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How to configure email on Mac Mail

This article will describe the setup process for when you wish to configure the built-in mail client ‘Mail’ on Mac OS with a new email account. This email you will have already created – if not then check out this article first to complete that step.


If you’re wondering how to configure mail on Mac or need guidance on setting mail on Mac, you’ve come to the right place. Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary details at hand.

Pre-Setup

Before you proceed any further ensure you have the following details available:

  • Username (the email address you wish to configure)
  • Password (you will need to set this in cPanel)

Additionally, if you’re setting mail on Mac manually, ensure you have the following details ready:

  • Mail Server (used for both incoming and outgoing mail)
  • Port selection (dependent on whether you’re configuring with or without SSL)

If you are missing any of the information listed above, resolve that first prior to continuing any further.

Without the correct password you won’t get very far, so to ensure you’re on the right track navigate to the webmail for the account you’re configuring.

If the new email account is john@example.com then visit http://example.com/webmail to bring up the server’s web-mail interface and test your password there. If the password is incorrect then reset it through cPanel, and we have a guide for that here. You must supplement example.com for your domain name for this to work.

Configure mail on Mac: automated

Configure mail on Mac: Manual


Testing

Once you’ve finished configuring your mailbox following our guide on how to configure mail on Mac, try sending an email to an external address (such as Gmail or Hotmail) to confirm you can send mail. Then, reply to that email to test that inbound mail works properly. If both tests succeed, you have successfully set up your mailbox and learned how to configure mail on Mac, ensuring that your email works as expected.

Troubleshooting

To review your connection settings and adjust your mail settings on Mac if required, follow these steps:

1. With the Mail application open, from the menu bar choose Mail then Preferences….

how to configure mail on mac: preference

2. Next select Accounts from the preferences ribbon, and select the mail account you wish to modify. With that selected, select the tab Server Settings which is usually the 3rd, after Account Information and Mailbox Behaviours.

how to configure mail on mac: server settings

3. This screen will show you your current server settings, including the Host NamePort and Authentication method (should always be ‘Password’). If you have Automatically manage connection settings ticked, be sure to un-tick this option and choose your port numbers according to the values below.

IMAP (SSL): 993

IMAP (non-SSL): 143

POP (SSL): 995

POP (non-SSL): 110

4. Your settings should ideally look like this (albeit with your own Host Name and user credentials):

Conclusion

By following these steps on how to configure mail on Mac and setting mail on Mac, you ensure that your email account operates smoothly on your device. Testing your settings thoroughly now helps prevent potential issues later. If you need further assistance or have any questions, please contact our support team. We’re here to help you achieve a flawless email setup on your Mac. Enjoy your new configuration and happy emailing!

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