Hotmail or Outlook Account Authentication Failed in Airmail - Troubleshooting

Some users report errors such as "Authentication failed", "Conta inválida" or similar messages when trying to add a Hotmail.com, Live.com, Outlook.com or Microsoft 365 account to Airmail on macOS or iOS. This article describes the most common steps that solve the issue.

When the issue typically occurs

The error usually appears at the moment of adding the account, after the Microsoft sign-in page has been completed in the browser. In some cases the user is redirected to the browser, completes the login and is then returned to Airmail with the error.

Recommended steps

1. Use the Outlook option, not Other or IMAP

When you add the account, choose the Outlook option in the account list. This is the recommended method for Hotmail, Live and Outlook addresses, since it uses the official Microsoft sign-in flow.

2. Wait a few seconds on the Microsoft confirmation page

After completing the sign-in and (if requested) the Microsoft Authenticator approval, wait a few seconds on the confirmation page before returning to Airmail. Closing the Microsoft page too quickly is one of the most common causes of the "authentication failed" error.

3. Check the Microsoft account status

Open https://account.live.com in a browser and sign in with the same address you are trying to add. Make sure there are no pending security alerts (for example two-step verification, new device approval, or temporary blocks).

4. Remove and re-add the account in Airmail

If the account is already in Airmail and is not working, remove it first:

On macOS: Airmail > Settings > Accounts > select the account > Remove.

On iOS: Settings > Accounts > select the account > Remove.

Then close Airmail completely and add the account again, choosing the Outlook option.

5. Try in a different browser session

Before adding the account again, sign out of your Microsoft account in the default browser of the device. This avoids conflicts with another Microsoft session that may already be open.

If the problem still occurs

If after these steps the issue persists, please contact our support and include:

The exact error message shown by Airmail

Your Airmail version (Airmail menu > About Airmail on macOS, or Settings > About on iOS)

The macOS or iOS version installed on the device

The type of Microsoft account (personal Hotmail/Live, work or school account)

Our team will look into your specific configuration and get back to you as soon as possible.

Updated on: 05/08/2026