How to Fix Gmail Import from Outlook Not Working: Easy Solutions

Ritu Roy | Email Conversion Gmail How to's Outlook | 7 minutes read | Modified on: 24-10-2026

In this blog, you can easily learn how to fix the “Gmail Import Mail from Outlook Not Working” error and transfer your Outlook emails to Gmail without unnecessary hassle. This issue may occur due to incorrect account settings, POP configuration problems, authentication errors, or temporary service issues. We will discuss the common reasons behind this problem and explain practical solutions to help you import your emails successfully. If the built-in methods do not work, the CubexSoft PST Converter Tool offers an alternative way to convert Outlook PST files into a Gmail-compatible format, making email migration simpler and more convenient.

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What Is the “Gmail Import Mail from Outlook Not Working” Issue?

The “Gmail Import Mail from Outlook Not Working” issue occurs when users try to transfer their Outlook emails to Gmail but the import process fails to start, gets stuck midway, or finishes without importing the expected messages. This can be frustrating, especially when you need to access your old emails through Gmail.

There can be several reasons behind this problem, including incorrect account configurations, authentication failures, or restrictions imposed by your email provider. Identifying the actual cause can help you choose the right troubleshooting method and avoid repeated import attempts.

Common reasons why Gmail cannot import emails from Outlook include:

  • Incorrect POP Settings: POP access may not be enabled or configured correctly for the Outlook account.
  • Wrong Server Information: Incorrect server addresses, port numbers, or login details can prevent Gmail from connecting to Outlook.
  • Authentication Problems: Two-step verification or modern authentication requirements may interfere with the import process.
  • Firewall or Security Restrictions: Antivirus software, firewalls, or network policies may block certain email connections.
  • Account-Level Restrictions: Microsoft 365 administrators or email service providers may restrict external access or POP connections.

Understanding these possible causes is the first step toward resolving the issue. In the following sections, we will explore practical troubleshooting methods to help you import Outlook emails into Gmail successfully.

Top Ways to Fix the “Importing Mail from Outlook to Gmail Is Not Working” Error

Before attempting to transfer emails manually, try the troubleshooting methods below. Incorrect account settings and connection issues are common reasons for import failures, so checking the basic configuration is a good place to start.

1. Check POP and IMAP Settings in Outlook

Incorrect mail access settings can prevent Gmail from retrieving messages from your Outlook account. Gmail’s built-in mail import feature may require POP access, depending on the import method and account type. Therefore, check whether the required settings are available and enabled.

Follow these steps to check your settings:

  1. Sign in to your Outlook.com account using a web browser.
  2. Open Settings and select Mail.
  3. Look for the Forwarding and IMAP or POP-related settings, depending on your account and interface.
  4. If a POP option is available, check whether it is enabled and review any available message-handling preferences.
  5. Save your changes, if required, and try importing your Outlook emails into Gmail again.

Why does this help?

If POP access is disabled or restricted, Gmail may be unable to retrieve messages through a POP-based connection. However, the available settings differ between Outlook.com, Microsoft 365 work or school accounts, and desktop Outlook. Enabling IMAP alone does not resolve a POP-based import problem, so make sure you check the settings relevant to your particular account and import method.

2. Verify POP Server Details in Gmail

Even if POP access is enabled in Outlook, incorrect server information or security settings can prevent Gmail from connecting to your account. Check the server address, port number, and encryption settings before trying the import again.

For Outlook.com and Microsoft 365 accounts, the correct connection details depend on the account type and the supported authentication method. For a supported Microsoft 365 POP connection, the typical settings are:

  • POP Server: outlook.office365.com
  • Port Number: 995
  • Encryption: SSL/TLS enabled

Follow these steps to troubleshoot the connection:

  1. Open Gmail and navigate to Settings > See all settings > Accounts and Import.
  2. Locate the option for checking mail from other accounts, if available.
  3. Review the Outlook account details and verify the server settings.
  4. Make sure the correct port and secure connection options are selected.
  5. Save the changes and check whether Gmail can retrieve your emails.

If the connection still fails, remove the existing import configuration, if possible, and try setting it up again. Keep in mind that Gmail’s available import options and Microsoft’s authentication requirements may vary by account type.

