Add Outlook or Hotmail with Microsoft OAuth

Before you begin

• Have access to the Microsoft account for this mailbox and any verification method it requires.
• Enable IMAP access in Outlook.com. Microsoft requires modern authentication for Outlook.com connections.
• Choose the mailbox’s connection and make sure NodeMail’s Browser Runtime is available. Work or school accounts also need their administrator’s approval and server settings.

Set up in NodeMail

1. In Outlook.com webmail, open Settings, then Mail, then Forwarding and IMAP. Enable IMAP access and save the setting.
2. Add the email account in NodeMail Settings. Enter the full address, select Outlook / Hotmail and keep Microsoft OAuth selected.
3. Choose Direct, Clash Node or Manual SOCKS5 before starting authorization. Keep the selected route available while signing in.
4. Click Sign in with Microsoft. In the built-in browser, enter the Microsoft code displayed by NodeMail, sign in with the intended account and review the permissions.
5. Return to NodeMail and wait for Microsoft sign-in complete. Then click Save Account; browser authorization alone does not save the mailbox.
6. Open the inbox and send a test message to an address you control. Check SMTP separately if receiving works but sending fails.

Server settings

The Microsoft account and the NodeMail account

Authorize the Microsoft account that owns this mailbox. Signing in to the NodeMail website or having an active app plan does not grant access to your Outlook messages.

The server table describes the personal Outlook / Hotmail preset. It is not an Exchange calendar or contacts setup guide.

Keep the selected route available

NodeMail prepares the account’s route for the Microsoft sign-in flow. An unavailable proxy can interrupt authorization before the mailbox is saved.

If the browser cannot open, check Browser Runtime and the selected proxy profile. Share only the app version, provider and redacted error text when seeking help.

Troubleshooting

The code expires or sign-in is cancelled

Start Sign in with Microsoft again and use the new code. Complete the browser flow for the same mailbox address, then return to the form. Do not create another saved mailbox just to retry authorization.

Authorization succeeds but the inbox fails

Confirm that IMAP is enabled in Outlook.com and that your account or organization permits the connection. Check the chosen route and server settings; OAuth authorization does not guarantee protocol access.

Mail arrives but cannot be sent

Keep SMTP on port 587 with STARTTLS and Microsoft OAuth for the personal preset. For a work or school mailbox, ask the administrator about SMTP AUTH and the correct outgoing host.

The account belongs to Microsoft 365

Do not assume personal Outlook settings apply to every tenant or custom domain. Confirm supported authentication, IMAP and SMTP policy with the organization before changing the preset.

Related guides

• Set up Gmail in NodeMail on your Mac
• Choose the connection for each mailbox
• Manage multiple mailboxes in one Mac workspace
• All mailbox setup guides

References and maintenance

• Microsoft: Outlook.com IMAP and SMTP settings

NodeMail setup-guide maintainer

2026-09-12 — Added the Outlook / Hotmail guide on September 12, 2026; checked the Microsoft OAuth flow and personal Outlook server settings.

Found a changed setting? Contact support@nodemail.app.