GMX Mail IMAP SMTP Configuration Guide

Complete step-by-step guide to configure GMX Mail IMAP and SMTP settings for any email client including Outlook, Thunderbird, and Apple Mail

Quick GMX Mail Settings

IMAP Settings (Incoming Mail)

Server:imap.gmx.com

Port:993

Security:SSL/TLS

SMTP Settings (Outgoing Mail)

Server:smtp.gmx.com

Port:587 or 465

Security:STARTTLS or SSL

Before You Start

Free Email Service

GMX Mail is a free email service that supports IMAP/SMTP access with your regular password.

Ensure you have a GMX Mail account (@gmx.com, @gmx.net, @gmx.us, etc.)
Know your complete GMX email address and password
Have your email client ready for configuration
Check if IMAP access is enabled in your GMX Mail settings

Step 1: Enable IMAP Access in GMX Mail

Sign in to your GMX Mail account
Click on "Settings" (gear icon) in the top right corner
Go to "POP3/IMAP Retrieval"
Enable "IMAP" if it's not already enabled
Optionally, enable "POP3" if you prefer POP3
Click "Save" to apply the changes

Note

IMAP access is usually enabled by default in GMX Mail. If you can't find this setting, it may already be active.

Step 2: Configure Your Email Client

Microsoft Outlook Configuration

Open Outlook and go to File → Add Account
Choose "Manual setup or additional server types"
Select "POP or IMAP"
Enter your account information:
- Your Name: [Your full name]
- Email Address: [your-email@gmx.com]
- Account Type: IMAP
- Incoming mail server: imap.gmx.com
- Outgoing mail server: smtp.gmx.com
- User Name: [your complete GMX email address]
- Password: [Your GMX Mail password]
Click "More Settings" → "Advanced" tab
Set incoming server port to 993 with SSL encryption
Set outgoing server port to 587 with STARTTLS encryption
Check "My outgoing server requires authentication"

Mozilla Thunderbird Configuration

Open Thunderbird and go to File → New → Existing Mail Account
Enter your name, GMX email address, and password
Click "Configure manually" if auto-detection doesn't work
Set the following settings:
- Incoming: IMAP, imap.gmx.com, Port 993, SSL/TLS
- Outgoing: SMTP, smtp.gmx.com, Port 587, STARTTLS
- Username: your complete GMX email address
- Authentication: Normal password
Click "Re-test" and then "Create Account"

Apple Mail Configuration

Open Mail app and go to Mail → Preferences → Accounts
Click the "+" button to add a new account
Select "Other Mail Account"
Enter your name, GMX email address, and password
Configure manually if needed:
- Incoming Mail Server: imap.gmx.com
- Outgoing Mail Server: smtp.gmx.com
- Use SSL for both incoming and outgoing
- Incoming port: 993, Outgoing port: 587
Click "Sign In" to complete the setup

Gmail (Adding GMX Account)

Open Gmail and click the gear icon → "See all settings"
Go to "Accounts and Import" tab
Click "Add a mail account" in the "Check mail from other accounts" section
Enter your GMX email address and click "Next"
Select "Import emails from my other account (POP3)" and click "Next"
Configure the settings:
- POP Server: pop.gmx.com
- Port: 995
- Username: your complete GMX email address
- Password: your GMX Mail password
- Check "Always use a secure connection (SSL)"
Click "Add Account" to complete the setup

GMX Domain Variations

Multiple GMX Domains

GMX offers email addresses with different domains. All use the same server settings.

International

@gmx.com
@gmx.net
@gmx.org

Country Specific

@gmx.us (United States)
@gmx.de (Germany)
@gmx.at (Austria)

Alternative

@gmx.info
@gmx.biz
@caramail.com

Alternative Port Settings

If Standard Ports Don't Work

SMTP Alternative Settings

Port 465 with SSL/TLS encryption
Port 25 (usually blocked by ISPs)

POP3 Settings (Alternative to IMAP)

Server: pop.gmx.com
Port: 995 with SSL/TLS
Port 110 (non-secure)

Mobile Device Configuration

iPhone/iPad Setup

Go to Settings → Mail → Accounts
Tap "Add Account" → "Other"
Tap "Add Mail Account"
Enter your GMX email details
Use the IMAP/SMTP settings above
Enable SSL for both incoming and outgoing

Android Setup

Open Email app or Gmail
Tap "Add Account" → "Other"
Choose "Personal (IMAP)"
Enter your GMX email and password
Configure with the settings above
Enable SSL/TLS encryption

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Authentication Failed Error

Verify your complete GMX email address and password
Check if IMAP access is enabled in GMX Mail settings
Ensure you're using the correct server settings
Try resetting your GMX Mail password

Connection Issues

Check your internet connection and firewall settings
Verify the server names and ports are correct
Try alternative SMTP port 465 with SSL
Contact your ISP if they block email ports

IMAP Access Disabled

Sign in to GMX Mail webmail interface
Go to Settings → POP3/IMAP Retrieval
Enable IMAP Access if it's disabled
Wait a few minutes before trying to connect

Emails Not Syncing

Check your IMAP folder subscriptions
Verify sync settings in your email client
Try refreshing or restarting your email client
Check GMX Mail storage quota

Security Best Practices

Use strong, unique passwords for your GMX Mail account
Always use SSL/TLS encryption for email connections
Keep your email client software updated
Be cautious with public Wi-Fi for email access
Regularly review account activity and settings

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GMX Mail really free?

Yes, GMX Mail offers free email accounts with IMAP/SMTP access. Premium plans are available with additional features and storage.

Can I use different GMX domains with the same settings?

Yes, all GMX domains (@gmx.com, @gmx.net, @gmx.us, etc.) use the same server settings and configuration process.

What's the storage limit for free GMX accounts?

Free GMX accounts typically come with 1GB of storage, which can be expanded with premium plans.

Why can't I send emails but can receive them?

This is usually an SMTP configuration issue. Check your outgoing server settings, port, and authentication requirements.