How do I enable IMAP and SMTP for Outlook / Microsoft 365?

You use Outlook.com, Hotmail, Live, or Microsoft 365 mail and need IMAP (and authenticated SMTP) allowed so a desktop client can connect.

Tip for Neat Mail AI: For Microsoft consumer or work/school accounts, Sign in with Microsoft (OAuth) in the app is usually the smoothest path. Use IMAP/SMTP when your policy requires it.

Outlook.com / Hotmail / Live (personal Microsoft account)

Step 1 — Open Outlook on the web
Go to outlook.live.com (or your regional URL) and sign in.
Step 2 — Mail settings
Open Settings (gear) → Mail → Sync email (wording may vary slightly by build/region).
Step 3 — Allow POP and IMAP
Ensure options such as Let devices and apps use POP / Use POP or IMAP are turned on if you rely on IMAP. Save if prompted.
Step 4 — Typical client endpoints
IMAP: outlook.office365.com (often used for Microsoft 365 and many Outlook.com mailboxes) or imap-mail.outlook.com for some consumer setups — use the values your IT or Microsoft support lists for your account type.
SMTP: smtp.office365.com (port 587, STARTTLS) is common for Microsoft 365; consumer SMTP may be smtp-mail.outlook.com on port 587.

Microsoft 365 (work or school)

Step 1 — IMAP may be controlled by your admin
Your organization can disable IMAP or require modern authentication. If IMAP fails, ask IT whether IMAP is allowed and whether SMTP AUTH is enabled for your mailbox.
Step 2 — Use OAuth in Neat Mail AI when possible
That avoids storing passwords and matches Microsoft’s recommended sign-in for Microsoft 365.

Official starting points: POP, IMAP, and SMTP settings for Outlook.com · Exchange Online POP/IMAP/SMTP.