How to Access Microsoft 365 Mail in Gmail: POP and IMAP Alternatives
Question details
Users need alternative methods to access or synchronize Microsoft 365 emails within Gmail due to authentication compatibility issues.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 and Gmail
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to connect a Microsoft 365 mailbox to a Gmail account for unified email access and management.
- Observed behavior
- Direct connection via POP or IMAP fails because Gmail may not fully support the modern authentication protocols strictly required by Microsoft 365.
Before attempting any workarounds, verify with your Microsoft 365 administrator that your organization permits POP/IMAP protocols, external email synchronization, and third-party app access.
Use an Email Client with Modern Authentication
The recommended long-term option is to switch from Gmail to a dedicated client that natively supports Microsoft modern authentication.
Because Microsoft enforces modern authentication for security, using an officially supported email application ensures complete synchronization without connection drops or compromised security.
Download the official Microsoft Outlook app or a modern client like Apple Mail from your device's respective app store.
Open the application, navigate to 'Add Account', and select 'Microsoft 365' or 'Exchange' from the list of email providers.
Enter your email address and follow the Microsoft web-based login prompt to securely complete the modern authentication process.

Link Microsoft 365 via Gmailify
Use the Gmailify feature to connect your Microsoft mailbox if you prefer to retain the Gmail interface.
Utilize Third-Party Synchronization Tools
Employ external tools like IMAPSync or Google Workspace Sync for advanced email migration or syncing.
Manage Your Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office
While resolving your Microsoft 365 email access issues, consider switching to WPS Office for your document needs. It offers a comprehensive suite that allows you to easily edit attachments from your emails without a pricey subscription.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and click on 'Free Download' to get the installer for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded file and follow the straightforward on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your existing Microsoft Office files seamlessly.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft 365 no longer work with standard POP/IMAP in Gmail?
Microsoft has deprecated basic authentication to enhance security, mandating modern authentication (OAuth2). If an email application like Gmail attempts to connect using legacy basic authentication, Microsoft 365 will reject the connection.
Can I simply forward my Microsoft 365 emails to Gmail instead?
Yes, you can configure automatic email forwarding in the Outlook Web App settings. However, this is only possible if your Microsoft 365 IT administrator permits automatic forwarding to external domains.
Does Gmailify keep all my custom Outlook folders synchronized?
No. While Gmailify merges your inbox and applies Gmail's spam filters to your Microsoft 365 emails, it does not act as a full two-way synchronization service for custom folders or subfolders.




