Setting up an IMAP email account in Apple Mail on macOS allows you to access your emails across multiple devices while keeping them synchronized. Follow this step-by-step guide to configure your IMAP account easily.
Step 1: Open Apple Mail
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Launch the Mail app on your Mac.
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If it’s your first time opening Mail, the setup assistant will appear automatically.
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If not, go to Mail > Add Account from the menu bar.
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Step 2: Select Email Provider
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Choose your email provider from the list (e.g., Google, Yahoo, Outlook).
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If your provider isn’t listed, select "Other Mail Account" and click Continue.
Step 3: Enter Account Details
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Fill in the following:
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Full Name: Your name as it appears in sent emails.
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Email Address: Your full email (e.g.,
[email protected]). -
Password: Your email account password.
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Click Sign In (for known providers) or Next (for manual setup).
Step 4: Configure IMAP Settings (Manual Setup)
If your provider isn’t auto-detected, manually enter:
Incoming Mail Server (IMAP)
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Account Type: Select IMAP.
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Mail Server: Usually
imap.yourdomain.com(check with your email provider). -
Username: Your full email address.
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Password: Your email password.
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Port:
993(with SSL/TLS encryption).
Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP)
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SMTP Server: Usually
smtp.yourdomain.com. -
Username: Your full email address.
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Password: Your email password.
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Port:
465(SSL) or587(TLS).
Click Sign In or Next to proceed.
Step 5: Choose Apps to Sync (Optional)
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Select which services to enable (Mail, Notes, Contacts, etc.).
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Click Done to complete setup.
Step 6: Verify Account & Adjust Preferences
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Go to Mail > Preferences > Accounts to check settings.
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Ensure IMAP is selected (not POP).
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Adjust sync frequency under Mailbox Behaviors if needed.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
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"Authentication Failed": Double-check username/password and server settings.
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"Cannot Connect to Server": Verify IMAP/SMTP ports and encryption (SSL/TLS).
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"Mailbox Not Found": Ensure IMAP is enabled in your email provider settings.
For custom domains (e.g., business emails), contact your email host for correct server details.
Done! ????
Your IMAP account is now set up in macOS Mail, keeping emails synced across all devices.
