MC1130607 – (Updated) Outlook Web Access and new Outlook: ‘Mobile devices’ settings page to be removed

Product:

Exchange, Intune, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 for the web, Outlook

Platform:

Android, iOS, mobile, Online, Web, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Admin impact, Retirement, Updated message, User impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Starting October 6, 2025, the ‘Mobile devices’ settings page in Outlook Web Access and new Outlook will be removed by November 6, 2025. Users must manage devices via Microsoft Intune, the My Account portal, or native iOS/Android tools. No admin action is required; inform users and update documentation.

Details:
Updated September 17, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
Introduction
Starting September 9, 2025, we will begin retiring the 'Mobile devices' page from the Settings module in Outlook Web Access and new Outlook. This change simplifies device management and aligns with modern tools that offer more robust controls for administrators and end users.
When this will happen
Start: October 6, 2025 (previously September 9)
Complete: November 6, 2025 (previously October 9)

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-08-07

updated:
2025-09-18

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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MS Preperations

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Loss of Direct Device Management
Users will no longer be able to manage mobile device connections directly from Outlook Web Access, leading to potential confusion and increased reliance on alternative methods.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/intune/intune-service/fundamentals/manage-devices, https://support.microsoft.com/office/mobile-devices-options-in-outlook-on-the-web-7d5efe71-511f-42fa-b068-e3714a25b3cb " target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://support.microsoft.com/office/mobile-devices-options-in-outlook-on-the-web-7d5efe71-511f-42fa-b068-e3714a25b3cb

Increased Support Requests
The removal of the Mobile devices settings page may lead to an increase in support requests from users unfamiliar with the new management methods.
   - roles: IT Support, Help Desk
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/intune/intune-service/fundamentals/manage-devices, https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/manage-your-work-or-school-account-connected-devices-from-the-devices-page-6b5a735d-0a7f-4e94-8cfd-f5da6bc13d4e

User Experience Disruption
Users accustomed to managing devices through Outlook may experience frustration and disruption in their workflow due to the change in management process.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/mobile-devices-options-in-outlook-on-the-web-7d5efe71-511f-42fa-b068-e3714a25b3cb, https://support.apple.com/guide/icloud/erase-a-device-mmfc0ef36f/icloud

Training and Documentation Needs
The change necessitates updates to internal documentation and potential training sessions for users to familiarize them with new management tools.
   - roles: IT Support, Training Coordinators
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/intune/intune-service/fundamentals/manage-devices, https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/manage-your-work-or-school-account-connected-devices-from-the-devices-page-6b5a735d-0a7f-4e94-8cfd-f5da6bc13d4e

Dependency on Third-Party Tools
Users will need to rely on Microsoft Intune and native mobile tools, which may not be as familiar or user-friendly, potentially leading to security risks if not properly managed.
   - roles: End Users, IT Security
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/intune/intune-service/fundamentals/manage-devices, https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/6160491

Configutation Options**

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Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

Starting in October 2025, Microsoft will be removing the "Mobile devices" settings page from Outlook Web Access and the new Outlook. This means that users will no longer be able to manage their mobile device connections to their Microsoft 365 Exchange mailbox directly from these platforms. Instead, device management will need to be handled through other tools like Microsoft Intune, the My Account portal, or the native tools available on iOS and Android devices.

Think of this change like a city deciding to close a small local road that used to connect to a main highway. Instead of using this small road, drivers are now directed to use a larger, more modern road that can handle more traffic and offers better features like traffic monitoring and control. Similarly, Microsoft is guiding users to use more comprehensive and secure tools for managing their devices.

Microsoft Intune acts like a central traffic control center for administrators, allowing them to monitor devices, enforce policies, and even remotely wipe devices if necessary. The My Account portal is like a personal dashboard for users, where they can see and manage the devices connected to their accounts. Meanwhile, the native tools on iOS and Android are like built-in security features in a car, allowing users to remotely lock or erase their devices if they are lost or stolen.

No action is required from administrators as this change will happen automatically. However, it is recommended to inform users about this update and to update any internal documentation to reflect the new process for managing mobile devices. This will ensure a smooth transition and help users understand the new tools available to them for managing their devices.