Applies To: Outlook 2016 Outlook 2013 Outlook 2010 Outlook 2007


How do you know when you're working offline or online in Outlook? There are visual cues, starting with the status bar at the bottom of your Outlook window. If either of the following status indicators are shown, it means Outlook isn’t connected to your mail server.


Working offline status or Disconnected status


You can’t send or receive email until you reconnect.


Status: Working Offline

Working offline usually is a choice. Returning to an online work mode is a simple process.

  • In Outlook, on the Send/Receive tab, choose Work Offline to reconnect.

    Working offline option on the Send Receive tab