How to Install Outlook on Android Phone

What You’ll Need

An Android phone or tablet with internet access
A Google account to use the Play Store (or you can download the APK from Microsoft’s official site, but the Play Store is simpler and safer)
Your email address and password for the account you want to add (e.g., Outlook.com, Gmail, Yahoo, or a work/school account)

Step-by-Step

Open the Google Play Store. Find the Play Store app on your home screen or in your app drawer. It’s usually a white triangle icon on a colorful background. Tap it to open.
Search for Microsoft Outlook. Tap the search bar at the top of the Play Store screen. Type “Microsoft Outlook” and press the search key on your keyboard. Look for the official app from “Microsoft Corporation” — it has a blue envelope icon with an “O”.
Tap Install. On the Outlook app page, tap the green “Install” button. Wait for the download and installation to finish. This usually takes less than a minute on a decent connection.
Open the app. Once installed, you’ll see an “Open” button in the Play Store. You can also find the Outlook icon in your app drawer or on your home screen. Tap it to launch.
Sign in with your email. The first time you open Outlook, you’ll be asked to add an account. Enter your full email address (e.g., name@outlook.com or name@gmail.com) and tap “Continue.” Then enter your password and sign in. If you have two-factor authentication enabled, you’ll also need to enter the code sent to your phone.
Set up your inbox (optional). After signing in, Outlook may ask if you want to add another account or set up the app as your default email client. You can skip these prompts or follow them as you like. Your inbox will load, and you’re done.

Common Mistakes

Downloading a fake app. There are many third-party apps that mimic Outlook. Always check the developer name — it must be “Microsoft Corporation.” If it’s not, don’t install it.
Entering the wrong email type. Outlook can handle many email types (Exchange, IMAP, POP). If you’re adding a work or school account, you may need to select “Exchange” or “Advanced” instead of “Outlook.com.” If you’re not sure, contact your IT admin.
Skipping the two-factor code. If you have two-step verification enabled, you must enter the code sent to your phone. Don’t ignore it — it’s for your security.
Not granting permissions. Outlook may ask for permission to access your contacts, calendar, or notifications. If you deny these, some features won’t work properly. You can always change permissions later in Settings > Apps > Outlook > Permissions.

Tips

Add multiple accounts. Outlook lets you combine personal and work email in one app. Go to Settings (the gear icon) > Add Account to add more.
Use the calendar. Outlook includes a built-in calendar and tasks. You can switch between Mail, Calendar, and Contacts using the icons at the bottom of the screen.
Set up notifications. Make sure notifications are enabled in the app and in your phone’s system settings so you don’t miss important emails. Go to Settings > Notifications and choose your preferences.
Save battery. If you’re concerned about battery life, you can set Outlook to sync less frequently. In Settings > Mail Sync, choose a longer interval or “Manual” for less frequent updates.
Use the widget. Outlook offers a home screen widget that shows your upcoming calendar events and unread emails. Long-press your home screen, select Widgets, and add the Outlook widget.

Troubleshooting

Install fails or is stuck. If the download doesn’t start or gets stuck, check your internet connection (try Wi-Fi) and make sure you have enough storage space. Go to Settings > Storage to see available space. If the Play Store is acting up, restart your phone or clear the Play Store’s cache (Settings > Apps > Google Play Store > Storage > Clear Cache).
App won’t open or crashes. Force stop the app and reopen it. If that doesn’t work, restart your phone. If the problem persists, uninstall and reinstall the app (your data and emails are stored online, so you won’t lose anything).
Can’t sign in. Double-check your email address and password. If you’re sure they’re correct, try resetting your password via the web. For work accounts, you may need to contact your IT department — they might have specific requirements.
Emails not loading. Pull down from the top of the inbox to refresh. If that doesn’t help, check your internet connection. Also, make sure you’re not in airplane mode. If you’re on a corporate network, there might be a firewall blocking the connection.
Notifications not showing. Go to your phone’s Settings > Apps > Outlook > Notifications and make sure they’re allowed. Also check that “Do Not Disturb” is off. In the Outlook app, go to Settings > Notifications and verify that the toggle is on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Outlook for Android free?

Yes, the app is free to download and use for personal email accounts. Some business features may require a Microsoft 365 subscription, but the basic app is free.

Can I use Outlook with Gmail or Yahoo?

Yes. Outlook supports most email providers, including Gmail, Yahoo, iCloud, and others. You just enter your email address and password, and Outlook will configure the settings automatically.

Will Outlook work on my old Android phone?

Outlook requires Android 8.0 or later. If your phone runs an older version, you won’t be able to install the latest version. You can check your Android version in Settings > About Phone.

How do I add a second email account?

Open Outlook, tap your profile picture or the three-line menu at the top left, then tap the gear icon (Settings). Scroll down and tap “Add Account.” Follow the same steps as the first account.

Can I remove an account from Outlook?

Yes. Go to Settings > tap the account you want to remove > scroll to the bottom and tap “Delete Account.” This only removes it from the app; it doesn’t delete your email account itself.

How do I set Outlook as my default email app?

Go to your phone’s Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Email App, and select Outlook. You may also need to set it as default for “Open supported links” if you want links to open in Outlook.

Sources: Microsoft Support. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.