Configuring an Email Client (Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail)

Setting up your email in a desktop or mobile client gives you faster access, offline capabilities, and better integration with calendars and contacts. This guide covers the settings you'll need for any email client.

Please note: Screens and options may vary slightly depending on your cPanel version and hosting plan.

Email Server Settings

Use the following settings to configure your email client. Replace yourdomain.com with your actual domain name.

Incoming Mail (Receiving)

| Setting | IMAP (Recommended) | POP3 | |---------|-------------------|------| | Server | mail.yourdomain.com | mail.yourdomain.com | | Port | 993 | 995 | | Encryption | SSL/TLS | SSL/TLS | | Username | Your full email address | Your full email address | | Password | Your email password | Your email password |

Outgoing Mail (Sending)

| Setting | Value | |---------|-------| | Server | mail.yourdomain.com | | Port | 465 (SSL/TLS) or 587 (STARTTLS) | | Encryption | SSL/TLS or STARTTLS | | Authentication | Required — use same username/password as incoming |

IMAP vs POP3

• IMAP keeps your email on the server and syncs across all your devices. If you read an email on your phone, it will also show as read on your computer. This is the recommended option for most users.
• POP3 downloads email to your device and can optionally remove it from the server. Use POP3 only if you want to access email from a single device and keep a local archive.

Setting Up Microsoft Outlook

1. Open Outlook and go to File > Add Account.
2. Enter your full email address and click Connect.
3. If automatic configuration fails, select Manual setup.
4. Choose IMAP (recommended).
5. Enter the server settings from the table above.
6. Enter your password and click Connect.

Setting Up Mozilla Thunderbird

1. Open Thunderbird and go to Account Settings > Account Actions > Add Mail Account.
2. Enter your name, email address, and password.
3. Click Configure manually.
4. Enter the IMAP and SMTP settings from the tables above.
5. Click Re-test to verify the settings, then click Done.

Setting Up Apple Mail (macOS / iOS)

macOS:

1. Open Mail and go to Mail > Add Account > Other Mail Account.
2. Enter your name, email address, and password, then click Sign In.
3. If automatic setup fails, enter the server settings manually.

iOS (iPhone/iPad):

1. Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts > Add Account > Other > Add Mail Account.
2. Enter your name, email, password, and a description.
3. Choose IMAP and enter the incoming and outgoing server settings.
4. Tap Save.

Setting Up on Android

1. Open your email app (Gmail app or default Mail app).
2. Tap Add Account > Other (or Personal (IMAP)).
3. Enter your email address and tap Manual Setup.
4. Select IMAP.
5. Enter the server settings from the tables above.
6. Complete the setup wizard.

Troubleshooting

• "Authentication failed" — Double-check your password. Try logging into Webmail first to confirm the credentials work.
• "Cannot connect to server" — Verify you're using the correct port and encryption. Ensure your firewall or antivirus isn't blocking the connection.
• "Certificate warning" — If using mail.yourdomain.com, ensure an SSL certificate is installed for the mail subdomain. Alternatively, you can use the server's hostname provided by your hosting company.
• Emails stuck in outbox — Check SMTP settings. Port 587 with STARTTLS is widely compatible.

What Next?

• Email Deliverability - SPF, DKIM & DMARC — Ensure your sent emails reach inboxes.
• Calendars and Contacts (CalDAV/CardDAV) — Sync calendars and contacts with your client.

Related Articles

• Email Deliverability - SPF, DKIM & DMARC
• Calendars and Contacts (CalDAV/CardDAV)
• Difference Between IMAP and POP3
• Common Email Error Messages Explained