How to Connect Outlook via ColdSend Shared OAuth

ColdSend Shared is the fastest way to connect your Microsoft Outlook or Microsoft 365 inbox. You'll authenticate directly through Microsoft using ColdSend's pre-configured and verified OAuth app — no Azure portal setup, no credentials to manage.

When to Use ColdSend Shared

Use this option if you:

• Want to connect your inbox in under a minute
• Don't need a custom-branded OAuth consent screen
• Are an individual user or small team
• Don't have specific compliance requirements mandating your own OAuth app

Need full control? If your organization requires its own Azure AD app for branding, security reviews, or higher API quotas, see the Private OAuth Setup Guide.

Prerequisites

• A Microsoft 365 or Outlook.com account with mailbox access
• Your Microsoft account credentials (email and password)
• If your account uses multi-factor authentication (MFA), have your authenticator app or phone ready

Step 1: Navigate to Outlook Connection

1. Log into your ColdSend account.
2. In the left sidebar, go to Sender Accounts.
3. Click the Create Email Account dropdown and choose Microsoft Outlook.
4. You'll land on the Connect Microsoft Account page.

Navigate to Outlook

Step 2: Select ColdSend Shared

Under Choose connection type, select ColdSend Shared:

• Look for the option labeled "ColdSend Shared" with the "Quick Setup" badge
• Click on it to select it

Select ColdSend Shared

Step 3: Sign In with Microsoft

1. Click the Sign in with Microsoft button.
2. You'll be redirected to Microsoft's login page.
3. Enter your Microsoft account email and password.
4. If prompted, complete multi-factor authentication.
5. Review the permissions ColdSend is requesting and click Accept.

Microsoft Sign In

Permissions requested: ColdSend requests access to send email on your behalf (SMTP), read your mailbox (IMAP), and view your basic profile. Your password is never stored.

Step 4: Verify Connection

Once you've accepted the permissions:

1. Microsoft will redirect you back to ColdSend.
2. ColdSend will automatically test your SMTP and IMAP connections.
3. On success, you'll see a confirmation toast and your inbox will appear in the Connected Accounts section.

Connected Account

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What Happens Behind the Scenes

When you connect via ColdSend Shared:

• Authentication: ColdSend uses OAuth 2.0 to authenticate with Microsoft. Your password is never shared with or stored by ColdSend.
• Tokens: ColdSend receives an access token (short-lived) and a refresh token (long-lived). The refresh token is encrypted and stored securely to keep your connection alive.
• Sending: Emails are sent via Microsoft's SMTP server (smtp.office365.com) using XOAUTH2 authentication.
• Reply tracking: ColdSend monitors your inbox via IMAP (outlook.office365.com) to track replies and update campaign statuses.

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Troubleshooting

"Sign-in was blocked by your organization"
Your Microsoft 365 admin may have restricted third-party OAuth apps. Contact your IT administrator to allow ColdSend's OAuth app, or use the Private OAuth method with your organization's own Azure AD app.

"We couldn't sign you in"

• Double-check your email and password
• Ensure your Microsoft account is not locked or suspended
• Try signing in at outlook.office.com first to verify your credentials

Connection test failed after authentication

• Ensure SMTP and IMAP are enabled on your Microsoft 365 mailbox (ask your admin)
• Verify your account isn't restricted from third-party SMTP access
• Try disconnecting and reconnecting the inbox

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FAQs

Is my password stored by ColdSend?
No. ColdSend uses OAuth 2.0 — authentication happens entirely on Microsoft's servers. ColdSend only stores encrypted access and refresh tokens.

Can I connect multiple Outlook accounts?
Yes. You can connect as many Outlook accounts as your ColdSend plan allows. Each account connects independently.

What if my access token expires?
ColdSend automatically refreshes your access token using the stored refresh token. You won't need to re-authenticate unless the refresh token is revoked.

Can I switch to my own OAuth app later?
Yes. You can disconnect the inbox, set up a Private OAuth App, and reconnect. Your campaigns and sending history are unaffected.

Does this work with Outlook.com (personal) accounts?
Yes. ColdSend Shared works with both Microsoft 365 (work/school) and Outlook.com (personal) accounts.