iCloud Mail IMAP and SMTP settings
The server names, ports and sign-in details you need to add iCloud Mail to Outlook, Apple Mail, Thunderbird or any other email app.
Quick answerIncoming (IMAP):
imap.mail.me.com, port 993, SSL/TLS. Outgoing (SMTP): smtp.mail.me.com, port 587, STARTTLS.iCloud Mail server settings
| Type | Server | Port | Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMAP (incoming) | imap.mail.me.com | 993 | SSL/TLS |
| SMTP (outgoing) | smtp.mail.me.com | 587 | STARTTLS |
Username and password
Username: For incoming mail, Apple says to use the name part of your iCloud address (for example name, not [email protected]); if that fails, try the full address. For outgoing mail, use your full iCloud address.
Password: Create an app-specific password at account.apple.com under Sign-In and Security. Two-factor authentication must be on. Your Apple Account password won't work.
Good to know
- iCloud Mail doesn't offer POP, only IMAP.
- On an iPhone, iPad or Mac signed in with your Apple Account, iCloud Mail is set up automatically. You only need these settings for other apps, such as Outlook on Windows or Thunderbird.
- Addresses ending in @me.com and @mac.com use the same servers.
How to set it up in a mail app
- Open your mail app and choose to add an account. If it offers "Other", "Manual setup" or "Advanced", pick that.
- Choose IMAP (recommended) or POP.
- Enter the incoming and outgoing servers, ports and security from the table above.
- Use the username and password described below.
- Turn on "Outgoing server requires authentication" and use the same username and password.
If it doesn't work
- Incoming works but sending fails
- Use your full email address as the SMTP username and port 587 with STARTTLS.
- "Password incorrect"
- Use an app-specific password, not your Apple Account password.
Getting a bounce with a code like 550 or 5.7.26 when you send? Look it up in the SMTP error code library.
Questions people ask
- What is the iCloud IMAP server?
- imap.mail.me.com, port 993, with SSL/TLS.
- What is the iCloud SMTP server?
- smtp.mail.me.com, port 587, with STARTTLS.
- Does iCloud Mail support POP3?
- No. Apple only supports IMAP for iCloud Mail.