Outlook

This tutorial outlines the steps to integrate the Blockbrain Add-in into Outlook.

Deploying the Blockbrain Outlook add-in to Microsoft 365

The Blockbrain add-in for Outlook is deployed centrally from the Microsoft 365 admin center. No local installation and no file downloads are required. It is published as a manifest URL that Microsoft 365 reads directly.

Before you start

Requirement	Detail
Admin role	Global Administrator. An Exchange Administrator can view Integrated apps, but only a Global Admin can consent to and deploy a custom add-in.
Manifest URL	Publicly reachable HTTPS URL

Manifest URL

• Outlook — https://ms-outlook-addin.theblockbrain.ai/manifest.xml

Deployment steps

1. Open Integrated apps

Go to admin.cloud.microsoft → Settings → Integrated apps.

2. Select "Upload custom apps"

The button sits above the app list and opens the upload wizard.

3. Set the app type to "Office Add-in"

Do not choose Teams app — that option expects a zipped unified manifest, which is not the format the Blockbrain add-ins use.

4. Choose the URL option, not the file upload

Under Choose how to upload app, select Provide URL for manifest instead of Upload manifest file.

Paste the Outlook manifest URL, then select Validate. The add-in name and icon appear once the manifest has been read successfully.

5. Assign users

Select Add users, then pick one of:

• Entire organization — the usual choice for a full rollout.

• A specific Microsoft 365, security, or distribution group.

• Just me — useful for a pilot before widening the scope.

6. Accept the permission request

Review the capabilities and permissions the add-in requests, then select Accept permissions. This is the step that requires the Global Administrator role.

7. Finish the deployment

Select Next, check the summary, then Finish deployment. The add-in now appears on the Integrated apps Overview tab, where its assigned users can be edited or the deployment removed later.

Rollout can take up to 24 hours to reach every user and every client. To check, restart Outlook and look under Home → Add-ins

Troubleshooting

Validation fails after pasting the URL

Open the manifest URL in a browser first. It must return XML over HTTPS with no sign-in prompt.

If the manifest loads in the browser but is still rejected, the add-in ID most likely already exists in the tenant. Remove the earlier deployment on the Overview tab and upload again.

The add-in does not appear for users

Confirm the assigned users on the Overview tab, then allow the full 24-hour propagation window before investigating further. Users on Office for the web may need to reload the browser tab; desktop users need to restart the app.