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Microsoft Outlook

Outlook IMAP Setup Guide

Connect your Outlook, Hotmail, or Live account to EmailWatch

This guide works for all Microsoft personal email accounts:

🔑 What is an App Password?

An App Password is a special password that lets apps like EmailWatch securely access your Microsoft email without using your main account password. Microsoft requires this when you have two-step verification enabled (which is highly recommended!).

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Important: You must enable two-step verification on your Microsoft account before you can create an App Password. We'll walk you through this process step by step.

1
Sign Into Your Microsoft Account
Access your account security settings

First, let's access your Microsoft account security settings. Click the button below:

Open Microsoft Security Open in New Tab

Sign in with your Outlook/Hotmail email address and password if prompted.

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Note: If you have a Microsoft 365 work or school account, the process may be different. Contact your IT administrator for guidance.

2
Enable Two-Step Verification
Required before you can create App Passwords

If you haven't already enabled two-step verification, you'll need to set it up first:

Set Up Two-Step Verification Open in New Tab

Follow Microsoft's setup wizard:

  • Click "Turn on" or "Set up two-step verification"
  • Choose your verification method:
    • Microsoft Authenticator app (recommended)
    • Phone number (receive codes via text/call)
    • Alternate email address
  • Follow the prompts to verify your chosen method
  • Save your recovery code in a safe place (very important!)
  • Click "Next" and "Finish" to complete setup
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Pro tip: The Microsoft Authenticator app is the most secure and convenient option. It's free and available for iOS and Android.

3
Create an App Password
Generate a special password for EmailWatch

Now that two-step verification is enabled, let's create an App Password:

Open App Passwords Open in New Tab

On the App Passwords page:

  • Look for "App passwords" in the Additional security section
  • Click "Create a new app password"
  • Microsoft may ask you to verify your identity first
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Can't find App Passwords? Make sure two-step verification is turned ON. The App Passwords option only appears after enabling 2FA.

4
Copy Your App Password
Save this password - you'll only see it once!

Microsoft will display a 16-character password that looks something like this:

abcd efgh ijkl mnop

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Copy this password now! Microsoft will only show it once. If you close this screen without copying, you'll need to create a new App Password.

  • Click the copy button next to the password, or
  • Select the password and press Ctrl+C (Windows) or Cmd+C (Mac)
  • The spaces in the password don't matter - you can include or remove them
  • Click "Done" when you've copied the password
5
Enter the Password in EmailWatch
Complete your email setup in the app

Now open the EmailWatch app and add your Outlook account:

  • Go to Add Email Account in the app
  • Select Outlook (or Hotmail/Live) as your email provider
  • Enter your full email address (e.g., [email protected])
  • Paste the 16-character App Password you just copied
  • Tap Connect or Save
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Pro tip: The IMAP settings for Outlook are automatically filled in. Manual settings if needed: Server: outlook.office365.com, Port: 993, SSL: On

🎉 You're All Set!

Your Outlook account should now be connected to EmailWatch. Start creating alert rules for your important emails!

Frequently Asked Questions

I don't see the "App passwords" option anywhere

The App Passwords feature only appears after you enable two-step verification. Make sure 2FA is turned ON, then refresh the security page. If you still don't see it, try signing out and back in.

Can I use my regular Outlook password instead?

No, if you have two-step verification enabled (which is recommended), you must use an App Password for third-party email apps. Your regular password won't work with IMAP.

I have a Microsoft 365 (work/school) account

Work and school accounts are managed by your organization's IT department. They may have different security policies. Contact your IT administrator for help setting up IMAP access, as App Passwords may be disabled by your organization.

How do I delete an App Password later?

Go to Microsoft App Passwords and click the "Remove" or trash icon next to the password you want to delete. EmailWatch will stop being able to access your email.

The password isn't working. What should I try?

Double-check that you copied the entire 16-character password. Make sure you're using the App Password (not your regular Microsoft password). If it still doesn't work, try creating a new App Password.

What if I lost my recovery code?

Go to Microsoft Security Settings and look for "Recovery code" in the Two-step verification section. You can generate a new recovery code there.

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