📱 How to Set Up an IMAP Email Account on Your iPhone (Step-by-Step)
Setting up your IMAP email account on your iPhone allows you to sync your inbox across devices. Follow this step-by-step guide to get started.
âś… Step 1: Open the Settings App
On your iPhone, tap the Settings icon.
📍 This might be on your home screen or in your App Library.
âś… Step 2: Tap on Mail
Scroll down and tap Mail (on older iPhones it may say Mail, Contacts, Calendars).
âś… Step 3: Select Accounts
Tap on Accounts, then choose Add Account.
âś… Step 4: Choose Other
You’ll see several popular mail services (like iCloud, Gmail, Outlook).
Select Other at the bottom of the list.
âś… Step 5: Tap Add Mail Account
Under the “Mail” section, tap Add Mail Account.
âś… Step 6: Enter Your Account Information
Fill in the following fields:
- Name: The name you’d like to appear on outgoing emails
- Email: Your full email address (e.g., you@yourdomain.co.za)
- Password: The password for your email account
- Description: This will auto-fill, but you can change it if you want (e.g., “Work Mail”)
Tap Next when done.
âś… Step 7: Select IMAP
Make sure IMAP is selected at the top (not POP).
🛑 Click here for differences between IMAP and POP3.
âś… Step 8: Enter Incoming Mail Server Settings
Under Incoming Mail Server, fill in:
- Host Name: (e.g.,
mail.yourdomain.co.za
) - Username: Usually your full email address
- Password: Your email password
âś… Step 9: Enter Outgoing Mail Server Settings
Under Outgoing Mail Server, fill in:
- Host Name: (e.g.,
mail.yourdomain.co.za
) - Username: Your full email address
- Password: Your email password
Note: Even if it says “optional,” it’s best to fill out all three fields.
Tap Next.
âś… Step 10: Save the Account
If all details are correct, your phone will verify the account.
Then tap Save.
You’ll now see the new email account listed under Accounts.
âś… Step 11: Open the Mail App
Return to your Home Screen and tap the Mail app.
- All your configured accounts will be listed.
- Tap the account you just added to access your inbox.
- Tap any email header to open and read the message.
âś… Success!
You’ve successfully set up your IMAP email on your iPhone.
Your inbox and folders should now stay in sync across all your devices.