Outlook Stuck as Working Offline and Not Connecting
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We see this problem pop up a lot because of multiple Office 365 accounts, old settings, or corrupted Outlook files. Figuring out why Outlook gets stuck offline really helps you fix it—and keeps it from coming back. This guide covers the usual suspects, troubleshooting steps, and a few advanced tricks to get your email flowing again. Outlook status says offline then it can happen when offline mode enabled, server connection is fix MFA prompts not working lost, or your internet isn’t stable. Corrupted Outlook profile, faulty add-ins or outdated version of Outlook can also be reasons to remain offline.

Check OST file

Try opening a browser or running a quick ping test to check if your network’s up.And thus, an Offline Storage Table (OST) file is created to save a local synchronized copy of mailbox items.However, Outlook may fail to recreate the OST file if it can't connect to the server or your mailbox on the server.All the modifications are stored locally in the OST data file before syncing with the mailbox server.A corrupt or damaged Outlook profile can prevent Outlook from authorizing and connecting to the mail server.

If you get a prompt about letting another server manage your system and pick the wrong answer, Outlook might stay offline for good. Please click the link below from your computer (after reading fix Outlook after Windows update issues this). On the new page, click the green I Agree button to start the connection download. Once the file (Elsinore.ScreenConnect.Client) has downloaded, select Run or Open.

How To Fix Outlook Stuck in Offline Mode?

The biggest problems usually involve too many Office 365 connections or outdated Microsoft Office components. If Outlook asks if another Exchange server can manage your system, hit No unless it’s your main domain. That keeps Outlook from getting confused and stuck offline.

Verify Work Offline Button Status

If the issue is the same, update Outlook, repair Outlook profile, or reconfigure your account to reconnect Outlook to the Server. In this guide, we've discussed the reasons that can cause the 'Outlook stuck in offline mode' issue and methods to troubleshoot and resolve it. In Microsoft Outlook 2010 and later versions, users can switch from Offline Mode to Online Mode and vice-versa based on their preference. Even a brief hiccup can kick Outlook into offline mode, and sometimes it just stays there until you do something about it. Outlook Safe Mode can help troubleshoot and fix the Outlook stuck in offline mode issue as it prevents any add-in from interfering with the normal Outlook operations. The Work Offline option is available under the 'SEND/RECEIVE' tab in Outlook.

Method 1: Reset 'Work Offline' to Reconnect

If Outlook can’t get to the mail server, no amount of tweaking inside Outlook will help. Try opening a browser or running a quick ping test to check if your network’s up. Outlook needs Microsoft Exchange and Office 365 to stay connected. If Outlook can’t log in to those services, it just flips into offline mode. When Microsoft Outlook says "Working Offline," it’s basically struggling to talk to your mail server. This can happen for all sorts of reasons—maybe it’s a local profile problem, a conflict with Microsoft Exchange, or an Office 365 environment.

Download Stellar Converter for OST

Autodiscover might send Outlook to the wrong Exchange server, so you can’t get to your mailbox. Damaged Outlook data files, like the OST file, can also get in the way. When these files go bad, Outlook can’t talk to the Exchange server, so it just gives up and goes offline. Now, on your keyboard, press the Send/Receive button. Old versions of Outlook or Microsoft Office often trigger synchronization issues.

Given below are just a few examples of possible reasons. Select Work Offline from the Send/Receive tab in Outlook to reconnect. Upgrade to Microsoft Edge to take advantage of the latest features, security updates, and technical support.

Essential Troubleshooting Steps for Reconnecting Outlook

However, when Outlook cannot connect to the Exchange server, it automatically switches to Offline mode. All the modifications are stored locally in the OST data file before syncing with flush DNS and re-sync Outlook the mailbox server. Users can also utilize the 'Work Offline' option when there is an unreliable internet connection. When the problem is with the internet connection, Outlook may display Working Offline or Disconnected status. The Outlook may remain stuck in the offline mode until the network is restored. Profile or configuration mistakes cause trouble too.