MC1187790 – (Updated) Microsoft Outlook Mobile: Filter out declined meetings for a cleaner calendar view

Product:

Exchange, Microsoft 365 Apps, Outlook

Platform:

mobile, Online, US Instances, Web, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Outlook Mobile will add a setting to hide declined meetings, matching New Outlook and Outlook for the Web. This feature, rolling out February 2026, declutters calendars without requiring admin changes. Users with “Show declined meetings” enabled will see this option for a cleaner calendar view.

Details:
Updated January 13, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction:]
To help users declutter their calendars, Outlook Mobile now supports hiding declined meetings. This aligns with existing functionality in New Outlook and Outlook for the Web, where users can choose to show or hide declined events. With this update, users can enjoy a simplified calendar experience across devices.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCCH, and DoD): Rollout begins in early February 2026 (previously mid-January) and is expected to complete by mid-February 2026 (previously late January).

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-11-19

updated:
2026-01-14

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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MS Urgency

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Pictures

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Experience Impact
Users may experience confusion if they are not aware of the new setting to hide declined meetings, leading to potential miscommunication regarding meeting attendance.
   - roles: End Users, Helpdesk Staff
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/what-is-the-hide-declined-events-setting-44fc85fa-3d69-4d04-a593-9903a4340123?

Technological Impact
If users do not prepare for the change, they may not utilize the new feature effectively, resulting in cluttered calendars and decreased productivity.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/what-is-the-hide-declined-events-setting-44fc85fa-3d69-4d04-a593-9903a4340123?

Configutation Options**

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explanation for non-techies**

Microsoft Outlook Mobile is introducing a new feature that allows users to hide declined meetings from their calendar view. This change is designed to make calendars less cluttered and more manageable, aligning with similar features already available in New Outlook and Outlook for the Web. Imagine your calendar as a desk. Over time, it can get piled up with papers you don't need, like declined meetings. This new feature is like a drawer where you can tuck away those unnecessary papers, leaving your desk clean and organized.

Starting in February 2026, users who have enabled the "Show declined meetings" option in New Outlook or Outlook for the Web will have the choice to hide these meetings on their mobile devices as well. This means that if you decide not to attend a meeting, it won't take up space on your calendar, much like deciding not to keep a receipt for something you returned. You still have the record if you need it, but it doesn't clutter your immediate view.

Importantly, this update doesn't require any changes from IT administrators or affect any existing policies. It's a straightforward user preference that respects settings already established in other versions of Outlook. Think of it as adjusting the seat in your car to fit your comfort without needing to change the car's overall setup.

For those responsible for internal communications or helpdesk support, it might be useful to inform staff about this new option or update any relevant documentation. However, there's no immediate action required from an administrative standpoint. This change is all about enhancing the user experience by giving individuals more control over how they view their schedules.