IMAP and SMTP settings
This guide explains what IMAP and SMTP do, the official Business Email server settings, and how to check that an app uses encryption.
Before you begin
- A Business Email mailbox and its password. See How to create an email account.
- The username shown for the mailbox in the Business Email Panel.
What IMAP and SMTP do
| Protocol | Job | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| IMAP | Receives and keeps mail on the server | Reading, folders, sync across phone and computer |
| SMTP | Sends mail | Outgoing messages |
IMAP is for incoming mail and SMTP is for outgoing mail. A mail app needs both to send and receive.
Official Business Email settings
Incoming mail (IMAP)
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Server | mail.apncloud.com |
| Port | 993 |
| Security | SSL/TLS |
Outgoing mail (SMTP)
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Server | mail.apncloud.com |
| Port | 465 |
| Security | SSL/TLS |
or
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Server | mail.apncloud.com |
| Port | 587 |
| Security | STARTTLS |
Use either outgoing option. Port 465 starts an encrypted connection from the first byte. Port 587 starts without encryption and then switches to it (STARTTLS). Use the option your app supports. If both are offered, port 465 with SSL/TLS is a good choice.
Steps
- Enter the incoming server, port and security from the first table.
- Enter the outgoing server, port and security from one of the outgoing tables.
- Enter the mailbox username and password, then test the account.
These settings are for Business Email only
Hosting email accounts use the server settings shown in the hosting panel. Do not use these values for hosting email. See Business Email vs Hosting Email.
Keep encryption on
Never choose "no encryption" or "none". Never accept a certificate for a server name you do not recognise.
Expected result
The app connects, shows your inbox and sends a test message.
If something goes wrong
- The app will not connect. Check each value against the tables above, one at a time.
- A certificate warning appears. Stop and read Email authentication errors.
- Sending fails but receiving works. Read Email not sending.
Related articles
- How to configure Outlook
- How to configure Thunderbird
- Email authentication errors
- Business Email vs Hosting Email
Last reviewed
2026-10-27