How to add an email account to your iPhone

The built-in Mail app on iPhone can hold several accounts at once. Here is how to add one, whichever provider you use.

By David Ray · Updated November 1, 2026 · 2 min read · How we research

Add an account step by step

1. Open Settings and tap Apps, then Mail. (On iOS 17 or earlier, tap Mail directly in Settings.)
2. Tap Mail Accounts (or Accounts), then Add Account.
3. Choose your provider from the list.
4. Enter your email address and password, and approve the sign-in if your provider asks.
5. Make sure the Mail switch is on (turn on Contacts and Calendars too if you want them), then tap Save.

The account now appears in the Mail app. Tap Mailboxes at the top left to switch between accounts or see all inboxes together.

Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo and work email

• Gmail: choose Google. You sign in on Google's own page, so you don't need an app password.
• Outlook.com, Hotmail or Live: choose Outlook.com.
• Work or school Microsoft 365: choose Microsoft Exchange. Your organization may require the Outlook app instead.
• Yahoo or AOL: choose Yahoo or AOL.
• Your own domain or another provider: use Other (below).

Manual setup with Other (IMAP)

1. In Add Account, tap Other → Add Mail Account.
2. Enter your name, email address, password and a description, then tap Next.
3. If Mail finds the settings, tap Done. If not, choose IMAP (recommended) or POP, and enter the incoming and outgoing server names your provider gives you.
4. Tap Next, then Save.

Find server names for common providers in email server settings, and the ports in email ports explained.

Change the default account or remove one

• Default account (the one new emails send from): Settings → Apps → Mail → Default Account.
• Remove an account: Settings → Apps → Mail → Mail Accounts → tap the account → Delete Account. This removes it from the iPhone only; the account itself and its email are not deleted.

If it won't connect

• Check the password by signing in to your provider's website.
• For manual accounts, recheck the server names, ports and that SSL is on.
• Some providers need an app password for the Mail app when you add them with Other. For Gmail, see how to create a Gmail app password.
• Prefer a dedicated app? Compare options in the best email apps for iPhone.

Questions people ask

Where are mail settings on iPhone?

On iOS 18 and later, open Settings, tap Apps, then Mail. On iOS 17 and earlier, Mail is listed directly in Settings.

How do I add a second Gmail account to my iPhone?

Repeat the steps: Settings, Apps, Mail, Mail Accounts, Add Account, Google, and sign in with the second account. Both appear in the Mail app.

Should I choose IMAP or POP on iPhone?

IMAP. It keeps your mail in sync between your iPhone and your other devices. POP downloads mail to one device only.

Does deleting an email account from iPhone delete the emails?

No. It only removes the account from the iPhone. Your emails stay on your provider's server.