Fix IMAP Error 0x800CCC0E in Outlook: Causes and Solutions
User Query: I am unable to send or receive emails in Outlook, and it keeps showing IMAP Error 0x800CCC0E in Outlook. How can I fix this issue and get my emails working again without losing any data?
Introduction: When Outlook suddenly stops sending or receiving emails and shows IMAP Error 0x800CCC0E. It can be frustrating, especially if your work depends on timely communication. This error usually appears due to connection problems, incorrect account settings, or security software interference. If left unresolved, it may block access to important emails. In this guide, we’ll explain why this error occurs and share simple, practical solutions to fix it safely without risking your email data. Also, if your Outlook PST file is corrupted, you can directly use the professional DRS PST Recovery Tool.
What Is IMAP Error 0x800CCC0E in Outlook?
IMAP Error 0x800CCC0E indicates that Outlook cannot establish a connection with the incoming or outgoing mail server. Because of this, emails may stay stuck in the Outbox, or new emails may not appear in the Inbox. This error commonly affects users who are using:
- IMAP email accounts.
- Outlook with Gmail, Yahoo, Office 365, or custom domain emails.
Common Causes of IMAP Error 0x800CCC0E
Understanding the cause makes the fix easier. Below are the most common reasons behind this error.
- Incorrect IMAP or SMTP Server Settings.
- Internet Connection Problems.
- Firewall or Antivirus Blocking Outlook.
- Outlook Profile Corruption.
- Wrong Authentication Settings.
- Also, ISP or Mail Server Issues.
How to Fix IMAP Error 0x800CCC0E in Outlook
Follow these solutions one by one. You do not need to try all of them; one or two fixes resolve the issue. Moreover, if your Outlook profile is corrupted, then go to the professional method directly.
Solution 01: Check Your Internet Connection
Before changing Outlook settings, make sure your internet is working properly.
- Firstly, open a website in your browser.
- Restart your router if needed.
- Then, avoid public or restricted networks.
- If the internet is unstable, Outlook will not connect to the mail server.
Solution 02: Verify IMAP and SMTP Server Settings
Incorrect server details are the most common cause of this error. Steps to follow:
- First, open Outlook on your PC.
- Go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
- Select your email account and click Change.
- Confirm the following details with your email provider:
- Incoming server (IMAP)
- Outgoing server (SMTP)
- Port numbers
- Encryption method (SSL/TLS)
- Lastly, save the settings and restart Outlook.
Solution 03: Enable Outgoing Server Authentication
If SMTP authentication is disabled, Outlook may show Error 0x800CCC0E. Here is how you can perform it:
- Go to Account Settings.
- Select your account and click More Settings.
- After that, open the Outgoing Server tab.
- Check My outgoing server (SMTP) requires authentication.
- Select Use same settings as my incoming mail server.
- Click OK and restart Outlook.
Solution 04: Temporarily Disable Antivirus or Firewall
Some antivirus programs block Outlook connections. Steps:
- Temporarily disable your antivirus and firewall.
- Restart Outlook.
- Try sending or receiving emails.
- If the error disappears, add Outlook to the antivirus whitelist and re-enable protection.
Solution 05: Change IMAP and SMTP Port Numbers
Sometimes the default ports do not work properly. Common Port Settings:
- IMAP: 993 (SSL)
- SMTP: 587 (TLS) or 465 (SSL)
- Update these ports in Outlook and test again.
Professional Tool to Resolve IMAP Error 0x800CCC0E in Outlook
Sometimes, the IMAP Error 0x800CCC0E appears due to a corrupted Outlook PST file. In such cases, manual fixes may not work properly or may take too much time. To handle this situation safely, you can use the DRS PST Recovery Tool.
This professional tool scans damaged or inaccessible PST files and repairs them without affecting your original data. It recovers emails, attachments, contacts, calendars, and other mailbox items while keeping the folder structure intact. The tool works offline, ensuring complete privacy and zero data loss. It is especially useful when Outlook crashes, freezes, or fails to connect due to PST corruption.
One-Time Recovery Service
If you do not want to use the software yourself, DRS also offers a one-time recovery service. You simply share your affected Outlook files with our technical experts, and they handle the complete recovery process securely. The service is fast, private, and performed with zero data loss, making it ideal for urgent or one-time recovery needs.
Simple Steps to Resolve the Error 0X800CCC0E
- Download and install the DRS Outlook PST Repair Tool.

- Then, click on Open to add your corrupted PST file.

- Choose the Recovery Modes and other options. Hit OK.

- Preview all the Recovered Outlook data and click Save.

- In the end, choose the different Saving Formats.

Exclusive Features of DRS Outlook PST Repair Tool:
- Offer Standard, Advanced, and Deep Recovery Modes.
- Preview option to cross-verify the added recovered file.
- It offers several saving formats to save your recovered PST file.
- Efficiently Download Scanpst.exe and Repair Corrupted PST File.
- A free version of this tool is available to evaluate its features.
- Moreover, highly compatible with all Windows versions.
Conclusion
IMAP Error 0x800CCC0E in Outlook can disrupt email communication, but it is usually easy to fix when the root cause is identified. Most users can resolve this error by checking internet connectivity, correcting IMAP and SMTP settings, enabling authentication, or adjusting security software. However, if the issue is linked to PST file corruption, using a professional tool or a one-time recovery service ensures safe repair without data loss. With the right steps, you can restore Outlook functionality smoothly and securely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: IMAP Error 0x800CCC0E occurs when Outlook fails to connect to the email server. This prevents sending or receiving emails and usually happens due to incorrect server settings, network problems, or blocked connections.
Ans: This error can appear suddenly due to changes in email server settings, unstable internet connection, antivirus or firewall restrictions, disabled SMTP authentication, or corruption in the Outlook PST file.
Ans: You can fix this error by checking your internet connection, verifying IMAP and SMTP settings, enabling outgoing server authentication, changing port numbers, disabling antivirus temporarily, or repairing the PST file using a professional recovery tool.
Ans: No, IMAP Error 0x800CCC0E is not a security breach. It is a connection-related issue. However, antivirus or firewall software may block Outlook’s access to the mail server, which needs proper configuration to resolve the problem safely.
About The Author:
I, Aaradhya Jain, a technical content writer at DRS Solutions, specializes in delivering clear, practical guides on data management, migration, and recovery tools. With a detail-oriented and user-first approach mindset, I transform complex processes into actionable insights for IT professionals and decision-makers.