Top 6 Ways to Troubleshoot Outlook for Mac Not Sending or Receiving Emails

Written By Kumar Raj

Approved By Anuraag Singh

Published On May 7th, 2020

Reading Time 7 Minutes Reading

“Help! I am using Mac Outlook 2016 and an outgoing message is stuck in its Outbox. After that, I am unable to send any other email message even, I am not receiving new emails. This is something I have never seen before and suspect might be unique for the Mac Outlook. Regardless, I have checked the most widely recognized reason, that the email is so large due to attachment and graphics. However, this is not the case here and it is not displaying the yellow exclamation mark or any error message. Is there any place in Mac Outlook where it may hold the error information about outlook 2016 for mac not sending or receiving emails?”

Third-party email applications, like Microsoft Outlook, use either IMAP/ POP3 and SMTP protocols to send and receive email messages. It requires so many things to align perfectly in order to work properly with an email account. There may several factors that can interrupt the normal working procedure of Outlook for Mac. In that case, users face a common issue i.e., Outlook for Mac not sending or receiving emails and ask for the solution to resolve it just like above-mentioned user-query. Well, before trying to fix the issue, one needs to identify the cause. Thus, in this technical paper, we have compiled some most probable causes of Outlook for Mac not sending or receiving emails issue along with the troubleshooting techniques. So, let us begin now to find solution to fix Outlook 2016 Mac not sending emails .

Instant Tips to Troubleshoot Outlook for Mac not Sending or Receiving Emails

There are top 6 reasons due to Mac Outlook 2016, 2011 not sending or receiving emails. We will discuss this issue sequently with their ultimate resolution.

#1. Outlook for Mac is in Offline Mode Resolution

If Outlook for Mac is offline then, you cannot send or receive email messages. Hence, make sure Outlook is online.

Click on Outlook tab and verify that Work Offline option is unchecked

#2. Items from the Exchange Account Saved in Outlook cache.

If the cache gets corrupted then, it may occur synchronization issues with Exchange server. This issue generally occurs in Mac Outlook which interrupts the smooth working. Removing cache may help you to troubleshoot Outlook for Mac not sending or receiving emails.

Resolution: Empty Outlook cache so that Outlook for Mac can download all data items from the Microsoft Exchange account once again. Below are the steps for same:

Important: Below guidelines will delete all the information that is not synchronized with Exchange server, including the contacts’ mail certificate. Removing cache replace the contents of a folder with the latest data items from MS Exchange server. Thus, before deleting the cache, make sure that your Mac Outlook data is backed up.

Verify that your PC is connected to Exchange Server
Next, in the navigation pane, press the CTRL button and hit a right-click on Exchange folder from which you want to remove the cache, and click on Properties
Now, from the General tab, hit Empty Cache button
After emptying the cache, Mac Outlook will automatically start downloading the data items from the Exchange server

Also Read: How to Troubleshoot Out For Mac Not Downloading Attachments?

#3. Outlook is Not Linked With Server Running Exchange Server

Resolution: To check the Microsoft Exchange server connection, follow below-mentioned steps:

In your Mac Outlook application, click on Tools tab and select Accounts to fix Outlook for Mac not sending or receiving messages
Navigate to Exchange account that is situated in the left-side of pane. In case, if there is an issue with the connection then, the indicator icon will become orange in color
If you are connected to the account successfully before then, just try to connect with it from any other
Exchange application like Outlook on the web. Also, one can check the Exchange Server via connecting the Exchange Server administrator

Also Read: How to Troubleshoot Mac Outlook not Syncing With Exchange Server?

#4. POP and IMAP Accounts Requires Authentication

POP and IMAP accounts are utilizing the outgoing mail (SMTP) server, which requires authentication.

Resolution: Few email services require the authentication for SMTP server. If you are sure that all your account settings are accurate and still you cannot send emails then, try to turn on the SMTP authentication.

Go to the Tools tab and click on Accounts
Now, in the left pane of Accounts wizard, choose the account
In the Outgoing Server section, click on More Options
Next, in the pop-up menu, choose the type of authentication and enter the credentials

Also Read: How to Archive Emails in Mac Outlook 2016, 2011?

#5. The ISP or Network Firewall Blocks Connections to SMTP Server

Resolution: Check that if your ISP/ network admin can give an optional SMTP server to use for the POP or IMAP account.

In case, if you already have the address of an alternate SMTP server then, enter it in the account
Click on the Tools tab and select Accounts
Now, in the left-side of Accounts wizard, choose the account
In Outgoing Server box, enter server name or address

Important: If you are using a laptop in different locations then, the SMTP server that you are using in one location may not work in the other locations. Every Internet connection you use might have a firewall with its personal restrictions.

#6: Account Settings or Credentials are Incorrect

Resolution: Make sure that the username, password, and all other settings are accurate in the account preferences section. Follow below mentioned steps to quickly fix Outlook for Mac not sending or receiving emails.

Click on the Tools tab and select Accounts option
In left pane of Accounts box, select the account
Eventually, verify that you have entered the right username, password, and email address
If still, your account does not work properly then, contact your email service provider for more details about
how to configure the account in Mac Outlook application. It is also possible that your account may need some special settings like SSL (Secure Socket Layer) for connecting or you have been override the default port.

Also Read: How to Rebuild Mac Outlook 2016 Database?

Conclusion

If your Outlook for Mac not sending or receiving emails then, some solutions have been discussed in this article to resolve this issue. Well, most of the email difficulties users came across becomes related to the wrong or expired password, incorrect connection settings or due to a misbehaving email application. If no solution works for you then, try to remove your email account from the local machine completely. After that, re-add it and if you are using the Exchange or IMAP account, you will not lose your emails after doing that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I unable to send emails in Outlook for Mac?

It is because there might be a communication problem between Mac Outlook and outgoing mail server. This is the reason your emails get stuck in Outbox and Outlook is not able to connect with the mail server to send it.

I can receive email but not able to send any message, Why?

The most likely possible reason behind this is incorrect SMTP authentication setting. The server will reject the email with a relay denied. And, this generally means that your SMTP authentication is disabled. So, to deal with this issue it is advised to turn on SMTP authentication.

How to fix Outlook for Mac is not sending and receiving emails?

1. Make sure that Mac Outlook is online
2. Deleting cache might be helpful
3. Check MS Exchange Server and Outlook Connection
4. Turn on SMTP Authentication

How to delete cache items from Exchange Server folder?

1. First of all, make sure that your PC is connected to MS Exchange Server
2. After that, press CTRL button in the navigation pane and right-click on the Exchange folder from where you want to delete cache files
3. Then, click on the Properties
4. Now, click on the Empty cache button from the General tab
5. After following above steps, Mac Outlook will automatically begin downloading the data items from the Exchange server

By Kumar Raj

A versatile writer with the vast knowledge of technology helps to reduce the gap between a user and technology. Provides easy and reliable ways to resolve multiple technical issues, which users encounter in their day-to-day life.

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