IMAP email server connection error

Sam Barrett 25 Reputation points
2026-03-15T21:09:13.1066667+00:00

two days ago My gmail account stopped downloading from the IMAP server into Outlook. the error I am receiving when I try send and receive is 0x800CCC0E. I have checked the email account repair and that does not help.

Outlook | Windows | Classic Outlook for Windows | For business

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  1. Hornblower409 16,750 Reputation points
    2026-03-15T21:15:26.18+00:00

    Errors 0x800CCC0E or 0x800CCC0F synchronizing IMAP accounts in Classic Outlook
    Unable to add an IMAP account to Classic Outlook

    There are two Microsoft Support Article on this problem. They apply to Classic Outlook and any IMAP account (not just GMail and Yahoo).

    The point of these workaround - Windows is holding on to invalid/corrupt credentials for your IMAP account and passes those values to Outlook when you try to connect. You've got to remove the references to those credentials or clear them out, so Outlook will start the whole IMAP OAuth authentication process from the beginning.

    Registry Edit Workaround

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/users-get-errors-0x800ccc0e-0x800ccc0f-synchronizing-gmail-and-yahoo-accounts-in-classic-outlook-e5a7b684-7c5c-4848-ab2d-d48291451f67

    • This one doesn't fix it for a lot of people. You may need to try the next one as well.

    Clear Windows Credentials Workaround

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/unable-to-add-a-gmail-account-to-classic-outlook-4d9530c5-3f40-4e6d-9b45-4477f160828f

    • You only need to do:
    • "Manual Workaround - Step 1" - Where you remove any existing Microsoft access to your IMAP Account. Instructions are for GMail, so you will have to do whatever similar steps are required for your particular IMAP provider if it's not Google. Keep going on to Step 2 even if there was no Microsoft Access for your account.
    • "Manual Workaround - Step 2" - Where you clear any Windows Credentials associated with your IMAP account.
    • The article title is "Unable to add a Gmail account ..." but it applies to any IMAP accounts, even if they were working before.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-03-15T21:09:23.76+00:00

    Error 0x800CCC0E in classic Outlook when using a Gmail IMAP account typically indicates Outlook cannot connect to the mail server.

    For Gmail accounts, two areas need checking based on the provided information:

    1. Confirm Gmail IMAP is enabled
      • In a browser, sign in at Gmail.com.
      • Select Settings (gear icon) > See all settings.
      • Go to Forwarding and POP/IMAP.
      • Under IMAP Access, select Enable IMAP.
      • Select Save Changes.
    2. Verify IMAP/SMTP server settings in Outlook
      • In Outlook classic, open the account settings for the Gmail account.
      • Confirm the following values match:
        • Incoming mail (IMAP) server: imap.gmail.com
          • Requires SSL: Yes
          • Port: 993
        • Outgoing mail (SMTP) server: smtp.gmail.com
          • Requires SSL: Yes
          • Requires TLS: Yes (if available)
          • Requires Authentication: Yes
          • Port for SSL: 465
          • Port for TLS/STARTTLS: 587
        • Account name/username: full Gmail address
        • Password: Gmail password (or app password if using that method)

    If the problem started recently and is specific to Gmail in classic Outlook, also ensure the Gmail account is correctly authorized for Microsoft apps and services. When adding the Gmail account in classic Outlook, the browser sign-in prompt must have the permission checked for:

    • “Read, compose, send, and permanently delete all your email from Gmail.”

    If that box was not checked when the account was added, Outlook can fail to connect and show errors such as 0x800CCC0E. On supported Outlook builds (Current Channel Version 2412 Build 18324.20168 or later), use the Retry link on the error window to repeat browser sign-in and grant that permission.

    If the Retry flow is not available or does not work, remove the Gmail account from Outlook and add it again, ensuring IMAP is enabled in Gmail and the above permission is granted during sign-in.

    References:

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

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