Please note that my account requires attention

Morris Wendy 0 Reputation points
2026-11-13T13:08:29.2866667+00:00

Outlook indicates that my account requires attention. When I select "sign in via browser," I am redirected to a Microsoft sign-in page for its apps and services. After clicking "continue," another window appears, stating that Microsoft apps and services would like to access my Google account. Meanwhile, Outlook continues its attempt to "add this location to your Office account." The only way to proceed with the sign-in process is to grant this access which allows the application to read, compose, send, and permanently delete emails from my Gmail. Although I would prefer not to, I am forced to grant this permission. Afterward, I receive a notification: "Authentication complete; you can close this browser tab and return to your Office application." However, upon returning to Outlook, the original warning remains, accompanied by the message: "Sorry, we couldn't sign in to your Google (IMAP) account. Please try again later." I am stuck in this recurring loop how ​​can I resolve this issue?

Outlook | Windows | Classic Outlook for Windows | For home
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  1. Diana Mariz 11,405 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-11-13T13:49:55.3333333+00:00

    Hi Morris,

    Please be advised that there is an ongoing Microsoft 365 service disruption affecting Outlook and Exchange Online connectivity. This may also be affecting the Outlook account configuration process you are experiencing.

    Although we cannot confirm that the issue is directly caused by the ongoing outage, we recommend waiting until Microsoft has restored the affected services before attempting to add or configure your Gmail account again.

    Once the service disruption is resolved, please try setting up your account again. If the issue persists, we can proceed with further troubleshooting to identify the cause of the authentication error.

    We appreciate your patience and understanding while Microsoft works to restore the affected services

    In the meantime, you may check the link below for the latest updates and any new information regarding this issue: https://portal.office.com/servicestatus

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  2. AI answer

    2026-11-13T13:08:44.9866667+00:00

    This is a known issue in classic Outlook when adding or reauthenticating a Gmail account through browser sign-in.

    The fix is:

    1. Check the Outlook build.
      • The issue is fixed starting with Current Channel Version 2412 Build 18324.20168.
      • If Outlook is older than that build, update Office first.
    2. Retry the Gmail sign-in from Outlook after updating.
      • When the Google consent page appears, the checkbox for Microsoft apps & services can access: “Read, compose, send, and permanently delete all your email from Gmail.” must be selected.
      • After updating to the fixed build, use the Retry link in the Outlook error window to repeat the browser sign-in.
    3. If the loop continues, clear the old Google consent and cached Outlook OAuth credentials, then add the account again.
      • Fully close Outlook.
      • In a browser, sign in to the Gmail account, open Google Account > Security > Your connections to third-party apps & services, select Microsoft apps & services, choose See details, then Remove all access.
      • Open Credential Manager from Start.
      • Go to Windows Credentials.
      • Remove entries that start with MicrosoftOffice16_Data:OAUTH2 and include tp_google_imap_Oauth2.
      • Reopen Outlook and sign in again through the browser flow.
      • On the Google permission page, make sure the Gmail access checkbox is selected.

    Expected result: Outlook should complete the OAuth sign-in and stop showing “account requires attention” and “Sorry, we couldn't sign in to your Google (IMAP) account.”

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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