Add your AOL email to Outlook so you can manage mail, calendar, and contacts in one place. This 2026 guide covers the updated AOL settings, app password steps, and setup for both New Outlook and Classic Outlook on Windows and Mac.
If you run into setup errors, use the troubleshooting section below to fix password prompts, SMTP send failures, and sync issues.
Quick Answer (2026)
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| IMAP (sync) | imap.aol.com - 993 - SSL/TLS |
| IMAP (alternate / if login fails) | export.imap.aol.com - 993 - SSL/TLS |
| SMTP | smtp.aol.com - 465 - SSL/TLS |
| Ports | IMAP 993 / SMTP 465 |
| SMTP authentication | Required |
| Username | Full AOL email address |
| Password | If Outlook rejects your normal password or you use 2-step verification, generate an AOL app password. |
Tip: Use imap.aol.com for normal sync. If login fails or you need large downloads, try export.imap.aol.com.
SMTP note: If sending fails on 465, try 587 + STARTTLS.
Recommendation: Use IMAP unless you specifically need POP.
Why connect AOL to Outlook?
- Unified inbox: manage AOL and other accounts in one Outlook profile.
- Offline access: Outlook caches mail so you can read and reply offline (sync, not a full backup).
- Productivity tools: use Outlook search, rules, calendar, and tasks with your AOL mail.
AOL vs Verizon.net addresses (important)
If your email ends with @verizon.net or another AOL-managed domain, settings may differ. Use the AOL/Verizon help pages to confirm the correct server names for your domain.
Verizon.net Outlook settings
- IMAP: imap.aol.com - 993 - SSL/TLS
- SMTP: smtp.verizon.net - 465 - SSL/TLS. If it fails, confirm your domain’s server on the AOL/Verizon help page (some accounts use smtp.aol.com).
- Username: full email address
The golden rule: IMAP vs POP
- IMAP: two-way sync across all devices. Recommended for most users.
- POP: downloads mail to one device and can remove it from the server. Use only if you need local-only storage.
Verdict: Use IMAP unless you have a specific POP-only requirement.
POP tip: Enable Leave a copy of messages on the server (recommended during migration or backup).
Before you start
- Classic Outlook is required only for PST export (setup works in New Outlook).
- If prompted for a password, use an AOL app password (not your normal password).
Step 1: Create an AOL app password for Outlook
AOL requires a unique app password for Outlook when two-step verification is enabled or older apps are used.
- Sign in to your AOL account and open Account Security.
- Select Generate and manage app passwords and click Get Started.
- Enter an app name like Outlook and generate the password.
- Copy the 16-character app password and use it in Outlook.
Tip: Use a normal browser session. Incognito/private sessions can hide the app-password option.
Step 2: Add AOL to Outlook for Windows
Add AOL to New Outlook for Windows
- Open Outlook and go to View > View settings.
- Open Accounts and click Add account.
- Enter your AOL email address and continue.
- If you see Advanced options, choose Let me set up my account manually and select IMAP.
- Enter the server settings and use your AOL app password when prompted.
Note: Username must be the full email address, and SMTP requires authentication.
Add AOL to Classic Outlook (desktop)
- Go to File > Add Account.
- Enter your AOL email address and click Connect.
- If automatic setup fails, choose Manual setup and select IMAP.
- Use these settings:
- Incoming (IMAP): imap.aol.com (if it fails, try export.imap.aol.com)
- Outgoing (SMTP): smtp.aol.com
- IMAP port: 993 (SSL/TLS)
- SMTP port: 465 (SSL/TLS)
- Username: full AOL email address
- Password: AOL app password
Note: Username must be the full email address, and My outgoing server (SMTP) requires authentication is enabled.
Step 3: Add AOL to Outlook for Mac
- Open Outlook for Mac and go to Tools > Accounts.
- Click + and choose New Account.
- Enter your AOL email address and continue.
- When prompted, enter your AOL app password and select IMAP.
Troubleshooting: AOL not syncing / keeps asking for password
- Password prompt repeats: app password is missing or revoked, or Outlook is using cached credentials in Windows Credential Manager.
- Credential cache conflict: remove old AOL credentials in Windows Credential Manager, then sign in again.
- Send fails (SMTP): confirm SMTP authentication is enabled. If port 465 fails, try 587 with STARTTLS as a fallback.
- IMAP login fails: try export.imap.aol.com instead of imap.aol.com.
- Missing folders: open IMAP folders and subscribe to all folders you need.
- Timeouts: temporarily disable firewall/antivirus to test, then add Outlook as an allowed app.
If AOL works on webmail but not Outlook
- Remove cached credentials (Credential Manager).
- Generate a new app password (if revoked).
- Retry manual IMAP with ports + SSL/TLS.
- Try export.imap.aol.com.
Back up AOL emails to PST (Outlook required)
The SysCurve AOL Backup Tool can back up AOL mail to PST, MBOX, EML, MSG, and HTML. You can export selected folders for targeted backups.
See also: Backup AOL emails.
Requirement: PST export requires Microsoft Outlook (Classic) installed on the same Windows PC.
Instant Solution - SysCurve AOL Backup Tool
Export AOL emails to PST, EML, or MBOX for long-term storage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the AOL server settings for Outlook?
IMAP: imap.aol.com (or export.imap.aol.com), port 993, SSL/TLS. SMTP: smtp.aol.com, port 465, SSL/TLS. Username is your full AOL email address.
Do I need an AOL app password?
If Outlook rejects your normal password or you use 2-step verification, generate an AOL app password in Account Security and use it in Outlook.
Do AOL app passwords expire?
App passwords remain active until you delete or revoke them in AOL Account Security.
Does AOL work in New Outlook for Windows?
Yes. Add the account under View > View settings > Accounts, and use IMAP with your app password if manual setup is required.
Why does Outlook keep asking for my AOL password?
This usually means the app password is missing or revoked, or Outlook is using cached credentials in Windows Credential Manager.
Can I create a PST backup of AOL mail?
Yes. Use the SysCurve AOL Backup Tool to export to PST. PST output requires Microsoft Outlook (Classic) installed on Windows.
Do Verizon.net addresses use the same settings?
Not always. Verizon.net and other AOL-managed domains may use different server names. Check the AOL/Verizon help pages for your domain.
Sources (AOL + Microsoft)
- AOL Mail server settings (IMAP/POP)
- AOL Mail downloads with IMAP (export.imap.aol.com)
- Microsoft: Add an email account to Outlook (New Outlook)
The Final Word
Adding AOL to Outlook is straightforward once you use the correct app password and IMAP settings. If the default IMAP server fails, try export.imap.aol.com, and use SMTP 465 or 587 as needed. Follow the steps above and you should be up and running quickly.
