How to Fix Outlook Sign-In Problems and Empty Inbox on Android
Question details
The user is unable to access their emails due to repeated sign-in requests, authentication errors, and a resulting empty inbox on their mobile device.
- Product
- Microsoft Outlook
- Device & OS
- Samsung S24 Ultra (Android)
- Scenario
- Attempting to log into a personal Microsoft email account using the Outlook mobile app.
- Observed behavior
- The app enters a continuous sign-in loop, displays Microsoft Authenticator problem messages, and ultimately loads a completely empty inbox.
Ensure you have a stable internet connection and that both your Outlook and Microsoft Authenticator apps are updated to the latest versions from the Google Play Store.
Verify Account Access via Outlook on the Web
Logging in through a web browser helps determine if the issue is with your account itself or specifically isolated to the Android Outlook app.
Launch Chrome or any web browser on your mobile device or a computer and navigate to outlook.live.com.
Enter your personal Microsoft account credentials (Outlook.com, Hotmail, Live, or MSN) and complete the sign-in process.
Observe if your inbox loads correctly and displays your emails. If it works perfectly on the web, the issue is limited to the Android application.
Identify Account Type and Document Error Codes
Clarifying the exact type of Microsoft account and capturing specific error messages is crucial for targeted troubleshooting.
Clear App Cache and Re-add Account
If the issue is isolated to your phone, clearing the cached data can eliminate corrupted temporary files causing the authentication loop.
Looking for a Hassle-Free Office Experience? Try WPS Office
While troubleshooting Outlook and Microsoft account syncing issues, you might need a reliable tool to manage your documents. WPS Office offers a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, allowing you to edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files seamlessly on your Android device without constant login interruptions.
- 1. Download the app: Install WPS Office for free from the Google Play Store or the official WPS website.
- 2. Open your files: Launch the app and immediately open any local document without needing to sign in to a Microsoft account.
- 3. Edit and save: Edit your documents and save them in standard Office formats to ensure seamless sharing with colleagues.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Outlook app showing an empty inbox on Android?
An empty inbox usually indicates a synchronization failure between the app and the server. This can be caused by an authentication glitch, outdated app version, or corrupted app cache. Verifying your login on the web version helps confirm your emails are still safely stored on the server.
How do I fix a Microsoft Authenticator loop during sign-in?
Sign-in loops often occur if the Microsoft Authenticator app is outdated or background data is restricted. Ensure both Outlook and Authenticator are updated via the Google Play Store, allow unrestricted battery and background data usage for both apps, or try removing and re-adding your account.
Does WPS Office require a Microsoft account to use?
No, WPS Office does not require a Microsoft account. You can use it completely offline to read and edit your documents, or create a free WPS account to sync your files effortlessly across your mobile device and computer.




