[SOLVED] Einstein Activity Capture O365 Permissions

Resolving permission issues to sync Outlook events efficiently

3 min read
Updated: March 27, 2025
Sartaj Bahra
Written by
Sartaj Malhi
Einstein Activity Capture Workflow
Source: Salesforce

Introduction

Einstein Activity Capture can struggle with unusual permission requests when connecting to O365 using a service account. Many admins face challenges when trying to adjust these settings to sync only events from Outlook. The issue often arises from removing certain permissions that seem unnecessary. This article breaks down the problem and explains how to address it effectively.

Real-world Experience

Consider this real-world example where confusing permissions cause syncing issues:

I've been wrestling with the permissions Einstein Activity Capture asks for when connecting my service account to O365. I want to remove some permissions and keep only those needed to sync events. I can't find clear info on whether this will work.

— Trailblazer Community Member
source

This case reflects a common scenario where service account permissions and OAuth2.0 settings complicate reliable event syncing between Outlook and Salesforce.

Einstein Activity Capture Solution

The issue likely stems from necessary permissions that cannot be removed when syncing events. Einstein Activity Capture requires specific access rights to ensure data flows correctly between Outlook and Salesforce. The community suggests reviewing the permission settings in O365 and in Salesforce to ensure that all required permissions are enabled. Below are the steps needed to resolve this issue:

1

Confirm Service Account Setup

Review the service account settings in O365 to ensure it is properly configured. Check that it has the default permissions required by Einstein Activity Capture.

2

Review O365 OAuth2.0 Permissions

Go to the O365 admin portal. Check the OAuth2.0 permission requests. Identify which permissions are mandatory for syncing events and which ones can be safely removed.

3

Adjust Einstein Activity Capture Settings

In Salesforce setup, verify that Einstein Activity Capture is configured to sync events. Remove the non-essential permissions using the arrows as needed, but ensure the required ones remain active.

4

Validate Sync Functionality

Test the connection by syncing a few events between Outlook and Salesforce. Confirm that only events are syncing and that no crucial permissions have been removed.

Limitations to Consider

This solution may not cover every unique permission configuration. Some organizations might face additional challenges due to custom policies or future API changes. Regular review of permission settings is advised to prevent sync interruptions.

Alternative Solution

It can be really frustrating when Einstein Activity Capture doesn't quite work as expected, especially with tricky O365 permissions that interrupt syncing. DryMerge offers an alternative that tackles these issues head on. DryMerge is an AI-native app that links Salesforce with O365 to keep your information accurate and up to date. It takes data from emails, events, and attachments, then creates or updates records in Salesforce without the manual hassle or errors you might face with Einstein Activity Capture. Its AI tools help pick out the right details for your syncing needs, giving you a smoother experience when managing your events and emails.

EAC vs. DryMerge Comparison

Feature Einstein Activity Capture DryMerge
Custom Object Sync
Automatic sync to custom objects isn't supported
Emails, calendar events, and anything else can be synced to your custom objects in Salesforce
Email Attachments
Attachments are not captured or saved to Salesforce
Email attachments are captured and saved in Salesforce however you need
Multiple Email Accounts
Cannot connect to both Gmail and Outlook simultaneously
Connects to both Gmail and Outlook simultaneously
Unstructured Data Processing
Limited ability to extract and organize meaningful data from unstructured email content
AI processing of unstructured email content to extract key details and create structured records
Data Enrichment
Basic activity logging with minimal data enrichment capabilities
Intelligent enrichment that pulls contact details, action items, and key insights from communication data

By addressing these key limitations of Einstein Activity Capture, DryMerge offers a comprehensive solution that empowers your team with superior data handling capabilities. From intelligent processing of unstructured data to advanced enrichment features, DryMerge transforms your communication data into actionable insights while providing the flexibility to work with custom objects and multiple email accounts.

Tired of Einstein Activity Capture issues?

We'd love to show you how DryMerge handles emails, calendar events, and unstructured data extraction more reliably and accurately than Einstein Activity Capture.

Frequently Asked Questions