Outlook Login Problems

Fix Thunderbird OAuth2 Outlook Sign-In Redirecting to Google

Khadija Khan Oct 12, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is attempting to configure a Microsoft 365 or Outlook email account in Thunderbird using OAuth2 authentication but is being incorrectly redirected to a Google sign-in page instead of the expected Microsoft or GoDaddy login screen.

Fix Thunderbird OAuth2 Outlook Sign-In Redirecting to Google

Product: Mozilla Thunderbird / Microsoft Outlook
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Setting up a business or personal Microsoft 365 email account in a desktop email client using OAuth2.
Observed behavior: The OAuth2 authentication popup redirects to an unexpected Google sign-in page, preventing successful login to the Microsoft 365 or GoDaddy hosted email account.

Before you start

Before proceeding, confirm your exact email hosting provider (e.g., Microsoft directly or a reseller like GoDaddy) and verify that you can successfully log in to Outlook on the web via your browser.

Solution 1Recommended

Flush the Windows DNS Cache

If your domain previously used Google Workspace, outdated DNS records on your computer might be redirecting the Microsoft 365 OAuth2 request to Google. Flushing the DNS cache resolves this routing issue.

When a domain migrates from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365, your local computer's DNS cache may still hold old routing information. Clearing this cache forces your computer to look up the correct Microsoft or GoDaddy authentication servers.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator

Click the Windows Start menu, type 'cmd' or 'Command Prompt', right-click the application, and select 'Run as administrator'.

Execute the Flush DNS Command

In the Command Prompt window, type 'ipconfig /flushdns' and press Enter. You should see a success message indicating the DNS resolver cache was successfully flushed.

Restart Thunderbird

Close Mozilla Thunderbird entirely, reopen the application, and attempt the OAuth2 sign-in process for your Outlook account again.

Network Reset: If flushing the DNS cache does not immediately work, try restarting your computer and your internet router to ensure all network routes are fully refreshed.

Solution 2

Verify GoDaddy IMAP and Authentication Settings

GoDaddy-hosted Microsoft 365 accounts require specific authentication routing. You must ensure your server settings in Thunderbird exactly match the official GoDaddy Microsoft 365 parameters.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I seeing a GoDaddy login screen for a Microsoft 365 account?

If you purchased your Microsoft 365 subscription through a reseller like GoDaddy, they act as your authentication provider. Your login requests will naturally redirect to the GoDaddy sign-in portal instead of the standard Microsoft screen.

What is OAuth2 and why does Thunderbird require it for Outlook?

OAuth2 is a modern, secure token-based authentication standard. Microsoft has deprecated basic password authentication for Outlook and Microsoft 365 accounts, making OAuth2 a mandatory requirement for connecting third-party email clients like Thunderbird safely.

Where can I find the correct IMAP settings for my Outlook account?

Sign in to your account via Outlook on the web, click the Settings gear icon in the top right, and navigate to View all Outlook settings > Mail > Sync email. Your exact IMAP, POP, and SMTP server settings will be listed there.

Outlook & Email Problems