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How To Fix “AOL Mail Not Working With Outlook” In 8 Easy Steps
Posted: Sep 09, 2025
Having trouble getting your AOL Mail to work with Outlook?
It's a pain, but you're not the only one dealing with this. Lots of folks find their AOL account in Outlook suddenly acting up – error messages, can't send or get emails, or constantly asking for your password.
This usually happens after Outlook or AOL updates its security stuff or if your settings are off. But don't sweat it! Here's how to fix it in eight easy steps, along with some answers to questions people often ask. The good news? You can usually sort this out with a bit of careful checking.
Why AOL Mail Stops Playing Nice with Outlook
Before we fix things, let's see why this happens:
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):** AOL's bumped up security, so you may a special app password rather than your normal one for apps like Outlook.* **Wrong Server Settings:** Old or incorrect settings for IMAP, POP, or SMTP can mess things up.* **Firewall or Antivirus Being Overprotective:** Your security software might be blocking Outlook from connecting to AOL.* **Outlook Profile Messed Up:** Your Outlook profile might be damaged.* **Old Software:** Older Outlook versions might not jive with AOL's security.* **Random Glitches:** Sometimes it's just a temporary hiccup.* **Account Setup Mistakes:** Typos or wrong settings can cause problems.
8 Easy Steps to Get AOL Mail Working in Outlook
Do these in order:
- Step 1: Make and Use an App Password**
If you've got two-step verification turned on for your AOL account, you need a special app password for Outlook.
1. Log into your AOL account on a web browser.2. Go to your Account Security settings.3. Find the Generate app password area.4. Pick Outlook Desktop or name it yourself.5. Copy that 16-character password they give you.
- Step 2: Double-Check Your AOL Server Settings in Outlook**
Make sure your account's using the right IMAP or POP and SMTP settings:
- Incoming Mail (IMAP):** * Server: imap.aol.com * Port: 993 * Encryption: SSL/TLS* **Outgoing Mail (SMTP):** * Server: smtp.aol.com * Port: 465 or 587 * Encryption: SSL/TLS * Make sure Use same settings as incoming mail server is checked.
In Outlook, swap out your regular AOL password for this app password.
- Step 3: Update Microsoft Outlook**
Old Outlook versions can cause issues.
1. In Outlook, go to File> Office Account (or just Account in older versions).2. Click Update Options and then Update Now.3. Install any updates and restart Outlook.
- Step 4: Fix or Make a New Outlook Profile**
A messed-up Outlook profile can cause connection problems.
1. Open Control Panel, search for Mail, and click Show Profiles.2. Pick your profile and hit Repair (if you can) or Remove.3. If removing, make a new profile by clicking Add and naming it. Set it as the default. Then, set up your AOL account in it.
- Step 5: Turn Off Two-Factor Authentication Briefly**
While using an app password is ideal, turning off 2FA for a moment can help you figure out if it's the root of the issue.
1. Log into AOL on the web.2. Go to Account Security> Two-Factor Authentication.3. Turn it off for now.4. Try connecting Outlook again with your regular password.
- Note:** Turn 2FA back on after checking!
- Step 6: Check Your Firewall and Antivirus Settings**
Your security stuff might be blocking Outlook.
1. Turn off your firewall or antivirus temporarily.2. See if AOL Mail works in Outlook now.3. If it does, add Outlook as an exception in your security software.
- Step 7: Remove and Re-Add Your AOL Account in Outlook**
Sometimes, the account data gets corrupted. A fresh start can help.
1. In Outlook, go to File> Account Settings> Account Settings.2. Pick your AOL account and click Remove.3. Add the account back manually, using the right server settings and that app password.4. Restart Outlook
- Step 8: Fix Those PST Files (If Needed)**
Messed-up Outlook data files (PST) can stop things from syncing correctly.Use Outlook's Inbox Repair Tool to fix PST files.
- Tips to Avoid Issues Later
- Keep Outlook and your operating system updated.* Stick with app passwords when using 2FA.* Check AOL's server settings now and then for changes.* Use IMAP instead of POP for better syncing across devices.
- Common Questions
1. **Why does Outlook keep asking for my AOL password?**
- Outlook may requires an app-specific password for authentication. Generate one from your AOL account security settings and use it in Outlook.2. **Will reinstalling Outlook delete my AOL emails?**
- If you're using IMAP, you should not lose data. If POP, back up your PC.3. **Can I use AOL Mail without Outlook?**
- Yes, use it through a web browser.4. **What are the right AOL server settings for Outlook?**
- IMAP: imap.aol.com, Port 993, SSL. Outgoing: smtp.aol.com, Port 465 or 587, SSL. * POP: pop.aol.com, Port 995, SSL. Outgoing: smtp.aol.com, Port 465, SSL.5. **What if none of this works?**
- Contact AOL Support to check for account issues.
AOL Mail messing up with Outlook is annoying but usually fixable. If it keeps happening, get help from AOL or Microsoft, or use tools to protect your data.
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