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How to Fix 'Something Went Wrong' Error in Outlook for Mac
Question details
The user is experiencing a recurring error in Outlook for Mac prompting them to refresh the application.
- Product
- Microsoft Outlook
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Opening or using the Outlook email client on a Mac.
- Observed behavior
- Outlook repeatedly displays a 'Something went wrong. Refresh the application' error message, preventing normal email access.
Ensure your Mac is connected to a stable internet connection and verify that your local email data is securely backed up before making any profile changes.
Update macOS and Office Software
Outdated software is a common cause for this error; updating ensures compatibility and applies necessary bug fixes.
Microsoft frequently releases patches to address known synchronization glitches. Ensuring both your operating system and the Outlook application are up to date is the most effective first step.
Completely close Outlook and any other Microsoft Office applications running on your Mac.
Open the App Store on your Mac, navigate to the Updates tab, and install any available macOS system updates.
Open another Office app like Microsoft Word, click on 'Help' in the top menu bar, and select 'Check for Updates' to install the latest Office patches.
Restart your Mac and launch Outlook again to see if the refresh error has been resolved.
Re-authenticate Your Account
Session timeouts or synchronization glitches can trigger the refresh error, which can often be fixed by signing in again.
Create a New Outlook Profile
If the issue persists, your current Outlook profile data might be corrupted and needs to be recreated.
Upgrade Your Productivity with WPS Office
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- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office version for macOS.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Outlook for Mac keep saying 'Something went wrong'?
This error is typically caused by outdated Office software, corrupted local profile data, or temporary authentication and syncing issues with Microsoft servers.
Will creating a new Outlook profile delete my old emails?
No, creating a new profile does not automatically delete your old data. Your emails remain on your provider's server, and your previous local profile data is kept intact until you manually delete it using the Outlook Profile Manager.
How do I force quit Outlook if it's frozen on the error screen?
Press the Option + Command + Escape keys simultaneously on your Mac keyboard to open the Force Quit window. Select Microsoft Outlook from the list and click the 'Force Quit' button.
Can a weak internet connection cause the Outlook refresh error?
Yes, intermittent drops in your network connection can interrupt Outlook's background synchronization process, triggering the 'Something went wrong' prompt when it attempts to fetch new data.
