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Written By
Suman Rawat -
Approved By
Sonika Rawat -
Updated on
June 4th, 2025 -
Read Time
6 minutes
Summary: While working on your Mac, did you encounter the issue where Outlook for Mac Import/Export greyed out? It is a pervasive error that generally occurs when there are issues with the application, or it has been incorrectly updated. Yet, this isn’t it, and there are many more causes for the error. Thus, users need reliable solutions, i.e., free techniques or a professional OLM Converter. Also, learn why this issue is arising in your Mac Outlook with the guide below.
Reasons | Explanation |
Type of Subscription | The feature is often unavailable for M365 licences only for the web. |
Outlook Account Type | Profiles connected to Exchange Online or Microsoft may be restricted as per organizational policies. |
Version of Mac Outlook | The feature does work in Legacy Outlook, but is sometimes disabled in New Outlook. |
Permissions and Settings | There may be admin restrictions or interference from the local configuration files or outdated caches. |
While this error may seem notorious and difficult to deal with, there are some quick fixes available. It can be manual methods or a top-notch tool, whichever seems the perfect fit for your needs. Users think that if they convert OLM to PST, the issue is resolved. Yes, it may as an indirect approach, but there are other options available.
But, before diving deep into these methods, let’s see a real-case scenario, where a basic trick helped eliminate the issue:
“ Julia is working remotely with Outlook for Mac on M365 and couldn’t export her mailbox. She informed that switching back to the native Outlook instantly restored the Import/Export option. It was just in time, and she can take her quarterly backup with ease.”
Follow the workarounds given below to resolve the issue and continue working within your Outlook for Mac. These are:
The new Outlook version is streamlined but has some incomplete or missed features. Thus, the Outlook for Mac import/export greyed out issue appears with it. Fix it by:
If you are working on the demo version of Mac Outlook, upgrade its activation to the Full version. Also, ensure that the license and subscription for Outlook aren’t expired and are not only tied to the web-based access.
Sometimes, within corporate environments, admins restrict the transfer features, which results in a greyed out Import/Export option in Outlook for Mac. This may be done to prevent unauthorized access, data breaches, or for other security concerns. Whatever it is, contact your IT administrator for the fix by requesting a policy update or an alternative export option.
If the Outlook for Mac Import/Export greyed out hasn’t been fixed yet, then:
Note: Also, ensure that your macOS versions are up to date. If not, do them right away.
The Outlook profile or cache may be corrupted, and thus, Outlook for Mac export greyed out. So, do this:
Press Outlook tab → Click Preferences → Choose Accounts and setup.
If all else fails, use a dedicated Mac Outlook data migrator tool to skip UI restrictions entirely.
When the export options seem to grey out and are inaccessible, then use the SysInfo OLM Converter Tool. This exceptional utility allows file conversion into other formats that are much more compatible. Additionally, it keeps the data structure intact and maintains the folder hierarchy till the end. Moreover, the tool provides 100% accuracy and offers guaranteed results as desired on another email client or desktop/drive storage.
Steps for the Tool’s Working:
It is one of your best bets, as you do not require a Mac Outlook installation to use the tool.
The Outlook for Mac Import/Export greyed out issue looks like a dead end, especially when you are high on deadlines. Or, maybe you are working with too large data volumes that cannot be managed. So, the best fix is to first revert to legacy Outlook manually. However, if you need to backup your data immediately, do not stop because of a greyed-out built-in feature. Try the professional tool and seamlessly continue with your exports anytime, anywhere.
Ans- Generally, this happens when you are on a new Outlook interface or using a Microsoft 365 web-only plan. It is because the news version doesn’t have the feature, and according to the plan, the export feature may be disabled. It can easily be resolved if you switch back to the legacy version and get a full business/enterprise plan.
Ans- Though you find the greyed out Import/Export option in Outlook for Mac, there’s another way to export. It is to use the automated and unique OLM Exporter Tool. This tool directly accesses the data without Mac Outlook and transfers it as per your choice without the need for any specific feature. It is an all-in-one solution with many advanced features and filters.
About The Author:
Suman Rawat is a technical content writer and expert in the fields of email migration, data recovery, and email backup. Her passion for helping people has led her to resolve many user queries related to data conversion and cloud backup.
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