How to Resolve “Certificate Error in Outlook for Mac”?

Sarabjeet Kaur | mac outlook olm outlook for mac outlook mac software technology | 4 minutes read | Modified on: 18-11-2025
how to resolve certificate error in outlook for mac

Are you encountering a certificate error in Outlook for Mac? This issue typically arises when Outlook is unable to verify a secure connection with your mail server due to an invalid, expired, or mismatched certificate. When this happens, you may see warnings like “A certificate error is preventing Outlook from connecting to the server” or “The certificate is not trusted.” Such errors can disrupt your email workflow, but the good news is there are multiple methods you can use to resolve them effectively.

How to Resolve “Certificate Error in Outlook for Mac”: Step-by-Step Solutions

If you’re facing a certificate error in Mac Outlook, don’t worry. The following manual methods can help you resolve the issue and restore smooth email connectivity.

1. Ensure Correct Date and Time Settings

Incorrect system date and time can trigger certificate problems. To fix this:

  • Open System Preferences on your Mac.
  • Go to Date & Time.
  • Confirm that the time, date, and time zone are precise.
  • Adjust them if necessary and then restart Outlook to see if the issue is resolved.

2. Check Your Internet Connection

A weak or unstable network can sometimes cause certificate errors. Make sure your internet connection is stable. Restarting your router may also help fix connectivity-related certificate issues.

3. Remove and Re-Add Your Outlook Account

Re-adding your mail account can assist refresh the connection and solve certificate errors:

  • Open Outlook for Mac.
  • Go to Tools and select Public Folders.
  • Right-click on the account showing the certificate error and choose Remove Account.
  • Restart Outlook.
  • Navigate to Outlook > Preferences > Accounts and add your account again.

4. Manually Trust the Certificate via Keychain Access

If Outlook continues showing certificate errors, you can manually trust the certificate:

  • Open Keychain Access (Applications > Utilities or use Spotlight).
  • Select System from the left sidebar.
  • Search for the certificate causing the error.
  • Right-click the certificate and select Get Info.
  • Under Trust, choose Always Trust.
  • Close the window and restart Outlook to check if the error is resolved.

5. Update macOS and Outlook

Outdated software can lead to certificate issues. Ensure both macOS and Outlook are updated:

  • For Outlook, open the Mac App Store and check for updates.
  • For macOS, go to System Preferences > Software Update and install any available updates.

Reliable Solution for Certificate Error in Outlook for Mac: Mac OLM File Converter

If the manual methods fail to fix the certificate error in Outlook Mac, or if you want to quickly convert your Mac Outlook mailbox data, using a professional tool like BitData Migration OLM Converter for Mac & Windows is a robust solution. This software not only helps resolve certificate errors in Outlook for Mac but also allows you to efficiently convert Outlook for Mac OLM files into multiple formats, including PDF, EML, MSG, PST, MBOX, ICS, CSV, as well as cloud services like Office 365, G Suite, Gmail, IMAP, Exchange Server, Thunderbird, etc.

Key Features of Mac OLM Converter

The OLM File Converter for Mac offers a wide range of features that make it a reliable solution for fixing certificate errors in Outlook for Mac and managing your mailbox data:

  • Fast Conversion: Convert Mac Outlook emails to multiple formats in just a few moments.
  • Flexible File Upload: Supports adding OLM files using Add Files or Add Folder options.
  • Desktop-Based Migration: Export OLM data to formats like PST, PDF, MBOX, EML, HTML, CSV, Thunderbird, and more.
  • Webmail Migration: Transfer OLM emails to various webmail services such as Gmail, Office 365, IMAP, Yahoo, Outlook.com, and others.
  • User-Friendly Interface: The easy GUI allows both technical and non-technical users to operate the software effortlessly.
  • Data Integrity: Maintains the originality of emails, attachments, and other mailbox items throughout the migration.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Available for both Mac and Windows OS, enabling users on either platform to perform the migration smoothly.
Final Thoughts

Dealing with a certificate error in Outlook for Mac can be frustrating, but it can be resolved quickly using either the manual methods discussed above or a professional tool like Mac OLM Outlook Converter. This software is particularly helpful if your OLM files are corrupted, or you need to migrate your mailbox data safely and efficiently. Additionally, the tool offers a free demo version, allowing users to export up to 25 items per folder at no cost, giving you a chance to test its features before purchasing the full version.

FAQs about Certificate Error in Outlook for Mac

1. What is a certificate error in Outlook for Mac?

A certificate error in Outlook for Mac occurs when Outlook cannot verify a secure connection with the mail server due to an invalid, expired, or untrusted certificate. This can prevent Microsoft Outlook from sending or receiving mails appropriately.

2. Why does Outlook for Mac show certificate errors?

Common reasons include incorrect system date/time, network issues, outdated macOS or Outlook versions, or a mismatch between the server certificate and the email account configuration.

3. Can a third-party tool resolve certificate errors in Outlook for Mac?

Yes. Tools like Mac OLM Migrator can not only help fix certificate errors but also safely migrate your mailbox data to multiple formats or email services.