3. Re-Authenticate or Re-Add Your Outlook Account

Authentication issues can also prevent Gmail from accessing your Outlook mailbox. This is particularly relevant for Microsoft 365 work or school accounts, where administrators may restrict external access or require specific sign-in methods.

Try the following troubleshooting steps:

  1. Open Gmail and go to Settings >Accounts and Import.
  2. Review the existing Outlook import configuration and remove it if the option is available.
  3. Check your Microsoft account’s security settings and confirm that your account can use the required mail access method.
  4. If supported, reconnect the account using the correct authentication method and credentials.
  5. Attempt the import again and check whether the problem has been resolved.

Important: An app password is not available for every Microsoft account and should not be assumed to work with Gmail’s importer. If your account requires modern authentication or your administrator has disabled POP access, using an app password may not resolve the issue. In such cases, check your organization’s policies or consider an alternative migration method.

4. Import Outlook Emails into Gmail Using CubexSoft Automated

If the built-in import feature continues to fail, converting your Outlook data separately may be a practical alternative. This approach avoids depending entirely on Gmail’s POP-based import process.

The CubexSoft PST to Gmail Converter Tool is designed to convert Outlook PST files into formats suitable for transferring email data to other email platforms. Instead of repeatedly troubleshooting server connections, you can work with an existing PST archive and prepare its contents for migration.

You can also refer to this guide on transferring Outlook emails to a Gmail account for additional information.

Why consider an alternative conversion method?

  • Avoid POP Import Dependency: Work with your existing PST archive rather than relying solely on Gmail’s built-in mail retrieval feature.
  • Preserve Email Information: Help retain email content, attachments, and other supported message details during conversion.
  • Organize Mailbox Data: Keep email data organized for easier handling during migration, depending on the selected output format.
  • Handle Large Archives: A dedicated conversion workflow may be more convenient when working with multiple PST files or extensive email collections.
  • Reduce Repeated Troubleshooting: Avoid repeatedly changing server settings when the underlying problem is related to authentication or account restrictions.

Note: PST conversion alone does not automatically place emails inside Gmail. The converted data must be in a format and follow a transfer method supported by Gmail. Features such as authentication handling, folder preservation, and compatibility with restricted accounts depend on the software version and migration method.

Conclusion

The “Gmail Import Mail from Outlook Not Working” error can occur because of incorrect connection settings, POP access restrictions, authentication problems, or limitations imposed by an organization’s administrator. Checking the relevant settings and reconnecting your account may resolve the issue when the required access method is supported.

If these solutions do not work, converting your Outlook PST files using a tool such as CubexSoft PST File Converter can provide an alternative approach to preparing your email data for migration. Choose the method that best suits your account type, mailbox size, and data requirements to make the transfer process more manageable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Why is Gmail not importing emails from Outlook?

Ans: Gmail may fail to import Outlook emails because of incorrect POP settings, connection errors, authentication issues, or account restrictions. Check the required mail access settings and verify that your Outlook account supports the selected import method.

Q2. What should I do if the Outlook to Gmail import gets stuck?

Ans: First, check your internet connection and review the import status. Verify the server details and confirm that the required POP access is enabled. If the problem continues, try setting up the import again or use an alternative method to transfer your email data.

Q3. How can I fix the Gmail import error when transferring emails and contacts from Outlook?

Ans: Start by checking your Outlook account settings, server information, and authentication requirements. Email and contact transfers may require different procedures, so verify that your chosen method supports both data types. If your account has access restrictions, contact your administrator for assistance.

Q4. Why can’t Gmail import Outlook emails even when all settings are correct?

Ans: The issue may be related to authentication requirements, unsupported connection methods, or restrictions imposed by your email provider or administrator. Some Microsoft 365 work or school accounts do not permit the access required by Gmail’s importer. In such cases, consider an alternative migration method that supports your account and data format.

Q5. Can I transfer Outlook emails to Gmail without using Gmail’s built-in import feature?

Ans: Yes. You can use an alternative migration method, such as converting your Outlook PST file with the CubexSoft Outlook File Converter Tool. The converted emails must then be transferred using a Gmail-compatible method. This approach can be useful when Gmail’s built-in import feature does not work as expected.