Solved: “Mac Outlook Not Syncing with Exchange Server” Issue

Wondering how to fix Mac Outlook not syncing with Exchange Server error. This article provides easy troubleshooting guidance to resolve the issue. Typically, the syncing Exchange account with Outlook for Mac ensures seamless sharing of mailboxes, calendars, and other data. It serves as a great option for professional needs, improving productivity and workflow.

Unfortunately, experiencing issues of “Outlook for Mac not connecting to Server” or “Mac Outlook not connecting to Office 365”; both scenarios trigger disruption of communication and delay in accessibility of mailbox data. However, there is no need to panic as we will guide you with some of the best go-to troubleshooting manual tips to fix this issue. So, let’s begin the discussion.

What If Outlook Not Connecting to My Exchange Account on macOS?

Either facing the problem of Outlook for Mac not syncing with Office 365 or not connecting with Exchange Server, the consequences are unpleasant or bad for any Outlook users. This issue impacts both productivity and email management. Here are some other adverse outcomes of this problem:-

• Missing out on important emails is one of the major consequences of this issue. Additionally, it leads to delays in responses or even breaks the seamless communication.
• The impact of Mac Outlook not syncing with Exchange Server offers conflict with other integrated applications of Outlook for Mac.
• Syncing issues certainly bring challenges for securing Mac Outlook data. Moreover, it opens gates for data loss, breach, and file corruption, making inaccessibility to mailbox folders or files.
• Another disadvantage of Mac Outlook not connecting with Exchange is the fear of file corruption. If the file gets inaccessible then, there is no manual way to recover the data from the corrupted file.

In a nutshell, users need to take action against the syncing issue in Mac Outlook with an Exchange account. Before delving into the manual troubleshooting methods of Outlook for Mac not connecting to Server, let’s first know the reasons behind the issue.

Why is Mac Outlook Not Syncing with Exchange Server / Office 365? Top Reasons

If unable to sync Outlook for Mac with the Server; there are multiple causes behind raising this issue. In the following section, we will list the potential reasons related to this error. Now, read those causes to avoid them later:-

• Enabled Offline Mode:- If working on offline mode in Mac Outlook then, it prevents users from syncing the data with Exchange or Office 365. Hence, it is one of the most prominent reasons behind Outlook for Mac not syncing with Office 365.
• Wrong Server Configuration:- Implementing the wrong server settings leads to synchronization issues. Moreover, this misconfiguration happens due to incorrect server addresses, ports, or authentication errors.
• Outlook Profile Gets Corrupted:- Often the Mac Outlook file gets corrupted due to the large mailbox size, causing the issue for syncing emails. Creating a new account helps users to access the Outlook email services.
• Corrupted Cache Files:- Another reason behind Mac Outlook not syncing with Exchange Server is due to corrupted cache files. Hence, it is recommended to manage or clear the cache data.
• Exchange Server Outage:- The temporary issue of server outage leads to not working or connecting problems. In other words, the server might experience downtime issues or configuration glitches, preventing successful sync.
• Bad Connection:- Poor network connection is the most common reason behind causing the syncing error. It prevents users from accessing the data of Exchange accounts on Mac Outlook easily.

After addressing the causes now seeking how to fix Mac Outlook not syncing with Exchange Server account. So, walk through to the next section to know the best troubleshooting step guidance.

8 Simple Troubleshooting Guide to Fix Outlook for Mac Not Syncing with Office 365 & Exchange

Previously, we have explained the impact and reason behind Mac Outlook email not syncing with Exchange account. Here are the easy troubleshooting steps from basic to advanced level to fix the error.

1. Disable Offline Mode
2. Rebuild Your Outlook Profile
3. Reconnect the Exchange Account
4. Clear Cache Files
5. Update Outlook for Mac
6. Reindex Mac Outlook App
7. Verify Account Settings
8. Check Connection

Now, let’s understand these approaches one after another.

Method 1: Disable Offline Mode

Experiencing the issue of Mac Outlook not syncing with Exchange Server, ensuring real-time connectivity helps users to receive new email messages. Therefore, users need to check the status of Offline Mode. Follow the steps to disable Work Offline:-

1. Open Outlook for Mac profile.
2. From the drop-down of Outlook menu > look for Work Offline.
3. If it is selected, disable the option.

Method 2: Rebuild Your Outlook Profile

Often the issue with the Mac Outlook database prevents successful sync of Outlook with an Exchange account. In this case, users should restore the corrupted profile. Here are the steps to rebuild Mac Outlook profile:-

1. Firstly, shut all the Mac Outlook identities running in the background.
2. Now, create a backup of Mac Outlook on C Drive.
3. After this, run the Microsoft Database Utility application by pressing the Outlook App + Alt key.
4. Lastly, choose the Outlook profile to recreate > hit the Rebuild button.

Method 3: Reconnect the Exchange Account

Receiving the error of Outlook for Mac not syncing with the Server may be due to a wrong connection with the Exchange Server account. Read the simple ways to reconnect it:-

1. Launch Outlook for Mac on your macOS.
2. Move to Tools from the top menu.
3. Select the Account and check the status of the Exchange account.
4. Now, try to reconnect the account to fix the issue at once.

Method 4: Clear Cache Files

This is one of the basic yet expert-recommended methods to resolve the synchronization error. The benefit of clearing the cache files enables users to seamlessly build connections with Exchange or Office 365 accounts. Follow the tips to clear the unwanted cache files:-

1. Perform Right-click on the Exchange folder > tab on Properties.
2. Move to General and select Empty Cache.
3. Lastly, check if the folder is getting sync new items or not.

Method 5: Update Outlook for Mac

Addressing the problem of Mac Outlook not syncing with Exchange Server can often be fixed with the updation of Mac Outlook. Here are the steps to find the recent update on Outlook for Mac:-

1. Go to Outlook > switch to Help.
2. Select the option of Check for Updates.
3. Click on the Automatically option from the Microsoft Auto Update interface.
   From the update section, tab on Check for Updates (if find any recent updates then, download & run it on Mac Outlook).

Method 6: Reindex Mac Outlook App

Follow these steps to resolve the issue of Outlook for Mac stopped syncing with Exchange:-

1. Close all running applications on Mac.
2. Select the Outlook icon from the Launcher and it will automatically appear as Outlook Index.
3. Choose the Reindex option.
4. Once the Reindex is done, launch these commands one after another.

sudo mdutil -E /
sudo mdutil -i on /

Method 7: Verify Account Settings

Besides the above troubleshooting steps, Outlook users can verify accounts to fix the sync error of Outlook for Mac not syncing with Exchange Server or Office 365. Here are the steps to check account settings:-

1. Open Mac Outlook profile > click on Preferences.
2. Tab on Accounts and now, verify the server settings with Office 365 or Exchange Accounts.

Method 8: Check Connection

Whether Outlook for Mac not syncing with Office 365 or Mac Outlook stopped connecting with the Exchange account, first check for uninterrupted network connection. It is another basic troubleshooting way to resolve the sync issue instantly.

Also read: why Mac Mail not receiving emails on macOS.

The Bottom Line

The above troubleshooting guidance on Mac Outlook not syncing with Exchange Server helps Outlook users easily prevent this issue. Since there are multiple factors behind the occurrence of this problem. However, implementing the above tips allows users to fix the problem irrespective of any data loss on the Mac Outlook profile.