Outlook app not working on an iPhone is a common problem that can manifest as the app freezing while in use or even completely crashing and restarting. This page covers all of the tested and proven solutions for how to fix it when Outlook stops working on an iPhone in addition to some tips for how to stop the iPhone Outlook app from freezing and crashing in the future.
Note: The fixes on this page apply to the iOS Microsoft Outlook app on all iPhone smartphone models from the iPhone 5S and higher.
Why Is Outlook App Crashing on an iPhone?
Outlook crashing or not opening on an iPhone can be caused by an out-of-date app or operating system, a lack of free space on the iPhone, or an inability to connect to a Wi-Fi or cellular internet connection.
The Outlook service being down or offline can also cause the Microsoft Outlook app to freeze, crash, or stop running properly.
How to Fix Outlook App Not Opening on an iPhone
Here are the best solutions for how to fix Outlook problems on iPhone smartphones.
1. Check if Outlook’s down. The Outlook service could be experiencing a server outage or other technical issue.
2. Switch between Wi-Fi and cellular connection. Check your iPhone’s Wi-Fi or cellular connection. The quickest way to do this is to open another app that needs an internet connection. If your Wi-Fi is slow or completely down, turn it off and try using your iPhone’s cellular connection to access Outlook. If your Mobile data is slow or completely down, turn it off and try using your Wi-Fi to access Outlook.
3. Toggle Airplane Mode on and off. This only takes a few seconds and is an easy way to reset your iPhone’s Wi-Fi and cellular connections.
4. Restart the Outlook app on your iPhone. Properly closing the Outlook app, not just minimizing it, and then opening it again could fix the problem.
5. Restart your iPhone. A quick restart can fix a number of iPhone app problems.
6. Update the Outlook app. An app update may be required to get Outlook to open on your iPhone and work properly.
Wait for the app update to finish. If the Outlook app icon appears faded and is unresponsive, this means that the app’s in the process of being updated. Make sure your iPhone’s connected to the internet and wait until the update’s finished.
Note: An iPhone app update can take anywhere from a minute to half an hour depending on your iPhone model and the speed of the internet connection.
7. Update your iPhone. Downloading and installing the latest iOS operating system can fix a variety of system and app issues.
8. Free-up space on your iPhone. A lack of free space can often cause iPhone apps to crash or not open.
9. Log out of Outlook and then log back in. This quick process can reset your device’s connection to Outlook’s servers.
10. Reinstall the Outlook app. Uninstall the Outlook app on your iPhone and then reinstall it via the App Store.
11. Disable iPhone’s Content & Privacy Restrictions settings. Open Settings and select Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions and make sure the main switch is off.
Tip: Alternatively, you can add Outlook to the list of exceptions in Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps.
12. Reset your iPhone’s app settings. Performing the Reset All Settings procedure keeps all your files and data intact but will clear your iPhone’s preferences relating to how apps are used. This can clear out any conflicting settings that are stopping Outlook from working properly.
Important: Make sure to choose Reset All Settings when performing a reset. Other options such as Erase All Content and Settings can completely remove everything from your iPhone.
13. Reset your iPhone’s network settings. If the Outlook app is having trouble connecting to the Outlook servers, performing a network settings reset could fix it.
14. Contact Outlook Customer Support. If nothing else appears to be working, reach out to Outlook’s official support to see if they can fix the issue.
FAQs
If Outlook notifications aren’t working, ensure you’ve enabled notifications in your iPhone settings. Next, go to your Outlook account and select the notifications you want to receive. Also, ensure your phone isn’t set to Do Not Disturb, and clear the Outlook data cache.
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