Set Up an iPhone or iPad for CUIMC Email in the Outlook App


Follow these instructions to configure your CUIMC email account in the Outlook app on an iPhone or iPad. Note that this will automatically force the device to use a passcode or biometric lock and encryption, as required by University policy. 

Outlook in the App StoreThe free Outlook app offers best security and compatibility with Microsoft 365 email than the default Mail or other apps. Outlook is also "sandboxed"; if your device is lost or stolen and you would like to do a remote wipe to protect data, it will only wipe the Outlook app rather than the entire phone. Be sure you are using Find my Phone/iPad as well in case a full wipe of all data on the device is required.

Set Up CUIMC Email in the Outlook App

  1. Make sure your device is connected to a cellular network (5G/4G etc.) or wifi other than guest-net, such as Mercury secure wireless. Initial set up of CUIMC email won't work on guest-net!
  2. Open the Outlook app on your device (download Microsoft Outlook from the App Store if it is not already installed).
  3. Type in your full CUIMC email address (ex: abc1234@cumc.columbia.edu) then tap Add Account.
    If Outlook doesn't prompt to add an account, tap the menu in the upper left, then Settings (gear icon) at the bottom, Add Account, then Add Email Account.Animation of first sign in to Outlook on an iPad during set up
  4. Enter your CUIMC email password and click Sign in.
    NOTE: If you are off campus, you will see a prompt from CUIMC Duo MFA to approve or deny any sign in; Tap Approve to continue. For more help see detailed steps on using Duo with email and Office 365. Duo push prompt and approval on an iPad
  5. At the prompt to add another account, click Maybe later. animation of Outlook app opening
  6. Accept any permissions prompts; if you see notification prompts select your preference. Outlook will open to your Inbox.

IMPORTANT: If there are initial issues connecting, the Outlook app may prompt for advanced settings such as a server or domain. Leave these blank; simply re-enter your password while verifying that your full CUIMC email address appears in any Email and Username fields, then try to sign in again. You may need to cancel and return to an earlier screen or close Outlook and restart it first.

For more help using Outlook mobile see the in-app help or Microsoft's website and handy cheat sheet.