Having trouble adding your OptusNet email account to Microsoft Outlook on Windows or Mac? You may need to check your email settings, sign-in details or authentication method.
If Outlook keeps rejecting your password, fails to connect to the mail server, or lets you receive emails but not send them, the troubleshooting steps below can help you identify the cause.
Two ways to troubleshoot OptusNet email in Outlook
- Check your password and authentication settings. Some email services require an app-specific password for certain email apps. Confirm the current requirements for your OptusNet account before creating or changing passwords.
- Check Outlook’s incoming and outgoing mail settings. Incorrect server names, ports or security settings can prevent Outlook from connecting properly.
Follow the instructions below for your situation. The steps can vary depending on whether you’re using classic Outlook or the newer Outlook app.
Solution 1 — Check your OptusNet password and authentication
Before changing your password, check whether you can sign in to OptusNet Webmail using your usual email address and password.
If you can sign in to Webmail but Outlook rejects your password, the problem may be related to Outlook’s account settings or authentication.
- Confirm that your full OptusNet email address is being used as the username.
- Check that you can sign in to Webmail successfully.
- If Outlook continues to reject your password, consult Optus’s official email setup instructions for the current requirements.
- If you have forgotten your password, follow Optus’s password recovery instructions.
Important: Do not assume you need an app-specific password. Follow Optus’s current instructions for your account before generating or changing any password.
If you can sign in to Webmail but still cannot send or receive messages in Outlook, continue to Solution 2 to check your server settings.
Solution 2 — Check your Outlook settings
If you can sign in to OptusNet Webmail but Outlook still cannot send or receive email, check the account settings and authentication method.
- Make sure you have entered your full OptusNet email address correctly.
- Check the incoming and outgoing mail server names, ports and security settings against Optus’s official email setup instructions.
- If Outlook continues to reject your password, follow Optus’s current authentication and password guidance rather than assuming an app-specific password is required.
- If you have an old or duplicate OptusNet account in Outlook, check that you have the correct account details before removing or recreating it.
For further help, see our guide to troubleshooting email accounts in Outlook for Windows.
Should I switch from OptusNet email to Outlook.com?
You don’t necessarily need to change email providers if your OptusNet account is working properly. However, if you want an email address that is independent of your internet provider, you could consider a free Outlook.com account.
Our guide explains how to create a free Outlook email account.
If you need help setting up email on your computer, contact iTech WA.
Small businesses that want an email address using their own domain can also explore our small business IT support services.
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