Turn the Focused Inbox Off or On in Outlook

Questions

  • How do I turn off the Focused Inbox?
  • How do I disable the Focused Inbox feature?
  • How do I turn on the Focused Inbox?
  • How do I stop Outlook from splitting my email into Focused and Other?
  • Where is the Focused Inbox setting in Outlook on my Mac, PC, phone, or the web?
  • Why does my inbox have Focused and Other tabs?

Environment

This article applies to Bowdoin students, faculty, and staff. The Focused and Other inbox is a feature in Outlook on the web, Outlook for macOS, Outlook for Windows, and Outlook for iOS/iPadOS and Android. Each user can turn it off or on without IT intervention.

Resolution

You can turn the Focused Inbox off or on from any version of Outlook, and the setting carries over when you switch between Outlook versions. Use the steps for the platform you are on.

Outlook for macOS

  • Click the Organize tab in the ribbon.
  • If the Focused Inbox is on, click Focused Inbox to turn it off.
  • If the Focused Inbox is currently off, click Focused Inbox to turn it on.

Outlook for Windows

  • Click the View tab.
  • If the Focused Inbox is on, click Show Focused Inbox to turn it off.
  • If the Focused Inbox is currently off, click Show Focused Inbox to turn it on.

Outlook on the Web

  • At the top of the page, click the Settings gear icon.
  • In the Settings pane, move the Focused Inbox toggle off or on, depending on the state you want.

Outlook for iOS/iPadOS

  • In Outlook, tap the Home icon in the upper-left corner.
  • Tap the Settings (gear) icon.
  • Scroll down and tap the toggle next to Focused Inbox to turn it on or off.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
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Explains what Focused Inbox is, how it sorts mail into Focused and Other, and how to reclassify messages between the two tabs. Focused Inbox learns from how a person interacts with mail and improves over time. Available in Outlook for macOS, Windows, and Outlook on the web.