How to Set up IMAP & SMTP Settings

Setting up IMAP and SMTP settings is essential for smooth email communication. Whether you're managing personal emails or running a cold email campaign, proper configuration is key. It not only secures your messages but also boosts email deliverability. 

This guide will help you find your email provider's server settings, enter them correctly, check encryption types, and test your setup. 

How to Set up IMAP & SMTP Settings

Follow these steps to ensure your email setup is efficient and secure.

Step 1: Find your Email Provider's Server Settings

You can find the server name and other settings you need in your email provider's settings. 

For example, in Outlook Web App, you can go to Settings > Mail > POP and IMAP.

If you’re using Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo Mail or Apple iCloud Mail, I have provided the server settings below. 

Gmail

IMAP Server: imap.gmail.com

IMAP Port: 993

SMTP Server: smtp.gmail.com

SMTP Port: 465 (SSL) or 587 (TLS)

Outlook.com/Hotmail/Live

IMAP Server: imap-mail.outlook.com

IMAP Port: 993

SMTP Server: smtp-mail.outlook.com

SMTP Port: 587

Yahoo Mail

IMAP Server: imap.mail.yahoo.com

IMAP Port: 993

SMTP Server: smtp.mail.yahoo.com

SMTP Port: 465 (SSL) or 587 (TLS)

Apple iCloud Mail

IMAP Server: imap.mail.me.com

IMAP Port: 993

SMTP Server: smtp.mail.me.com

SMTP Port: 587

For other providers, you can look for their help or support pages and search for "IMAP settings" or "SMTP settings." In case you still can’t find the info, you can contact the support team of your email provider. They will provide you with the exact server settings you need.

Step 2: Enter Your Server Information

Enter your server information (IMAP and SMTP server and port) in the email client or tool you’re using to manage your emails.

For cold email tools, follow these steps:

• Go to the Email section, click on a sender’s address, go to Settings. 
• You’ll find options to enter your IMAP and SMTP server information.
• Input the server names, port numbers, and choose the encryption type (SSL/TLS).
• Enter your email credentials (email address and password) to complete the setup.

Step 3: Check Your Encryption Type

Compare the encryption types for both your incoming and outgoing servers to the ones provided by your email provider. If they don't match, you can manually change them. 

Encryption for IMAP

Encryption types include SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security), which are used to secure your connection to the IMAP server. 

For example, IMAP typically uses SSL/TLS on port 993.

Encryption for SMTP

SMTP servers also use encryption to protect your emails during transmission. SSL is often used with port 465, and TLS with port 587.

How to Change Encryption

If your email client detects a mismatch in encryption types or ports, you may need to manually adjust them. In most email clients:

• Go to the Advanced or More Settings section in your email account configuration.
• You will find drop-down menus or checkboxes where you can select the correct encryption type (SSL, TLS, or none).
• Ensure that the port number matches the encryption type you selected.

Step 4: Test your Settings

Test your settings to see if they're correct. If the test fails, contact your email provider to verify the information.

After entering your server details and selecting the correct encryption, most email clients will provide an option to Test Account Settings or Send Test Email.

This test will attempt to connect to your email provider’s servers using the settings you’ve entered. If the test is successful, your email client will confirm that everything is set up correctly.

What to Do if the Test Fails

Double-check that you’ve entered the server names, port numbers, and encryption types exactly as provided by your email provider.

Take note of any error messages. Common issues include incorrect port numbers, wrong encryption types, or incorrect username/password.

If you still encounter issues, contact your ESP's customer support. They can help verify your settings and troubleshoot further.

Conclusion

Properly setting up your IMAP and SMTP settings is vital for secure and reliable email communication. You can ensure your emails are delivered and managed effectively by following these steps. 

If you’re planning to send bulk emails, try Manyreach. It lets you add multiple sender’s addresses via CSV form where you can add the SMTP & IMAP settings, making the entire setup hassle free.