---
title: "Google blocks Outlook: What to do if Gmail doesn't work in Outlook?"
url: https://lookeen.com/blog/google-blocks-outlook-what-to-do-if-gmail-doesn-t-work-in-outlook
lang: en
description: "Your Gmail account isn't working in Outlook? Here's how to easily and quickly fix the problem."
author: "Ben Golling"
published: 2016-06-09T15:47:01+00:00
modified: 2026-11-11T05:52:12+00:00
---

# Google blocks Outlook: What to do if Gmail doesn't work in Outlook?

Google is blocking your Outlook and you’re stuck? A common error results in Outlook being blocked by Google. In such cases, you typically receive an email with the subject **“Login attempt prevented.”** This email notifies you that someone tried to log in to an app using your Google account that does not meet modern security standards. **[Learn how to set up a Google account in Outlook here.](https://lookeen.com/blog/outlook-setting-up-g-mail-here-s-how)**

![Gmail](https://lookeen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/1-1.jpg)

Do not let this worry you. Outlook is merely being prevented from receiving emails from your Gmail account. Contrary to the notification, this is fundamentally not due to security vulnerabilities in Outlook, but rather to Google’s changed security settings. These make it more difficult for other email programs to access Gmail accounts. Keep this email open for now while you return to Outlook.

[Your Gmail account is connected to Outlook? Here’s how to find any Gmail in seconds!](https://lookeen.com/solutions/outlook-search/outlook-search-features)

## What You Can Do If Google Blocks Outlook

Following a process of elimination, you should first rule out the most obvious causes of the problem. If you have manually configured your Gmail mailbox, please double-check your settings:

-   Did you enter your correct Gmail address and password?
-   Did you enter *imap.gmail.com* for the incoming mail server and *smtp.gmail.com* for the outgoing mail server?
-   Is the option *The outgoing server requires authentication* enabled under *Additional Settings*?
-   Under *Advanced*, was the incoming mail server (IMAP) set to use *SSL* with the port value *993*?
-   Under *Advanced*, was the outgoing mail server (SMTP) also set to use *SSL* with the value *465* (alternatively 587)?

A useful trick here is to enter “SSL” first before entering the value “465”. This is because the port sometimes reverts to “25” if you proceed in reverse order. If you have entered all of these correctly and Google is still blocking Outlook, you will need to change your settings directly in your Google account.

## Change Your Google Settings to Allow Outlook Access

Return to your browser and your Gmail account. In the email with the subject “Sign-in attempt prevented”, click the link *More information*. This will redirect you to a Google support page explaining how less secure apps can access your account. Under *Change access for less secure apps* in section *Option 2*, you must click the link *Less secure apps*. This will take you to your Google settings.

![less secure app](https://lookeen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/2.jpg)

In your Google settings, you now need to change *Access for less secure apps* from *Turn off* to *Turn on*. Google will no longer block Outlook (among other things). You should now be able to easily retrieve your Gmail inbox and send emails using Outlook.

See you soon!

Is Google blocking your Outlook and you simply can’t get past it? A common error results in Outlook being blocked by Google. In such a case, you will usually receive an email with the subject **“Sign-in attempt prevented”**. This email will notify you that someone has tried to **log in to an app using your Google account *[YourName@gmail.com](mailto:YourName@gmail.com)* that does not meet modern security standards.**[Learn how to set up a Google account in Outlook here.](https://lookeen.com/blog/outlook-setting-up-g-mail-here-s-how/)