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How to Set Up the Outlook Mobile App
Applies to: Outlook Mobile (iOS, Android)
Article Type: How-To
Last Updated: 2026-03-09
Summary
The Outlook mobile app provides access to your work email, calendar, contacts, and files on your phone or tablet. This article shows how to install the app, add your Microsoft 365 account, configure notifications, and use key features to stay productive on the go.
Prerequisites
- An iOS or Android device.
- A Microsoft 365 or Outlook.com email account.
- No admin rights required.
Instructions
1. Install the Outlook App
Download and install from your device's app store.
- Open the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
- Search for Microsoft Outlook.
- Tap Install (or Get) to download the app.
- Wait for the installation to complete, then tap Open.
2. Add Your Microsoft 365 Account
Sign in to access your work email and calendar.
- Open the Outlook app.
- Tap Add Account (shown on first launch, or go to Settings > Add email account).
- Enter your work email address and tap Continue.
- Enter your password when prompted.
- Complete multi-factor authentication (MFA) if required (e.g., approve a push notification or enter a code).
- Outlook syncs your email, calendar, and contacts automatically.
3. Add a Personal Email Account (Optional)
Access multiple accounts from one app.
- In the Outlook app, tap your profile picture in the top-left corner.
- Tap the gear icon (Settings).
- Under Email accounts, tap Add email account.
- Enter your personal email address (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook.com).
- Follow the sign-in prompts for that email provider.
- Both accounts are now accessible from the Outlook app — switch between them by tapping the account icon.
4. Configure Notifications
Control which emails trigger alerts on your phone.
- Open the Outlook app and tap your profile picture > gear icon (Settings).
- Tap Notifications under the account you want to configure.
- Set your preferences:
- Focused Inbox only — Only receive notifications for emails in your Focused tab.
- All — Receive notifications for every incoming email.
- None — Disable email notifications entirely.
- Configure Calendar notifications to receive meeting reminders.
- Tap Save to apply.
5. Use Key Mobile Features
Get the most out of Outlook on your phone.
- Swipe gestures — In the inbox, swipe right on an email to archive (or schedule), and swipe left to delete. Change what each direction does in Settings > Swipe options — How to Customize Swipe Actions in the Outlook Mobile App covers that screen and the notification and quiet-hours settings beside it.
- Focused Inbox — Tap Focused or Other tabs to switch between important and low-priority emails.
- Calendar view — Tap the Calendar icon at the bottom to see your schedule. Supports day, 3-day, and month views.
- Search — Tap the magnifying glass to search emails, contacts, and files across all accounts.
- Attachments — Attach files from OneDrive, SharePoint, or your device when composing an email.
Troubleshooting
TIP
Enable Focused Inbox only notifications to reduce interruptions. Important emails from your frequent contacts and flagged messages will still alert you, while newsletters and automated messages stay silent.
| Symptom / Error | Potential Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Cannot add work email account | Company requires device enrolment | Ask your IT department to confirm whether your phone must be enrolled in Intune or Company Portal first, and to send you the enrolment steps for iOS or Android. |
| Not receiving push notifications | Battery optimisation is blocking the app | Go to your phone's Settings > Battery and disable battery optimisation for the Outlook app. |
| Calendar events are not syncing | Calendar sync is disabled | Go to Outlook Settings > account settings and ensure Sync Calendar is enabled. |