Email client settings

IMAP and POP3 receive mail; SMTP sends it. Use the connection settings assigned to your mailbox when configuring an email client.

What each protocol does

IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol)

IMAP keeps mail on the server and synchronizes folders and message status across connected devices.

POP3 (Post Office Protocol v3)

POP3 downloads messages to a device. Depending on the client settings, it may remove messages from the server. Check retention settings before using it with other devices.

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)

Sends outgoing mail. Works alongside either IMAP or POP3. Port 465 (implicit SSL) or 587 (STARTTLS). Never port 25 from a client; residential ISPs block it and providers reject it.

Mail connection settings

Choosing a protocol

1. One device with local mail storage: POP3. Check how long messages remain on the server.
2. Multiple devices: IMAP to synchronize messages and folders.
3. Shared inbox (hello@, support@, multiple people): IMAP with shared folders or forward to a ticketing system.
4. Archival pull from an old host before decommissioning: POP3, configured to delete from server.

Apple Mail example (IMAP + SMTP)

Account type: IMAP
Description: Work
Full name: Jane Doe
Email address: [email protected]

Incoming Mail Server:
  Host: mail.yourdomain.com
  Username: [email protected]
  Password: ••••••••
  Port: 993
  Use SSL: Yes

Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP):
  Host: mail.yourdomain.com
  Username: [email protected]
  Password: ••••••••
  Port: 465
  Use SSL: Yes
  Authentication: Password

Thunderbird example (IMAP + SMTP)

Incoming:
  Server type: IMAP Mail Server
  Server name: mail.yourdomain.com
  Port: 993
  Username: [email protected]
  Connection security: SSL/TLS
  Authentication method: Normal password

Outgoing (Tools → Account Settings → Outgoing Server):
  Server name: mail.yourdomain.com
  Port: 465
  Connection security: SSL/TLS
  Authentication method: Normal password
  Username: [email protected]

Mobile: iOS and Android

On iOS or Android, choose the manual setup option if automatic configuration fails. Enter the IMAP and SMTP settings supplied for your mailbox and enable encryption for both connections.

Common issues

• Mixing IMAP on one device and POP3 on another. The POP3 device deletes from the server, so the IMAP device sees mail vanish. Pick one protocol per mailbox across all devices.
• Username format. Enter the full email address, such as [email protected].
• ISP blocks port 25. Use 465 or 587. Never 25 for client submission.
• SSL certificate warning. Your mail client must connect to the hostname the certificate covers. If AutoSSL issued for mail.yourdomain.com, you must use that hostname exactly.

Contact support

Email [email protected] and include the exact client error message plus the device you're using.