How to Fix “Outlook Notifications Not Working on Mac” Error with Simple Tips & Tricks?

If you’re dealing with outlook notifications not working on mac and trying to figure out how to fix the issue, keep reading. There’s no need to stress, we’ve outlined several reliable methods to help you get your alerts working again.

Apple has significantly enhanced its built-in Mail app over the years, but many users still prefer third-party email clients for a smoother, more feature-rich experience. Microsoft Outlook, widely used by businesses and Microsoft 365 subscribers alike, is one of the most popular alternatives. Recently, however, users have reported recurring issues with Outlook notifications on macOS. If you’re facing similar problems, the steps below will guide you through resolving them.

Microsoft is currently developing a redesigned Outlook experience for both Mac and Windows. Since the Mac version is still under development, it may take a bit longer to roll out fully. Until then, you can still receive real-time Outlook alerts by following the troubleshooting methods provided here.

Why Outlook Notifications Now Working on Mac OS?

• Old macOS or Outlook versions can cause notification issues.
• Notification settings might be turned off by mistake.
• Focus/Do Not Disturb mode can silence alerts.
• Battery-saving features may block background notifications.
• Corrupt Outlook data can interrupt alerts.
• Antivirus or firewall apps might block Outlook notifications.

How to Fix Outlook Notifications Not Working on macOS (Step-by-Step Guide)

1. Enable Outlook Notifications in macOS Settings

First, make sure your Mac is allowed to show Outlook alerts.

• Open System Settings > Notifications & Focus.
• Scroll down and select Outlook from the list.
• Turn on Allow Notifications.
• Choose a notification style (Banners or Alerts) so messages appear on your screen.

Optional: Enable Lock Screen alerts, notification sounds, and badges as needed.

2. Check Notification Settings Inside Microsoft Outlook

After confirming macOS settings, verify Outlook’s internal notification preferences.

• Open Microsoft Outlook on your Mac.
• Click Outlook in the top menu and select Preferences.
• Go to Notifications & Sounds.
• Make sure Notify me when new messages arrive and related options are turned on.
• If needed, adjust the notification sound for new emails.

3. Turn Off Focus Mode or Do Not Disturb on Mac & Outlook

Focus Mode or Do Not Disturb can silence notifications on both macOS and Outlook.

Disable Focus Mode on macOS:

• Open System Settings > Notifications & Focus.
• Select Focus from the sidebar.
• Turn off any active Focus modes by toggling the switch.

Disable Do Not Disturb in Outlook:

• Open Outlook > Preferences.
• Make sure Do Not Disturb is turned off.
• You can also click the bell icon in the Outlook toolbar to disable it quickly.

4. Allow Background Activity (App Refresh) on macOS

Outlook must run in the background to deliver notifications.

• Go to System Settings > Battery (or Energy Saver on older macOS).
• Enable Prevent computer from sleeping when the display is off.
• This keeps Outlook active so it can send notifications even when the screen sleeps.

5. Clear Outlook Cache to Fix Notification Errors

A corrupted cache can break notification delivery. Clear it as follows:

• Quit Outlook completely.
• Open Finder, click Go > Go to Folder.
• Enter: ~/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/Outlook
• Delete the contents inside the Outlook folder (not the folder itself).
• Restart Outlook, and the cache will rebuild automatically.

6. Verify macOS Permissions for Outlook

Outlook needs proper permissions to show alerts.

• Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security.
• Select Notifications and ensure Outlook is allowed.
• Also check Full Disk Access, Calendar, and Contacts to confirm Outlook has necessary permissions.

7. Update macOS and Microsoft Outlook

Outdated software can lead to notification issues, so make sure everything is up to date.

Update macOS:

• Open Apple Menu > System Settings > Software Update.
• Install any available updates.

Update Outlook:

• Open Outlook and go to Help > Check for Updates.
• Install the latest version if an update is available.

8. Rebuild Your Outlook Profile

If notifications still don’t work, your Outlook profile may be corrupted.

• Open Outlook and go to Tools > Public Folders > Profiles.
• Click Add Profile and create a new one.
• Set the new profile as the default and test notifications again.

9. Reinstall Microsoft Outlook

If nothing works, reinstalling Outlook can reset all app settings.

• Go to Applications, then drag Outlook to the Trash.
• Download and install the latest version of Outlook from the official Microsoft website.

10. Check for Third-Party App Conflicts         

Security tools like firewalls or antivirus software can block Outlook alerts.

• Temporarily disable any antivirus or firewall applications.
• If notifications start working, adjust the settings in that software to allow Outlook.

Final Thoughts

Facing Outlook notifications not working on your Mac can be frustrating, but following the steps outlined above should help you resolve the issue. Make sure your notification settings are correctly configured in both macOS and Outlook, clear the cache if necessary, and keep your system and apps updated. If the problem still persists, rebuilding your Outlook profile or reinstalling the application may be required. With proper troubleshooting and settings adjustments, you can restore Outlook notifications and stay updated on your emails and calendar alerts without interruptions.

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