Reads mail from the server
IMAP keeps mail on the provider so it stays in sync across multiple devices.
Setup guide
IMAP Configuration Guide
Popular provider settings, connection defaults, and security notes for connecting Patriot Mail or another email client to an existing mailbox.
How to connect
The three details most manual setups need
1
Incoming server
Use the IMAP hostname and secure port. For most providers this is port 993.
2
Outgoing server
Use the SMTP hostname and the provider’s preferred secure submission port, usually 587.
3
Authentication
Use your full email address as the username and prefer OAuth or a provider-specific app password over your primary account password when that option still exists.
Popular providers
Reference settings for common inboxes
These settings are a practical starting point. Some providers also require IMAP to be enabled in account settings before a client connection will succeed.
Gmail (Google)
SSL/TLS (IMAP), STARTTLS (SMTP)
IMAP (incoming)
- Server
imap.gmail.com- Port
993
SMTP (outgoing)
- Server
smtp.gmail.com- Port
587
Requires 2-Step Verification enabled. Use App Password instead of your regular password.
Outlook / Hotmail (Microsoft)
SSL/TLS (IMAP), STARTTLS (SMTP), OAuth preferred
IMAP (incoming)
- Server
outlook.office365.com- Port
993
SMTP (outgoing)
- Server
smtp-mail.outlook.com- Port
587
For Outlook.com, Hotmail.com, Live.com, and MSN personal accounts, Microsoft now requires Modern Authentication in non-Microsoft mail apps. App passwords and Basic Authentication are no longer available there.
The published hostnames still appear in Microsoft docs, but password-based IMAP sign-in for personal Outlook accounts may be rejected. Use OAuth when available.
Yahoo Mail
SSL/TLS (IMAP), STARTTLS (SMTP)
IMAP (incoming)
- Server
imap.mail.yahoo.com- Port
993
SMTP (outgoing)
- Server
smtp.mail.yahoo.com- Port
587
Generate an App Password under 'Manage app passwords' in Account Security.
iCloud (Apple)
SSL/TLS (IMAP), STARTTLS (SMTP)
IMAP (incoming)
- Server
imap.mail.me.com- Port
993
SMTP (outgoing)
- Server
smtp.mail.me.com- Port
587
Requires Two-Factor Authentication. Generate an App-Specific Password in your Apple ID settings.
GMX
SSL/TLS (IMAP), STARTTLS (SMTP)
IMAP (incoming)
- Server
imap.gmx.com- Port
993
SMTP (outgoing)
- Server
mail.gmx.com- Port
587
Enable IMAP access in GMX settings under E-Mail > POP3 & IMAP.
AOL
SSL/TLS (IMAP), STARTTLS (SMTP)
IMAP (incoming)
- Server
imap.aol.com- Port
993
SMTP (outgoing)
- Server
smtp.aol.com- Port
587
Generate an App Password in Account Security settings.
Proton Mail
STARTTLS (via Bridge)
IMAP (incoming)
- Server
127.0.0.1- Port
1143
SMTP (outgoing)
- Server
127.0.0.1- Port
1025
Requires Proton Mail Bridge application running locally. The Bridge provides local IMAP/SMTP access to your encrypted mailbox.
Fastmail
SSL/TLS (IMAP), STARTTLS (SMTP)
IMAP (incoming)
- Server
imap.fastmail.com- Port
993
SMTP (outgoing)
- Server
smtp.fastmail.com- Port
587
Create an App Password in Settings > Privacy & Security > Integrations.
Zoho Mail
SSL/TLS (IMAP), STARTTLS (SMTP)
IMAP (incoming)
- Server
imap.zoho.com- Port
993
SMTP (outgoing)
- Server
smtp.zoho.com- Port
587
Enable IMAP access in Zoho Mail settings. Use your Zoho password or generate an App-Specific Password if 2FA is enabled.
General settings
- IMAP Port: 993 (SSL/TLS) or 143 (STARTTLS)
- SMTP Port: 587 (STARTTLS) or 465 (SSL/TLS)
- Username: Usually your full email address
- Password: Your account password, provider-specific app password, or OAuth token depending on the provider
- Authentication: OAuth 2.0 if available, otherwise the provider's current password-based method
Secure connection tips
- Always use SSL/TLS or STARTTLS encryption for secure connections.
- Use App Passwords instead of your main account password only when the provider still supports them.
- Prefer OAuth 2.0 over password-based authentication whenever the provider supports it.
- Keep your email client and operating system updated so the TLS and authentication stack stay current.
Troubleshooting
What to check if a provider will not connect
Provider settings
Confirm IMAP is enabled
Some providers disable IMAP access by default, especially on older or freshly created accounts.
Credentials
Check the provider's auth policy
Some providers still use app passwords, while others, like personal Outlook accounts, now require Modern Authentication instead of Basic Auth.
Still stuck?
Contact the provider or support
Provider help docs usually publish the latest hostname, security, and authentication requirements. Patriot Mail support can help interpret them.