report or bounce message.
• If only particular senders fail and no error appears, those senders may need to use Microsoft’s Sender Support process.^1^
• If the test appears on Outlook.com but not in an Outlook app, the mailbox is receiving mail and the remaining issue is app synchronization. If POP or IMAP is enabled for a connected application, Microsoft recommends disabling it and testing again.^1^

4. Check account and service status

The public Microsoft status page currently does not indicate a broad service outage, but check it again when testing because conditions can change.^3^

If the password was changed recently or Microsoft detected unusual activity, the account may require verification or unblocking. Also review the Microsoft account’s Recent activity page if there are unfamiliar sign-ins; unauthorized access can result in rules or forwarding being added.^2^

5. Escalate if the external test never arrives

If storage is available, no rule or forwarding setting redirects mail, and a new external test does not appear in any folder:

1. In Outlook.com, select Help on the menu bar.
2. Search for cannot receive emails.
3. Scroll to Still need help? and select Yes.
4. Choose the available option to chat with a support agent.
5. Provide the approximate date delivery stopped, affected sender domains, test timestamps, and any non-delivery error text. Do not post complete email addresses publicly.

Microsoft Support can investigate mailbox-side delivery records that cannot be accessed through public Q&A.^1^

References

1. Can't send or receive email in Outlook.com | Microsoft Support
2. Email is missing from your Outlook.com inbox | Microsoft Support
3. Microsoft service health status