Setting Up an Email Account for iOS
A beginner-friendly guide to adding your email address to the Mail app on iPhone or iPad.
Checking email on your iPhone or iPad is one of the easiest ways to stay connected while you are away from your desk. This guide shows you how to add your professional email address to the built-in Mail app using the email settings available in your Account.
Information You Need
- Email Address: your full email address
- Password: your email account password
- Incoming Mail Server: usually mail.yourdomain.com REPLACE yourdomain.com with your your domain name
- Outgoing Mail Server: usually mail.yourdomain.com REPLACE yourdomain.com with your your domain name
- Recommended Protocol: IMAP for syncing mail across multiple devices
Step 1: Adding your Email Account to your Device
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Scroll down and tap Mail.
- Tap Accounts.
- Tap Add Account.
Step 2: Choose Mail Service Provider
- Tap Add Mail Account.
- Select Other from the account list.
Step 3: Enter Your Basic Email Details
- Enter your name.
- Enter your full email address.
- Enter your email password.
- Add a short description such as Work or Business.
- Tap Next.
Step 4: Enter Incoming and Outgoing Mail Server Settings
Choose IMAP unless you specifically need POP. Then enter the server details exactly as shown in your Account.
- Host Name: usually mail.yourdomain.com REPLACE yourdomain.com with your your domain name
- User Name: your full email address
- Password: your email password
- Use the same format for both Incoming Mail Server and Outgoing Mail Server
- IMAP: 993 with SSL
- POP: 995 with SSL
- SMTP: 465 with SSL or 587 with TLS
- Tap Next, then tap Save when the verification finishes.
The Difference Between IMAP and POP and When to Use Each One
When setting up your email on iPhone or iPad, you may see two account types: IMAP and POP. Both allow you to receive email, but they work in different ways.
When should you use IMAP?
- If you check email on more than one device
- If you want your folders and messages to stay synced everywhere
- If you want the easiest and most modern setup option
When should you use POP?
- If you only want to download email to one device
- If you prefer to store messages locally
- If you have a specific reason to avoid synchronization
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same email account on more than one device?
Yes. If you use IMAP, your emails can stay synchronized across your iPhone, iPad, computer, and other devices.
What should I do if my iPhone cannot verify the server settings?
Check that you entered the full email address, the correct password, and the exact incoming and outgoing mail server details from your Account. Even a small typing error may cause the setup to fail.
Should I choose IMAP or POP?
In most cases, IMAP is recommended because it keeps your email synchronized across multiple devices. POP is usually better only if you want to download messages to one device without full synchronization.
Why is my email not sending even though I can receive messages?
This usually means there is an issue with the outgoing mail server settings. Review the SMTP server name, username, password, and port settings in your Account.
Do I need to use my full email address as the username?
Yes. In most cases, you should enter your full email address as the username for both incoming and outgoing mail servers.
What if I still cannot set up my email on iOS?
If the setup still does not work, review the email settings in your Account and contact support for assistance.
