This article shows you how to disable the "Offline" mode of the Microsoft Outlook computer client.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Windows
Step 1. Launch Outlook
Double-click the program icon with the white "O" on a dark blue background.
Step 2. Make sure Outlook's "Offline" mode is currently active
There are a couple of clues that will reveal to you when the program's "Offline" mode is active:
- In the lower right part of the Outlook interface you will see "Offline mode" or "Disconnected".
- The Outlook program icon visible in the Windows notification area will be marked with a small white "X" inside a red circle.
Step 3. Go to the Send / Receive tab
It is located at the top of the program window. The toolbar for the chosen option will be displayed.
Step 4. Make sure the Offline button is active
It is located within the "Preferences" group of the "Send / Receive" tab of the Outlook ribbon. When the button is active, the background color is dark gray.
If the background color of the button is not dark gray, it means that the "Offline" mode is not active
Step 5. Press the Offline button once
It is located within the "Preferences" group of the "Send / Receive" tab of the Outlook ribbon.
If the button is not active, press the indicated button twice (the first to activate the "Offline" mode, the second to deactivate it)
Step 6. Wait for the "Offline Mode" indicator to disappear
When the indicated wording is no longer visible on the bar at the bottom of the program window, Outlook will be online again.
For the "Offline Mode" indicator to disappear, you may need to toggle the "Offline" mode on and off several times
Method 2 of 2: Mac
Step 1. Launch Outlook
Double-click the program icon with the white "O" on a dark blue background.
Step 2. Enter the Outlook menu
It's located at the top left of the Mac screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
Step 3. Choose the Offline option
It is the third item in the menu that appeared from the top. When Outlook is in "Offline" mode, the option indicated in the "Outlook" menu will be marked with a check mark. To deactivate the "Offline" mode make sure that the check mark in the "Outlook" menu is no longer visible.
Advice
Before disabling the "Offline" mode make sure that the internet connection is active
Warnings
- "Offline" mode cannot be activated when using the Microsoft Outlook mobile app or website on a computer.
- If your computer is not connected to the internet you will not be able to deactivate the "Offline" mode.
