Outlook Work Offline

Switch between working offline and working online

In Outlook, you have the flexibility to make Outlook work online or offline with your mail server.

How do you know when you're working offline or online in Outlook? There are visual cues, starting with the status bar at the bottom of your Outlook window.

If either of the following status indicators are shown, it means Outlook isn’t connected to your M365 account.  You won't be able to send or receive email until you reconnect.

Working offline status or Disconnected status

 

Status: Working Offline

Working offline usually is a choice. Returning to an online work mode is a simple process.

  • In Outlook, on the Send/Receive tab, choose Work Offline to reconnect.

    Working offline option on the Send Receive tab

 

Notes: 

  • If the background of the Work Offline button is shaded (as shown in the image above), you're not connected. But if the background is clear, you are connected.