How to Fix “Outlook Inbox Not Updating Emails” Issue Easily?
Are you looking to resolve the Outlook inbox not updating error? Then you’ve landed in the right place. In this article, we’ll discuss why Outlook is not updating emails, what possible causes for this issue & how to fix it effectively using both manual and advanced solutions.
If you’re a regular MS Outlook user, then you might have noticed that sometimes the Outlook inbox is not updating, which results in frustrating problems such as delays in communication and disruption in the work performance of Outlook. But this error can be fixed using our troubleshooting guide. So, by not wasting much time, let’s walk through the efficient solutions.
Why is My Outlook Email Not Updating?
Before diving into the methods, it’s necessary to know the possible reasons for this problem. Common reasons are given below:
- When working on a poor or weak internet connection, it prevents Outlook from syncing new or upcoming emails with the configured server.
- If your data file gets corrupted, then it may hinder Outlook from loading or updating emails.
- Wrongly configured email account settings also cause syncing errors.
- Sometimes, using faulty or third-party add-ins prevents Outlook from updating emails.
- If your Outlook mailbox full of unwanted & duplicated items, it can lead to slow performance of Outlook, which prevents the Outlook inbox not updating emails.
- Working with some security software, like antivirus software, may restrict or delay Outlook communication.
Thus, understanding the reason helps you to use the correct method instead of trying all fixes.
Check Before Fixing Outlook is Not Updating Emails
You can try these fixes before going to advanced methods. Here you can do:
- Always check your network connection and ensure stable connectivity if required.
- You can start Outlook again, as it helps to prevent any bugs or glitches.
- Also, check your client server, as there are chances when we are accessing it, but the backend server is down, so it’s a technical fault.
- If your storage is full, then you can upgrade the plan or move the unnecessary items to the junk folder, which helps to fix the Outlook inbox not updating error.
This section will help you choose effective solutions before jumping into the advanced methods.
Top Manual Method to Resolve Outlook Is Not Updating Emails
In the following section, we’ll explore the most seamless fixes to prevent the error. Here are mentioned:
- Turn Off Work Offline Mode
- Update Your Outlook Version
- Repair Outlook Profile
- Verify Filters & Rules
- Disable Third-Party Add-ins
- Reduce Inbox Space
- Configure Outlook Account Again
- Check Firewall or Anti-Virus Settings
Let’s understand these methods with their explanation.
Method 1: Turn off Work Offline Mode
The most common reason for the error Outlook is not updating emails when the user enables offline mode. So, to disable:
- Launch MS Outlook.
- Navigate to Send/Receive tab, then click on Work Offline.
- Check that the active status switch is Connected.
After applying the steps, Outlook will automatically update your emails.
Method 2: Update Your Outlook Version
Using an older or outdated version of Outlook hinders syncing performance, creating many glitches. So, to update:
- Go to File and click on Office Account.
- Tap on Update Options and finally Update Now.
It will prevent syncing errors, which will enhance the stability.
Method 3: Repair Outlook Profile
MS Outlook offers a built-in option to repair the damaged files. Follow the steps:
- Quit Outlook.
- Search for ScanPST.exe, which is usually found in Office Folder.
- Launch the tool and locate the Outlook data files.
- Finally, click Start to recover.
Note: If your data file is very large and gets corrupted, then the build option might fail to resolve. But we recommend that you use an advanced solution, which is designed by SysTools. It can repair Outlook data files in a few clicks without using the ScanPST.exe option.
Method 4: Verify Filters & Rules
If your Outlook is moving your upcoming emails into a new folder, then it looks like your Outlook inbox not updating, but actually, emails are stored somewhere else. So to fix:
- Go to File, then hit on Manage Rules & Alerts.
- Verify your rules properly.
- Turn off or adjust some rules that move emails into different folders.
Method 5: Turn Off Third-Party Add-ins
Some of the faulty add-ins restrict Outlook from updating emails. So, you can turn them off by following:
- Navigate to File, then go to Options & click on Add-ins.
- Tap on Manage COM Add-ins and Go.
- Disable any conflicting add-ins and start Outlook again.
Your issue will be resolved after this, and Outlook will update your emails from now on.
Method 6: Reduce Inbox Space
If you’re working on an oversized mailbox, which is full of duplicate emails, it’s making the Outlook syncing performance worse. And if you are also asking questions like, “Why is my Outlook not updating emails automatically?” then we recommend using the SysTools Outlook Duplicate Remover Software, which helps to eliminate duplicated emails detected in the inbox efficiently.
It’s the most reliable, trusted, and secure tool, which helps in lessening the mailbox size if it is exceeded by duplicates. It not only removes duplicate emails in Outlook but also contacts, calendars, notes, tasks, and journals.
Method 7: Configure Outlook Account Again
There is also a chance that your Outlook profile is corrupted, so your inbox won’t update. So to resolve:
- Navigate to File, then go to Account Settings and tap on Account Settings.
- Click on Remove Your Outlook Account.
- Finally, start Outlook and configure the account again.
It will help you resolve all syncing errors.
Method 8: Check Firewall or Anti-Virus Settings
Sometimes, these firewall settings restrict Outlook from syncing emails. So, to fix:
- You can disable the applied antivirus settings for a time.
- Or, add Outlook to the allowed app list.
Check if it helps your mail flow; if yes, then adjust the settings as needed.
How to Fix Outlook Not Updating Emails on Phone?
If you’re a mobile Outlook user, whether it’s Android or iPhone, then you can try this:
- Disable the battery saver mode.
- You can configure your Outlook account again.
- Remove all cache if using Android.
- And, at last, install the Outlook app again.
On mobile, it’s mostly caused by app cache, network, and some other allowed permissions.
How to Avoid Outlook Not Updating Emails Automatically in Future?
If you want to prevent the issue for a safe future, then:
- Always keep your Outlook account updated to its latest version.
- Remove all unnecessary emails and other items that are not in use.
- Don’t use faulty or third-party add-ins.
- Keep your internet connection strong & steady.
- Avoid working on massive data files.
- If the file gets orphaned, then use the best automated tool mentioned above.
- After using the same file for a while, try to make a new file to prevent small errors.
Using these advanced tips helps users fix Outlook inbox not updating emails and enhance Outlook performance.
Conclusion
In this well-informed article, we have demonstrated how to fix the Outlook inbox not updating error using many advanced solutions. Whether your Outlook profile got damaged, the network is not stable, the version is not up to date, or you are using faulty add-ins, each solution is mentioned in the above article. We have also stated that if your file gets corrupted and contains many duplicated or unwanted items, then we recommend using professional software, which will resolve the problem and ensure smooth performance.