How to Fix “AOL Mail Not Working with Outlook” in 8 Easy Steps

Microsoft Outlook is a popular email client, which is commonly used for everyday tasks. Many users prefer connecting their AOL account to Microsoft Outlook for its streamlined access and user-friendly interface. However, an invalid IMAP/SMTP server, corrupted Outlook profile, or older versions can trigger an error, “AOL Mail Not Working with Outlook.”  In this blog, we will explore why this happens, along with a straightforward guide towards solving this. We have mentioned both manual procedures and professional AOL Backup software. It can fix the AOL Mail and Outlook servers to ensure data integrity and minimal downtime.

Why is AOL Not Working With Outlook?

Here are a few reasons why AOL email can stop functioning in Outlook:

• If the IMAP or SMTP server settings are improperly set.
• AOL’s two-step verification might block Outlook from accessing it.
• Occasionally, the Outlook profile gets corrupted, preventing configuration.
• An outdated version of Outlook may not support AOL’s current email configurations.  
• AOL’s email servers might be experiencing temporary downtime.
• Some antivirus or firewall software may block Outlook’s access to AOL.
• A poor or fluctuating internet connection can lead to Outlook losing its connection.

Troubleshooting these usual symptoms will often allow you to determine why AOL email no longer works in Outlook and correct the problem.

Related Post: Migrate AOL to Office 365

Manual Method to Fix “AOL Mail Not Working With Outlook” Error

If you’re experiencing problems with AOL Mail, there are some manual solutions that you can use to resolve the error. Following are detailed steps with step-by-step guidance to assist you in resolving the issue:

1. Check Your IMAP and SMTP Server Settings

Incorrect server settings are among the most frequent causes of why AOL Mail may not function in Outlook. Making sure that you have the proper settings can solve the problem.

Steps to Verify and Update Server Settings:

1. Download and open the Outlook program on your computer.
2. Then log in with admin account credentials.
3. Then go to the info section under the file menu.
4.  After that, navigate to the Account Settings option> Account Settings.
5. There, select the AOL email account and change it.
6. Here, permit server settings provided by your email provider.
7. Now ensure that your IMAP and POP settings are updated.

Once the server settings have been updated, restart Outlook and test if the problem is resolved.

Similar Post: Cannot login to AOL Mail

2. Fix AOL Email Stopped Working in Outlook by Disable 2FA

If two-step verification (2FA) has been set up for your AOL account, it may prevent Outlook access with your normal AOL password. Instead, you must create an app password.

Steps to Disable Two-Step Verification (or Use an App Password):

1. Search for AOL Mail on any preferred web browser.
2. Then, log in to your AOL account.
3. Then, navigate to the Account Security tab.
4. If you see that your 2FA is turned on, you must turn it off or create an app password.
5. Then, open the Microsoft Outlook application on your computer.
6. Then, swap the regular password with a new one.
7. Finally, check it to avoid any errors.

This will fix any login problems due to two-step verification.

3. Fix AOL Mail not Working with Outlook by Creating a Outlook Profile

Sometimes, the Outlook profile may get corrupted and result in AOL Mail connection problems. Creating a new Outlook profile can resolve it.

Steps to Create a New Outlook Profile:

1. Start by opening the Control Panel from the Start menu on your computer.  
2. Next, click on Mail to open the Mail Setup window.
3. Next, select the Show Profiles option from the list.
4. After that, click on the Add button and give a name to the new profile.
5. Now, make your newly added profile the default.
6. Finally, access Outlook using the new profile to see if the search function works.

Having a fresh profile allows you to start with a fresh configuration, which can resolve the AOL mail config problem.

4. Fix AOL Mail not Working with Outlook by Repairing Account

If your Outlook account is not synchronizing with AOL because of a configuration problem or corruption, trying Outlook’s built-in repair tool might be helpful.

Steps to Repair Your Outlook Account:

1. First, type Control Panel into the search box and press Enter to launch.
2. Next, go to the Programs in Control Panel.
3. Then, click on the Programs and Features option.
4. Within the Programs and Features option, locate AOL Mail.
5. Once you have clicked on AOL Mail, click the Change option.
6. Once you click on Change, two options to repair will be shown.
7. After you select the repair option, follow the on-screen prompts to complete the task.
8. After the repair is finished, restart your computer to apply all changes.

