Of course! Setting up an email account in a mail client (like Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail, or on a mobile device) requires knowing the correct server addresses and ports.

Here is a complete guide to the standard ports and settings for the most common email protocols.

Quick Reference Table

This is the quick cheat sheet you're probably looking for.

Detailed Explanation

1. Incoming Mail Servers (To Receive Email)

You typically choose one of these two protocols.

IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) - RECOMMENDED

• How it works: IMAP keeps all your emails on the server and syncs the changes (read/unread, folders) across all your devices (computer, phone, tablet).

• When to use: Almost always. This is the modern standard for accessing email from multiple devices.

• Ports:

  • Port 993 (IMAPS): This is the standard and recommended port. It establishes an encrypted SSL/TLS connection from the very beginning.

  • Port 143 (IMAP): This starts as an unencrypted connection and then can be upgraded to encryption using STARTTLS. If possible, use port 993 instead.

POP3 (Post Office Protocol 3)

• How it works: POP3 is designed to download emails from the server to a single local device. By default, it then deletes them from the server.

• When to use: If you only check email from one computer and want to keep a local archive. Not ideal for multi-device use.

• Ports:

  • Port 995 (POP3S): The recommended, encrypted port for POP3.

  • Port 110 (POP3): The traditional, unencrypted port. Avoid this if possible.

2. Outgoing Mail Server (To Send Email)

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)

This is used for sending email, regardless of whether you use IMAP or POP3 for receiving.

• Port 587 (Submission): This is the modern standard and highly recommended port for email clients. It is intended for "mail submission" (sending mail from a client). It almost always uses STARTTLS to encrypt the connection after initially connecting.

• Port 465 (SMTPS): This port was originally for SMTP over SSL. It was briefly deprecated but has been brought back and is widely used. It establishes an encrypted connection immediately, just like port 993 and 995. It's a perfectly good alternative if port 587 has issues.

• Port 25: This is the original SMTP port. It is primarily used for server-to-server email relaying. Most residential ISPs block this port to prevent spam, and you should not use it in your mail client.

How to Find Your Specific Server Settings

The ports above are universal, but the server addresses are specific to your email provider. They usually follow a standard format.

Common Examples:

• Gmail / G-Suite:

  • Incoming (IMAP): imap.gmail.com (Port 993, SSL)

  • Outgoing (SMTP): smtp.gmail.com (Port 587, TLS or Port 465, SSL)

  • *Note: You must enable "2-Step Verification" and then create an "App Password" to use with most mail clients.*

• Outlook.com / Hotmail / Microsoft 365:

  • Incoming (IMAP): outlook.office365.com (Port 993, SSL)

  • Outgoing (SMTP): smtp.office365.com (Port 587, STARTTLS)

• Yahoo Mail:

  • Incoming (IMAP): imap.mail.yahoo.com (Port 993, SSL)

  • Outgoing (SMTP): smtp.mail.yahoo.com (Port 587, STARTTLS or Port 465, SSL)

  • Note: Yahoo also requires an "App Password" if you have 2FA enabled.

• iCloud Mail:

  • Incoming (IMAP): imap.mail.me.com (Port 993, SSL)

  • Outgoing (SMTP): smtp.mail.me.com (Port 587, STARTTLS)

  • Note: You need to generate an App-Specific Password for iCloud.

• Custom Domain Email (e.g., from your web host):

  • Incoming (IMAP): mail.yourdomain.com or imap.yourdomain.com

  • Outgoing (SMTP): mail.yourdomain.com or smtp.yourdomain.com

  • You must get these details from your hosting provider or IT administrator.

Summary & Best Practices

1. Use IMAP over POP3 for modern, multi-device email access.

2. For Incoming Mail: Use Port 993 with SSL/TLS encryption.

3. For Outgoing Mail: Use Port 587 with STARTTLS (TLS) encryption. If it doesn't work, try Port 465 with SSL/TLS.

4. Use App Passwords: For Gmail, Yahoo, iCloud, and other providers with two-factor authentication (2FA), you will likely need to generate a unique "App Password" in your account security settings instead of using your regular password.

5. Always check with your provider: When in doubt, search for "[Your Email Provider] IMAP SMTP settings". They will have the most accurate and up-to-date information.