AOL Mail has been a popular email service for years, but many users prefer the advanced features, security, and professional environment of Microsoft Outlook. Whether you're using a Windows PC or a Mac system, you might want to open AOL Mail in Outlook to access your emails more easily and manage multiple accounts in one place.

In this complete guide, you will learn how to open AOL Mail in Outlook using manual IMAP setup and how to perform a smooth, error-free migration using the AOL Mail to Outlook Tool for Mac & Windows. This tool provides the most reliable method to securely move AOL mailbox data to Outlook.

Why Open AOL Mail in Outlook on Mac & Windows?

There are many reasons users prefer Outlook over AOL Mail -

  • Modern, faster interface
  • Advanced search & filtering
  • Better security and spam protection
  • Works both online and offline
  • Easy integration with Office apps (Teams, Word, Excel)
  • Unified inbox for managing multiple email accounts

If you’re ready to use AOL Mail in Outlook, the steps below will help you configure it correctly.

Method 1 - Open AOL Mail in Outlook Using IMAP (Manual Configuration)

You can link your AOL account directly inside Outlook on both Mac and Windows using IMAP settings. This method keeps your emails synced between AOL servers and Outlook.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 - Turn On App Password (Recommended by AOL)

Because of AOL’s enhanced security, you’ll need to generate an App Password:

  • Open AOL Mail in your browser
  • Go to Account Security
  • Click Generate App Password
  • Copy the password (you will use this in Outlook)

Step 2 - Open Outlook

  • Windows - File → Add Account
  • Mac - Outlook → Preferences → Accounts → “+” Add Email

Step 3 - Enter IMAP Server Settings

Incoming Mail (IMAP) -

  • Server: imap.aol.com
  • Port: 993
  • Security: SSL

Outgoing Mail (SMTP) -

  • Server: smtp.aol.com
  • Port: 465
  • Security: SSL

Use the AOL App Password (not your normal login password).

Step 4 -Complete Setup

Outlook will validate your account and begin syncing emails, folders, and attachments.

Limitations of Manual AOL → Outlook Migration

Although IMAP works, many users experience -

  • Slow sync or incomplete download
  • Missing Sent or custom folders
  • Errors due to server timeout
  • Large mailboxes not syncing properly
  • No direct conversion to PST for Outlook backup
  • Cannot migrate multiple AOL accounts at once

If you want a complete and secure transfer of all AOL Mail data into Outlook, you need a more reliable method.

Method 2 - Open AOL Mail in Outlook Using the AOL Mail Backup Tool (Best Method)

For a fast, safe, and complete migration, the CubexSoft AOL Mail Backup Tool for Mac & Windows is the most recommended solution. It is designed to export AOL Mail directly into Outlook PST, making it easy to open your AOL mailbox in Outlook on both Mac and Windows.

Key Benefits of AOL Mail to Outlook Tool

Works on Both Mac & Windows

  • Perfect for users on any operating system.

Export AOL Mail Directly to Outlook PST

  • The tool generates Outlook-ready PST files without any configuration issues.

Keeps Emails, Attachments & Folders Intact

  • Every message, folder structure, and metadata is preserved exactly as in AOL.

Supports Large Mailboxes Smoothly

  • Even 50GB+ AOL accounts migrate without errors.

Filters for Selective Migration

  • Choose date range, folders, or specific items.

100% Secure Process

  • Your AOL account credentials remain protected with encrypted login.

Multiple Output Options

  • Not only PST—also supports Office 365, Gmail, IMAP, MSG, EML, PDF, and more.

How to Open AOL Mail in Outlook by AOL Mail to PST Tool

Step 1 - Install and open the tool on your Mac or Windows PC.

Step 2 - Enter your AOL Mail credentials or App Password.

Step 3 - Choose the folders you want to export.

Step 4 - Select PST as the export format.

Step 5 - Choose the destination path.

Step 6 - Click Start Backup.

Once the PST file is created -

Outlook (Windows) -

File → Open & Export → Import PST → Done.

Outlook (Mac) -

File → Import → PST → Complete the import.

Now your complete AOL mailbox is available inside Outlook.

Final Thoughts

Opening AOL Mail in Outlook on Mac & Windows is possible using manual IMAP settings, but this method is slow and often unreliable for large mailboxes. The most efficient and error-free solution is to use the  AOL Mail to Outlook Tool, which transfers your AOL emails into Outlook-compatible PST files with complete accuracy.