How to Set Outlook as the Default Mail Client on Any Device?

 

If you don’t know how to set Outlook as the default mail client on your device, then this guide is for you. Here I have put together the step-by-step instructions to make your email interaction consistent with the help of the Outlook app.

No matter what type of device you use, I have covered every major and minor platform, including Windows PC, Mac, Android, and iOS. Moreover, these tutorials are designed in a way that is helpful for first-time users and also gives veteran users something new to learn. So go through the entire guide or jump straight to the platform where you want to add Outlook.

Let us first acknowledge the reasons that push users to adopt Outlook as the sole email client.

Why You Need to Set Outlook as the Default Mail Client?

Outlook provides a consistent email viewing experience. You can make sure that all email activity takes place through Outlook. Plus, you won’t have to figure out where unwanted emails go or reapply rules.

Moreover, saves you time, and it is easier to track messages and respond to requests on the fly.

Check out our guide on how to switch from a Hotmail to an Outlook account.

How to Set Outlook as the Default Mail Client on Windows PC?

Step 1. Press Windows + I to open settings and select Apps.

Step 2. On the Apps settings screen, switch to the Default Apps tab.

Step 3. Click on the current default Email app from the pop-up list, select Outlook New/Classic.

Step 4. (Optional) You can also program the PC to open certain email file extensions in Outlook.

Scroll down in the Defaults apps settings page > Set defaults by app > Find Outlook, highlight and click Manage > Configure Outlook in all file type and protocol associations.

Step 5. There is no Save settings button; just close settings and restart your computer to apply the changes.

To test, try to open any email link/ email file format extension; it should now launch Outlook. If it doesn’t check the Default apps again, and this time adjust the Default app by protocol/file type settings.

After setting up the app next natural step is to import VCF with Multiple Contacts to Outlook 365.

Switch from Apple Mail to Outlook Client

If you are an Apple computer owner and are wondering how to set Outlook as the default mail client on your Mac by replacing the built-in Apple Mail, then the next series of steps will clear all doubts.

Step 1. Open the Mail app (yes, the built-in one).

Step 2. Go to Mail > Settings (or Preferences).

Step 3. Under the General tab, locate Default email reader.

Step 4. Select Microsoft Outlook from the dropdown.

Once you set it up correctly, you can perform many more activities. You can print a blank calendar in the Outlook app.

Make Outlook the Default Mail app on any Android Mobile

Step 1. Open Settings on your device.

Step 2. Go to Apps > Default Apps.

Step 3. Tap on the Email app.

Step 4. Select Outlook from the list.

If you suspect that the mobile version of Outlook does not show some emails, you might want to check out our guide on how to unhide emails in the Outlook client.

How to Set Outlook as the Default Mail Client on iPhone?

If your iPhone has iOS 14 or later, you can choose third-party mail apps (like Outlook) as your default mail app:

Step 1. If you haven’t already, download and install Microsoft Outlook from the App Store.

Step 2. Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.

Step 3. Scroll down and find Outlook.

Step 4. Tap Default Mail App.

Step 5. Select Outlook. No need to Save or Apply, iOS will take care of it.

If, after setting up Outlook, you should send a test email. However, if you sent the mail to the wrong person, see how to recall an Email in Outlook ASAP.

Author’s Verdict

Now you know how to set Outlook as the default mail client on any device. People who love Outlook can now make it their go-to option for all email activity on Mac, PC, or mobile.

So now that all mail is flowing through a single application, it is equally important that we also protect it. People who have set up the Outlook client with an @outlook.com address have an excellent option to do so. With the help of the SysTools Outlook backup tool, you can safeguard all important messages on PC or Mac.

Organizations that have used these instructions to set up Outlook on all employee accounts can check out SysTools Office 365 Backup software.

Download the demo version today to apply a digital safety net against file corruption and accidental deletions.

Frequently Asked Questions While Setting Outlook as the Default Mail Client

Q. I have set Outlook on Android, but I don’t receive any updates when messages arrive. What to do?

Check if Outlook is allowed to send notifications or not. On your mobile, go to Apps > Outlook > Notifications. Also, allow Outlook to sync in the background for real-time updates.

Q. Do I need to uninstall other email clients before making Outlook as default?

No, you can make Outlook as default even when you have other clients on your device.

Q. If I set Outlook as the default app on one device, will it become the default everywhere else as well?

No, the device settings are independent. You must set them separately, one by one.

Q. I have more than one profile on my PC Can I change the settings for all of them together?

If you have multiple profiles on your PC, the default mail app on one profile does not affect the other. This is by design. However, certain admin privileges may allow you to bypass this rule.