Outlook shows helpful tips when you are composing emails, but you can turn off these contextual suggestions. If you are tired of seeing pop-up tips while drafting messages, learning how to turn off tips in outlook is straightforward. This guide walks you through every method, from desktop to web and mobile versions.
These tips can be distracting, especially when you are in a hurry. They appear as small banners or suggestions, often about formatting or features. By disabling them, you can focus better on your email content.
Below, you will find clear steps for Outlook 365, Outlook 2019, and the Outlook web app. Each method is simple and takes less than a minute. Let us begin with the most common version.
How To Turn Off Tips In Outlook
The exact steps depend on your Outlook version. For desktop versions, you usually access settings through the File menu. For the web app, you use the gear icon. Follow the section that matches your setup.
For Outlook Desktop (Windows)
This method works for Outlook 2016, 2019, and Microsoft 365. It involves turning off the “Show tips” option.
- Open Outlook on your Windows computer.
- Click the File tab in the top-left corner.
- Select Options from the left sidebar.
- In the Outlook Options window, click Mail on the left.
- Scroll down to the Compose messages section.
- Uncheck the box that says Show tips about using Outlook.
- Click OK to save your changes.
That is it. The tips should stop appearing immediately. If they still show, restart Outlook to apply the change.
For Outlook Desktop (Mac)
Mac users have a slightly different menu layout. The option is under Preferences.
- Open Outlook on your Mac.
- Click Outlook in the top menu bar.
- Select Preferences from the dropdown.
- In the Preferences window, click Compose.
- Uncheck Show tips or Show contextual suggestions.
- Close the Preferences window to save.
No restart is needed. The tips vanish right away.
For Outlook Web App (OWA)
The web version of Outlook also shows tips. Here is how to disable them.
- Log in to Outlook on the web (outlook.com or your work portal).
- Click the gear icon in the top-right corner.
- Select View all Outlook settings at the bottom.
- In the Settings panel, go to Mail then Compose and reply.
- Under Email tips, toggle the switch to Off.
- Click Save at the top of the panel.
Now the tips will no longer show while you compose emails in the browser.
For Outlook Mobile (IOS And Android)
The mobile app has fewer settings, but you can still turn off tips.
- Open the Outlook app on your phone.
- Tap your profile picture or initials in the top-left corner.
- Tap the gear icon to open Settings.
- Scroll down to Mail and tap it.
- Look for Show tips or Suggestions.
- Toggle the switch to Off.
This works for both iOS and Android. The change takes effect immediately.
Additional Methods To Disable Specific Tips
Sometimes you want to keep some tips but turn off others. Outlook allows fine control over which tips appear. Here are common ones you can manage.
Turn Off Grammar And Style Suggestions
Outlook uses Microsoft Editor to suggest grammar and style changes. If you find these intrusive, disable them.
- In Outlook desktop: Go to File > Options > Mail. Under Compose messages, uncheck Check grammar with spelling.
- In Outlook web: Go to Settings > Mail > Compose and reply. Under Editor, toggle Show grammar and style suggestions to Off.
Turn Off Smart Suggestions
Smart suggestions include phrases like “Sounds good” or “Let me know.” They appear as you type.
- In Outlook desktop: Go to File > Options > Mail. Under Compose messages, uncheck Show smart suggestions.
- In Outlook web: Go to Settings > Mail > Compose and reply. Under Smart suggestions, toggle to Off.
Turn Off Calendar Tips
Calendar tips appear when scheduling meetings. They suggest times or locations.
- In Outlook desktop: Go to File > Options > Calendar. Under Calendar options, uncheck Show calendar tips.
- In Outlook web: Go to Settings > Calendar > View. Toggle Show calendar tips to Off.
Why You Might Want To Keep Some Tips
Not all tips are annoying. Some can improve your workflow. For example, tips about attaching files or adding meeting details can prevent mistakes. Consider keeping a few if they help you.
But if you prefer a clean interface, turning off all tips is fine. You can always re-enable them later if needed.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes the tips do not go away even after you follow the steps. Here are fixes for common problems.
Tips Still Appear After Disabling
This can happen if Outlook is not updated. Check for updates in File > Office Account > Update Options. Also, restart Outlook after changing settings.
Option Grayed Out Or Missing
Some versions of Outlook, especially older ones, may not have the option. In that case, update to the latest version. If you use a work account, your IT admin might control these settings. Contact them for help.
Web App Settings Not Saving
Clear your browser cache and cookies. Then try again. Also, ensure you click Save after changing settings.
How To Turn Off Tips In Outlook For Multiple Accounts
If you manage several email accounts in Outlook, you need to disable tips for each one separately. The steps are the same for each account profile. Just switch accounts and repeat the process.
For the web app, each account has its own settings. Log out and log into the other account to change its preferences.
Benefits Of Disabling Tips
Turning off tips can make your email experience smoother. Here are some benefits.
- Less distraction: No pop-ups interrupt your typing.
- Faster composition: You focus on content, not suggestions.
- Cleaner interface: The screen looks less cluttered.
- More control: You decide what features to use.
These benefits are especially useful for heavy email users. If you send dozens of emails daily, every second counts.
How To Re-Enable Tips If You Change Your Mind
Maybe you miss the tips later. Re-enabling them is just as easy. Follow the same steps and check the box or toggle the switch back on.
For desktop, go to File > Options > Mail and check Show tips about using Outlook. For web, toggle the switch to On. The tips will return immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I turn off tips in Outlook permanently?
Follow the steps for your version. Once you disable them, they stay off unless you re-enable them. There is no temporary setting.
Can I turn off tips for only one email account?
Yes. Each account in Outlook has its own settings. Disable tips for the specific account you want.
Why do tips still show after I turned them off?
This usually happens due to a glitch or outdated version. Restart Outlook, check for updates, or clear your browser cache for the web app.
Does turning off tips affect other Outlook features?
No. Only the tips are disabled. All other features like spell check and autocorrect remain active unless you change them separately.
Can I turn off tips in Outlook on my phone?
Yes. Open the Outlook app, go to Settings, find the tips option, and toggle it off. This works for both iOS and Android.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to turn off tips in outlook for any version. The process is quick and reversible. Whether you use Windows, Mac, web, or mobile, you can enjoy a tip-free email experience.
Remember to check for updates if the settings do not work. And if you share your computer, others might re-enable tips. Just repeat the steps to turn them off again.
With these tips disabled, you can compose emails without interruption. Focus on what matters—your message.