Quick Tips for How to Start Outlook in Safe Mode on MacBook?

Sarabjeet Kaur | mac os outlook for mac Software Technology | 5 minutes read | Modified on: 24-02-2025
how to start outlook in safe mode on macbook

Do you have problems opening Outlook on your Mac? Are you thinking about how to start Outlook in safe mode on MacBook? Are you attempting to collect some data in order to carry out the required task? Don’t worry; users frequently experience these kinds of technical problems. Therefore, we will outline a procedure in detail in this article that will help identify and solve the issue. Before we proceed on to the next section, let’s discuss Outlook’s safe mode.

What is Mac Outlook Safe Mode?

Outlook Safe Mode disables add-ins, customizations, and some settings, leaving only the most required components of the program when it starts. It enables you to determine whether a problem is connected to these other factors. If Outlook functions properly in Safe Mode, you may assume that a particular add-in or configuration is the issue, which you may check further.

Yet, the app will definitely resolve any issues you may run into. The steps to open Outlook in safe mode on MacBook were covered in the next section. Thus, just switch to safe mode if you notice that Outlook is functioning differently.

Quick Steps to Start Outlook in Safe Mode on MacBook

It’s simple to start Outlook in Safe Mode on a MacBook. The steps listed to achieve the same are as follows:

#1- First, navigate to the Apple menu.

#2- From the list, choose Shut Down.

#3- After the Mac shuts off, wait a few seconds.

#4- To turn on your Mac, click the Power tab.

#5- Press and hold the shift button.

#6- When the login window displays, drop the Shift key.

#7- Open Outlook on your macOS and log in to your account.

  1. To select Run, do a right and tick the Start tab.
  2. In the text box that appears, type “Outlook.exe/safe.”
  3. Outlook will open in safe mode when you tick OK.
  4. Hit the Outlook shortcut while holding down the Ctrl key.
  5. Tap Yes to start Outlook in safe mode if an Alert dialogue box shows up.

Resolving Common Outlook for Mac Issues

This section contains useful tips that can help you fix common issues with Outlook on Mac, such as Mac Outlook not opening, not responding, not connecting, or updating, or calendar syncing, searching, or not being able to access Gmail in Outlook.

See a detailed guide on how to get Outlook to work properly.

Problem 1: Outlook Will Not Open

When you need to view your mails immediately, Outlook not opening is a major issue. If you see this problem, start Outlook in safe mode on MacBook first. This could resolve a lot of problems. You may even need to remove the program and redownload it from the App Store in certain situations.

Outlook itself has to be fixed if you’re still having this issue. The task will be completed by following specific instructions included in the Mac system’s Settings menu.

Problem 2: Outlook Cannot Establish Connection

There are a few options available to you if you’re facing an Outlook not connecting problem. Initial, select “Sync Error” from the “Window” menu to see whether there are any sync issues. To enable logging, select the gear icon.

Understanding the root cause of a problem can be helped by restarting Outlook and examining the same problem once more. The next step would be to try opening Outlook in safe mode by only holding down the shift key while the Mac starts up, if that still doesn’t work. Once you’re in safe mode, let go of the shift key.

Problem 3: Outlook Is Not Reacting

There are a few things you can attempt to solve the issue if Outlook is not responding correctly. First, select the “Force Quit” option from the Apple menu to force-quit Outlook on a Mac. After that, try opening Outlook again to see if it functions properly.

Try updating your Outlook edition and using the Outlook Advanced Diagnostic Tool to identify any core issues if it doesn’t work either. The problem can be fixed by repairing Outlook data files and reducing the number of open programs.

Problem 4: Not Updating Outlook

You can choose from a few options to fix the problem if Outlook is not updating. Starting Outlook in safe mode is one way to solve the problem. Go to File, pick Options, hit Add-ins, and then choose “Safe Mode” to perform the same.

If the search feature isn’t working, you may also try creating a new account in the Outlook application. This could fix the issues with calendar events and email updates. Updating issues can be resolved by testing Outlook while the Mac is in safe mode.

Problem 5: Failure to Search Outlook

One of the most frequent issues Mac users run into while configuring Outlook on a Mac machine is Outlook Search not functioning. Users won’t receive correct results because of the inaccuracy. However, there are a few troubleshooting techniques which can be applied to solve the issue. MS Outlook Search Repair Troubleshooter, which is specifically made to tackle search problems in Outlook for Mac, is one option.

Another solution is to hit the Shift key while opening Microsoft Outlook to start it in Safe Mode. This will help in locating incompatible settings or add-ins that are the source of the search issue.

Problem 6: The Calendar in Outlook Doesn’t Sync

One typical issue that users may run into while using Outlook on macOS is Outlook Calendar not syncing. The error may have occurred for a number of reasons, such as a sluggish internet connection or an Exchange Server problem.

Making sure the internet connection is robust and steady is the first step in resolving the problem. Additionally, make sure the Exchange account settings in Outlook are correct by double-checking them.

To see if the problem has been fixed, you can restart Outlook and your computer if needed. Updating Outlook and the operating system to the most recent versions is also beneficial.

Problem 7: Gmail is Not Working in Outlook

You’ve a few options if you see the Outlook issue “Gmail not working.” First, confirm that you’ve added a Gmail account to Outlook successfully. To add a new account, select Accounts under Tools, then tap the “+” icon. There can be a compatibility problem if the Microsoft account functions correctly but Gmail does not. Second, see if Outlook works with other web browsers. Many people have complained about problems when using Safari as a browser while using Outlook.

Wrapping Up

We’ve covered how to start Outlook in safe mode on MacBook in this post. At the same time, we’ve outlined troubleshooting solutions for common issues that users encounter when using Outlook services. It’s advised to switch email platforms before it’s too late, nevertheless, if you’re still having problems. To migrate Mac OLM files into the wanted saving options including HTML, MHT, DOC, DOCx, EML, EMLx, PDF, PST, Lotus Notes, MBOX, MSG, Zimbra, Thunderbird, Windows Live Mail, Exchange Server, Amazon Workmail, IBM Verse, Gmail, G Suite, Yahoo, Office 365, and more—you can try the CubexSoft OLM Converter for Mac and Windows Tool on any macOS or Win OS device.