How to Set Up Your IMAP Email Account on Apple DevicesPrint

Setting up your email on an Apple device doesn’t need to be complicated. Whether you're using a Mac, iPhone, or iPad, this easy-to-follow guide will walk you through everything—step by step, using plain English. No tech speak, no confusing menus—just clear instructions to get your email working with IMAP (that’s the type that keeps your email in sync across devices).

This guide is perfect for beginners, so let’s get your inbox sorted!

What is IMAP and Why Should You Care?

IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) is the clever bit of tech that keeps your email up-to-date no matter where you check it—from your phone, your laptop, or your tablet. Read an email on one device? It shows as read everywhere. Delete one? Gone from all devices. Magic.

Part 1: Setting Up IMAP Email on a Mac (macOS)

✅ Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open the Mail App
   Click the Mail icon (a blue postage stamp).

   • First time? You’ll be asked to add an account straight away.

   • If not, click Mail in the top-left menu, then choose Add Account…

2. Select “Other Mail Account…”
   Ignore the big names (like iCloud or Google) and click Other Mail Account…, then Continue.

3. Enter Your Email Info
   Fill in your:

   • Name (as you want it to appear when sending emails)

   • Email Address

   • Password

4. Manually Add IMAP Settings (if prompted)
   If it doesn’t auto-fill, you’ll need:

   • Incoming Mail Server (IMAP): imap.yourdomain.com

   • Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP): smtp.yourdomain.com

   • Username: Usually your full email address

   • Password: Your email password

5. Choose What to Sync
   Tick Mail, and anything else you want like Notes.
   Click Done – and you’re ready to go!

Part 2: Setting Up IMAP Email on iPhone or iPad (iOS/iPadOS)

✅ Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open Settings
   Tap the Settings app on your Home screen.

2. Go to Mail > Accounts > Add Account

3. Tap “Other”
   Don’t select Google, Yahoo, or iCloud. Tap Other at the bottom.

4. Tap “Add Mail Account”

5. Fill In Your Details

   • Name

   • Email Address

   • Password

   • Description (Call it whatever you like: “Work Email” or “My Mail”)

6. Enter IMAP Settings Manually

   • Incoming Mail Server

     • Host Name: imap.yourdomain.com

     • Username: your full email address

     • Password: your email password

   • Outgoing Mail Server

     • Host Name: smtp.yourdomain.com

     • Username: your full email address

     • Password: your email password

7. Tap “Next”
   If everything’s correct, it will verify and finish the setup.

8. Choose What You Want to Sync
   Make sure Mail is on. You can also turn on Notes if you like.

9. Tap “Save”

That’s it—your email account is now live on your iPhone or iPad!

Troubleshooting & Tips

• Incorrect password or username? Double-check for typos (especially dots and hyphens).

• Server not responding? Make sure you're connected to the internet.

• Can’t send emails? Ensure the SMTP server and login details match exactly.

• If in doubt, check your hosting provider’s email settings or contact support.

✍️ Final Thoughts

Setting up IMAP email on your Apple device is simple when you know where to click. With this guide, you’re now fully equipped to get your emails flowing smoothly across your Mac, iPhone, and iPad—without breaking a sweat.