Troubleshoot the Outlook App on iOS and Android

Issues

  • The Outlook app is not working properly on my phone.
  • The Outlook app crashes or closes on my iPhone or Android device.
  • I see a white or blank screen when I open Outlook on my phone.
  • The Outlook app will not send or receive email.
  • How do I fix problems with the Outlook mobile app?
  • How do I reset my account in the Outlook app?

Environment

This article applies to anyone using the Outlook app on a mobile device running iOS or Android. Personal mobile devices are supported on a best-effort basis and are not managed by Bowdoin IT.

Resolution

Work through the steps in order and check whether the Outlook app works after each one.

  1. Check the internet connection. Confirm the device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi or mobile data network. Open a web page or another app to verify the connection is working, since a weak or interrupted connection can cause the Outlook app to malfunction.
  2. Restart the Outlook app. Close the Outlook app completely by swiping it away in the recent apps view or using the device's force-close feature, then reopen the Outlook app.
  3. Restart the device. Turn the phone or tablet off and back on to clear temporary glitches that can affect the app.
  4. Update the Outlook app. Open the App Store on iOS or the Google Play Store on Android, check for an Outlook update, and install any update that is available, since updates often fix known bugs.
  5. Check device storage. Confirm the device has enough free storage space, and delete unneeded files or apps if storage is low, because low storage can cause apps to behave unexpectedly.
  6. Reinstall the Outlook app. Uninstall the Outlook app, reinstall it from the App Store or Google Play Store, then sign back in to the email account and check whether the problem is resolved.
  7. Reset or re-add the account. Open Settings inside the Outlook app, select the Microsoft 365 account, scroll to the bottom, and select Reset Account to re-sync the content, or Remove Account to delete the account from the app and add it again.
Important: Remove Account deletes the account from the Outlook app. No email is lost from the server, but the account must be added again afterward to receive mail on the device.

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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