Email server settings: IMAP, POP3 and SMTP

Before you start

You need two things:

1. Your full email address, for example info@example.co.za.
2. The mailbox password. This is the password set when the mailbox was created in cPanel or DirectAdmin. It is not your client area password. If you don't know it, reset it in your control panel under Email Accounts, or ask whoever manages your hosting.

Wherever you see example.co.za below, use your own domain.

Recommended settings

Use these unless you have a reason not to.

Most apps find these settings on their own once you type your email address and password. If yours does not, choose the manual or advanced option and enter them from the table.

All available ports

Port 25 is for servers talking to each other. Don't use it in an email program. Many internet providers block it.

Always choose a secure port where you can. The unsecured options exist only for old devices and networks that block the secure ports.

IMAP or POP3?

IMAP keeps your email on the server. Every device sees the same inbox, sent items and folders. Delete a message on your phone and it disappears on your laptop too. This is the right choice for almost everyone, especially if you check email on more than one device.

POP3 downloads messages to one device and, by default, removes them from the server. Nothing syncs between devices. Only use POP3 if you have a specific reason, such as keeping the mailbox on the server almost empty.

Why the server name is your own domain

Your incoming and outgoing server is mail. followed by your domain. This works because your domain's DNS points to the Webway server that hosts your email.

Two things to know:

• If you use Cloudflare, the mail DNS record must be set to "DNS only" (grey cloud), not proxied (orange cloud). A proxied mail record stops email programs connecting.
• If your domain is not yet pointing to Webway (for example, you are still moving from another host), mail.example.co.za will reach the old server. Wait for DNS to update before setting up your devices. See How long does DNS propagation take?

The free SSL certificate normally covers mail.yourdomain too. If your email app shows a certificate warning when it connects, don't accept it permanently. Open a support ticket with a screenshot of the warning.

Where to see these settings in your control panel

cPanel

1. Log in to cPanel.
2. Open Email Accounts.
3. Next to the address, click Connect Devices.
4. The page shows your servers, ports and a set-up guide for common apps.

DirectAdmin

1. Log in to DirectAdmin.
2. Open E-mail Accounts.
3. Use the settings in the table above. They are the same for every mailbox on your domain.

Webmail

You can also read and send email in a browser, with no set-up at all. On both cPanel and DirectAdmin, go to https://example.co.za/webmail.

Webmail is also the fastest way to test whether a mailbox and password work. See I can't send or receive email.

Common mistakes