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Outlook signature not showing: how to fix it

Updated 7 Nov 2026 · Checked against Microsoft Support · By Hilsio team

Short answer

Start by confirming which Outlook you use and that the right signature is set as default for new messages and for replies. Cloud roaming applies to Microsoft 365 mailboxes but not most IMAP accounts. If the signature box is empty after paste, the editor may have stripped the HTML—rebuild with table-based markup and hosted images.

Checked 7 Nov 2026 · New and classic Outlook

  • New Outlook
  • Classic Outlook
On this page+
  1. 01 Which Outlook?
  2. 02 Check defaults
  3. 03 Replies and forwards
  4. 04 Roaming and sync
  5. 05 FAQ

Check first · Which Outlook do I have?

New Outlook

You're on the right page.

Classic Outlook

Go to classic Outlook guide

02Check signature defaults

1

Open signature settings

New Outlook: Settings › Accounts › Signatures · Classic: File › Options › Mail › Signatures

2

Confirm the signature exists and is not empty

3

Set defaults for new messages

Pick the same signature in both dropdowns if you want it on every message.

4

Set defaults for replies and forwards

A common mistake is setting only new mail, so replies have no signature.

5

Save and send a test message to yourself

03Signature missing on replies

Outlook keeps separate defaults for replies and forwards. Update both in signature settings. If the signature appears in compose but strips images on send, see the images-not-showing guide.

04Roaming signatures and other devices

Microsoft 365 and Outlook.com mailboxes store signatures in the cloud for new Outlook and Outlook on the web. IMAP and POP accounts, including many Gmail accounts added to Outlook, do not roam. Outlook mobile uses its own signature setting.

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FAQ

Why is my Outlook signature not showing?+

Usually the wrong signature is selected as default, only new mail is configured (not replies), or you are in a different Outlook version than you expect. Open signature settings, set defaults for new messages and replies, save, and test. If the editor emptied the box after paste, rebuild the signature with tables and hosted images.

Why does my Outlook signature keep disappearing?+

Roaming can overwrite a local signature when you switch devices or clients. For Microsoft 365 mailboxes, edit the signature in new Outlook or the web so the cloud copy updates. For IMAP accounts, set the signature separately in each Outlook version you use.

Why is my signature not showing on Outlook mobile?+

The Outlook app does not pull your desktop HTML signature automatically. Open the app's settings, choose your account, and set Signature there. Keep mobile text short; paste rich HTML only if the app accepts it.

Related

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