Outlook Keeps Timing Out? Here’s 7 Ways to Fix Outlook Error 0x8004210a

Are you unable to send or receive emails from your Outlook? Is it showing error code “0x8004210a” which is stating “The operation timed out waiting for a response from the receiving (POP) server Outlook 2010.” If your answer is yes, rest assured that once you execute the methods mentioned here, your Outlook timeout error will be resolved. Outlook error 0x8004210a appears when a user tries to send or receive emails using their Outlook account. This error can be very problematic if not fixed on a priority basis.

User Query

“Hi! I am not being able to receive emails, my Outlook 2010 receiving reported error 0x8004210a. I have also tried the Microsoft ‘Fix it’ and the other updates which might help. But it isn’t working, my Outlook keeps timing out. I have many important emails stuck up. Can anyone help me?? It is kind of urgent. I am looking for an assured solution.“

When Does Outlook Error 0x8004210a Occur?

Outlook error 0x8004210a is the same for Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010 and 2007. This error occurs when Microsoft Outlook fails to establish a connection with your email server. There are many causes due to which Outlook fails to connect with the email server. Here we have listed possible reasons which can lead to this Outlook keeps timing out error.

• Your email server is unavailable temporarily or your internet is not connected.
• Email account settings are not correct.
• Mail server does not have sufficient time to propagate the emails through the network.
• The configuration of the firewall or antivirus is not correct.
• If you are sending an email with a large-sized attachment, this error can occur as the message cannot be sent within the time limit.
• Changes made by users which turned out to be wrong.
• The user profile or the Outlook file is damaged.

Important Note: To repair the damaged Outlook personal folder files you can use the most trusted and reliable Outlook recovery software solution.

How to Fix Outlook Timeout Error 0x8004210a?

Before moving towards the methods to fix the Outlook error 0x8004210a, let us have a clear picture of Outlook timeout settings. Outlook uses a pre-defined time to complete the send/receive operation of emails. Whenever an email along with attachments cannot be sent within the time interval, the error message appears.

Here, we have mentioned different methods to fix the Outlook error 0x8004210a. Proceed to the next method only when the previous method did not have any effect. Send a test email to check.

1. Check configurations of AntiVirus & Firewalls

Configure the antivirus software & the firewalls that are installed to enable unrestricted access to Outlook. Oftentimes, security software tends to block Outlook’s communication. Here’s how to check if that’s causing Outlook to keep timing out.

1. Temporarily disable the antivirus/firewall.
2. Upon doing so, try sending or receiving emails.
3. If that works without issues, whitelist MS Outlook in your antivirus settings.

2. Remove Suspicious Emails from your Inbox

It’s possible that certain emails may be blocking new ones from coming in. Cleaning up the Outbox may also be helpful in removing the “Outlook keeps timing out” error.

3. Launch Outlook in Safe Mode

If due to error 0x8004210a, Outlook couldn’t start last time, safe mode could help you troubleshoot the problem. Follow the steps given below.

1. Open Windows Run.
2. Type outlook.exe/safe.
3. Check if send-receive works. If it works then there is some problem in the Outlook add-in which is leading to Outlook error 0x8004210a.

4. Increase Mail Server Timeout Interval

1. Open Outlook and go to “File” menu then, select “Account Settings”.
2. Select the email account and click on ‘Change‘, then click on ‘More Settings‘.
3. In the ‘Internet Email Settings‘ pop-up window select the ‘Advanced‘ tab.
4. Increase the server timeout time according to the requirement & click ‘OK‘.

5. Repair the Outlook Application

There’s a possibility that the Outlook program itself has an error. Repair your Outlook by going to ‘Control Panel‘ and clicking on ‘Uninstall Programs‘. A new screen appears, go to Microsoft Office & click on ‘Change‘. In the next window that appears, select ‘Repair‘ and continue.