Before you start

You'll need:

  • Your Microsoft 365 work email address (e.g. yourname@yourcompany.com)
  • Your password, and access to your MFA method (authenticator app, SMS, etc.) if your organization requires it
  • Outlook installed — desktop (Windows/Mac), mobile (iOS/Android), or you can use Outlook on the web with no install needed

Outlook on Windows or Mac (desktop app)

  1. Open Outlook. If this is the first time it's been opened, the account setup screen appears automatically. Otherwise, go to File > Add Account.
  2. Enter your Microsoft 365 work email address and select Connect.
  3. You'll be redirected to your organization's sign-in page — enter your password.
  4. If prompted, complete multi-factor authentication (approve the notification, enter a code, etc.).
  5. On the "Your account was successfully added" screen, choose whether to add another account, then select Done.
  6. Outlook will begin syncing your mailbox — this can take a few minutes for a large mailbox.

Outlook on iOS or Android (mobile app)

  1. Install Microsoft Outlook from the App Store or Google Play.
  2. Open the app and tap Get Started (or Add Account if you already have another account signed in).
  3. Enter your Microsoft 365 work email address and tap Add Account.
  4. Enter your password when prompted, then complete MFA if asked.
  5. Allow notifications and contacts access if you want calendar reminders and contact lookup to work.

Outlook on the web

  1. Go to outlook.office.com.
  2. Enter your Microsoft 365 work email address and select Next.
  3. Enter your password and complete MFA if prompted.
  4. On first sign-in you may be asked to stay signed in and set your time zone/language — this doesn't affect your desktop or mobile setup.

If sign-in fails

  • "We couldn't find an account with that email address" — double-check the email address. Some organizations use a login ID that's different from the display email; ask your IT admin if you're unsure.
  • Password rejected repeatedly — the account may be locked after too many attempts. Wait a few minutes or reset the password through your organization's self-service portal, or ask your admin.
  • Stuck on MFA / "Approve sign-in request" — make sure the device running your authenticator app has an internet connection and the correct time set; a clock that's out of sync causes MFA codes to fail.
  • "Something went wrong" during Outlook setup on desktop — remove any old/incorrect account under File > Account Settings, then re-add the account. If it still fails, see our guide on fixing Teams/Office sign-in error 0x80090016, which covers device-side credential and TPM issues that can affect Outlook too.
  • Emails not syncing after a successful sign-in — this is usually just the initial sync catching up; give it time before troubleshooting further.

Need a hand setting up Outlook across your team?

D SCAPE's Microsoft 365 team can roll out and configure Outlook for your whole organization — including mailbox migration, mobile device policies, and MFA setup — as part of ongoing managed support. Talk to the D SCAPE team.

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