Office Settings & Configuration

How to Show the Time Next to the Date in Outlook for Mac

Phi Hung Vo Sep 28, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user wants to view the exact received time alongside the date for emails directly within the Outlook for Mac message list.

How to Show the Time Next to the Date in Outlook for Mac

Product: Outlook for Mac
Device & OS: Mac
Scenario: Scanning through the email inbox and needing to quickly identify precise receive times without opening each individual message.
Observed behavior: The message list currently only displays the date for older emails, or requires the user to open the email to see the specific timestamp.

Before you start

Verify whether you are using the 'New Outlook' or 'Legacy Outlook' interface on your Mac, as view customization settings differ significantly between the two versions.

Solution 1Recommended

Customize Message List Columns using Field Chooser

Add the 'Received' column to your message list headers to display both the date and the specific time the email arrived.

This method is highly effective for users operating on Outlook versions that support traditional list customization. It allows you to organize your inbox view exactly to your preferences.

Navigate to the Inbox

Open Microsoft Outlook for Mac and click on your Inbox folder to view your message list.

Access Column Headers

Ensure your reading pane is positioned to the right or bottom so that column headers (like From, Subject, Date) are visible at the top of the message list.

Open Field Chooser

Right-click (or Control-click) on any existing column heading and select 'Field Chooser' from the context menu.

Add the Received Column

Find the 'Received' field in the list of available columns, then drag and drop it next to the 'Date' column in your header row to view exact times.

Customize Message List Columns using Field Chooser

Availability: The Field Chooser option may not be available in the 'New Outlook for Mac' layout. If you cannot right-click the headers, try the Legacy Outlook method.

Solution 2

Switch to Legacy Outlook

Revert to the classic Outlook interface to restore full control over date and time column formatting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I see column headers in my Outlook for Mac inbox?

Column headers are hidden when the reading pane is set to the right and the Outlook window is too narrow. Try widening your application window or changing the Reading Pane position to 'Bottom' via the View tab to reveal the headers.

How can I see the exact time an email was received without changing columns?

You can view the precise date and time an email was received by simply double-clicking the message to open it in its own window. The exact timestamp will be displayed directly under the sender's name.

Will switching to Legacy Outlook delete my emails or accounts?

No. Switching between New Outlook and Legacy Outlook only changes the application's user interface. Your emails, contacts, and calendar data remain safely synced to your email server.

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