The repair tool will try to resolve connectivity and synchronization problems between Outlook and AOL Mail.

5. Fix AOL Mail not Working with Outlook by Disabling Antivirus

Antivirus programs and firewalls occasionally interfere with Outlook’s connection to AOL’s servers. Temporarily turning them off can determine if they are the root of the problem.

Steps to Temporarily Disable Antivirus and Firewall:

1. Begin by typing Control Panel into the search bar. 
2. After that, navigate to the System and Security section.
3. Here, choose Windows Defender Firewall in Windows Defender Firewall.
4. Then, click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off to manage your firewall settings.
5. Then, deactivate your firewall protection. Click OK to implement the changes.

In case you have a third-party firewall or antivirus software installed, temporarily disable it using manufacturer instructions. Be sure to reactivate your firewall or antivirus upon testing.

6. Fix AOL Mail not Working with Outlook by Updating Outlook

Using an older version of Outlook can result in compatibility problems with AOL Mail. Making sure Outlook is current can solve such issues.

Steps to Update Outlook:

1. Download and launch your Outlook program on your machine.
2. Then go to the File menu in the upper left corner
3. After that, choose Office Account from the menu.
4. Then, click Update Options below the product information.
5. Install it by following the prompts (if there is an update available).
6. Then restart Outlook after updating it to correct the issue.

Updating Outlook frequently keeps Outlook running with the latest version, which can resolve bugs and optimize performance, including search errors.

If AOL Mail doesn’t work with Outlook, these steps should assist you in troubleshooting and resolving the problem. If the problem continues, ensure that AOL’s servers are working fine.

Professional Solutions to Fix “AOL Mail not Working with Outlook” Error

To resolve the AOL Mail setup problem, use the specific AOL Backup Tool. The tool enables users to back up emails from their AOL account online and set up their AOL account in Outlook. The tool allows you to save a backup of your AOL emails in multiple file formats directly to your local drive or desktop. It archives emails from the AOL account in various file formats such as PST, PDF, EML, MSG, EMLX, and MBOX. With a quick and smooth process, this software is a trustworthy solution for AOL Mail users who are facing configuration errors.

Simple Steps to Solve Cannot Connect AOL Mail to Outlook:

1. Download and install the AOL Backup Tool on your system.
2. After that, click on the Add Row button.
3. Next, log in using the AOL mail account credentials.
4. Here, preview all the emails from the AOL mail.
5. Next, choose the PST as a saving option.
6. Now, apply the built-in feature that the software provides.
7. Then, browse the saving location to save the PST file.
8. In the end, click on the Save button to save AOL mail into a PST file.

Conclusion

The “AOL Mail not working with Outlook” problem arises for numerous reasons. You can rectify it with the help of the manual approaches. However, these methods are error-prone and time-consuming. Furthermore, a faster and safer approach is utilizing an advanced AOL Backup tool. It provides maximum data retrieval with less time and effort involved.

Also Read: Add AOL account to Gmail.

Frequently Asked Question:

1.Why is Outlook continuously asking me for my AOL password?

Ans: This typically occurs if you’re logging in with your normal AOL password rather than an app password. Particularly when two-step verification is turned on for your AOL account. Create an app-specific password from AOL’s security settings and use it in Outlook.

2.Will reinstalling Outlook erase my AOL emails?

Ans: No, as long as you’re using IMAP, your mail is still being held on AOL’s servers. Reinstalling Outlook or starting up with a new profile will re-sync your mailbox and not lose your precious data.

3.Is it necessary to use the AOL Backup Tool to fix the configuration error?

Ans: No, you can attempt the manual methods for solving this problem for free. But if you still encounter this problem, then we recommend you migrate AOL emails so that you have a backup of those emails.

About The Author

Rohit Singh

Rohit Singh is an Email Backup, Recovery, and Migration Expert with over 6 years of experience in the software industry. He specializes in data migration solutions for Microsoft Outlook, Office 365, Google Workspace, and other popular email clients. Rohit regularly shares practical insights and technical guides to help users simplify complex email management tasks.