iCloud Mail IMAP SMTP Setup Guide

Complete configuration guide for Apple iCloud Mail IMAP and SMTP settings for any email client including Outlook, Thunderbird, and Gmail

Quick iCloud Mail Settings

IMAP Settings (Incoming Mail)

Server:imap.mail.me.com
Port:993
Security:SSL/TLS

SMTP Settings (Outgoing Mail)

Server:smtp.mail.me.com
Port:587
Security:STARTTLS

Before You Start

Important Security Requirement

iCloud Mail requires app-specific passwords for third-party email clients when two-factor authentication is enabled.

  • Ensure you have an Apple ID with iCloud Mail enabled
  • Two-factor authentication should be enabled for security
  • Have your email client ready for configuration
  • Know your complete iCloud email address (@icloud.com, @me.com, or @mac.com)

Step 1: Enable Two-Factor Authentication

  1. Go to appleid.apple.com and sign in
  2. In the "Security" section, click "Turn On Two-Factor Authentication"
  3. Follow the setup process:
    • Verify your phone number
    • Choose to receive codes via SMS or phone call
    • Enter the verification code you receive
    • Complete the setup process
  4. Ensure two-factor authentication is active before proceeding

Step 2: Generate App-Specific Password

  1. In your Apple ID account page, scroll to the "Security" section
  2. Click "Generate Password" under "App-Specific Passwords"
  3. Enter a label for the password (e.g., "Email Client" or "Outlook")
  4. Click "Create"
  5. Copy the generated password (format: xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx)
  6. Store this password securely - you'll use it instead of your Apple ID password

Important Note

This app-specific password will only be shown once. If you lose it, you'll need to generate a new one.

Step 3: Configure Your Email Client

Microsoft Outlook Configuration

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

Mozilla Thunderbird Configuration

  1. Open Thunderbird and go to File → New → Existing Mail Account
  2. Enter your name, iCloud email address, and app-specific password
  3. Click "Configure manually" if auto-detection fails
  4. Set the following settings:
    • Incoming: IMAP, imap.mail.me.com, Port 993, SSL/TLS
    • Outgoing: SMTP, smtp.mail.me.com, Port 587, STARTTLS
    • Username: your complete iCloud email address
    • Authentication: Normal password
  5. Click "Re-test" and then "Create Account"

Gmail (Adding iCloud Account)

  1. Open Gmail and click the gear icon → "See all settings"
  2. Go to "Accounts and Import" tab
  3. Click "Add a mail account" in the "Check mail from other accounts" section
  4. Enter your iCloud email address and click "Next"
  5. Select "Import emails from my other account (POP3)" and click "Next"
  6. Configure the settings:
    • POP Server: imap.mail.me.com (use IMAP server for POP3)
    • Port: 995
    • Username: your complete iCloud email address
    • Password: your app-specific password
    • Check "Always use a secure connection (SSL)"
  7. Click "Add Account" to complete the setup

Generic Email Client Configuration

Manual Configuration Settings:

Incoming Mail (IMAP)
  • Server: imap.mail.me.com
  • Port: 993
  • Security: SSL/TLS
  • Authentication: Normal password
Outgoing Mail (SMTP)
  • Server: smtp.mail.me.com
  • Port: 587
  • Security: STARTTLS
  • Authentication: Required

iCloud Email Address Types

Supported iCloud Email Domains

@icloud.com

Current iCloud email addresses

@me.com

Legacy MobileMe addresses

@mac.com

Legacy .Mac addresses

Note: All these email addresses use the same server settings and configuration process.

Mobile Device Configuration

Non-Apple Devices

For Android and other devices:

  1. Use the IMAP/SMTP settings above
  2. Enter your app-specific password
  3. Enable SSL/TLS encryption
  4. Use your complete email address as username

Apple Devices

For iPhone, iPad, and Mac:

  1. Go to Settings → Mail → Accounts
  2. Tap "Add Account" → "iCloud"
  3. Sign in with your Apple ID
  4. Enable Mail sync

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Authentication Failed Error

  • Ensure you're using the app-specific password, not your Apple ID password
  • Verify that two-factor authentication is enabled
  • Check that the app-specific password was copied correctly
  • Try generating a new app-specific password

Connection Issues

  • Check your internet connection and firewall settings
  • Verify the server names and ports are correct
  • Ensure SSL/TLS encryption is enabled
  • Try alternative SMTP port 465 with SSL

Can't Generate App-Specific Password

  • Ensure two-factor authentication is properly enabled
  • Wait a few minutes after enabling two-factor authentication
  • Try signing out and back into your Apple ID account
  • Contact Apple Support if the option doesn't appear

Emails Not Syncing

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

Security Best Practices

  • Always use app-specific passwords instead of your Apple ID password
  • Keep two-factor authentication enabled at all times
  • Regularly review and revoke unused app-specific passwords
  • Keep your email client software updated
  • Monitor your Apple ID account activity regularly

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an app-specific password for Apple devices?

No, Apple devices can use your regular Apple ID when adding an iCloud account. App-specific passwords are only needed for third-party email clients.

Can I use the same app-specific password for multiple email clients?

Yes, but it's more secure to generate a unique app-specific password for each email client or device.

What's the difference between @icloud.com, @me.com, and @mac.com?

These are different generations of Apple's email service, but they all use the same servers and configuration. @icloud.com is the current standard.

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

This is usually an SMTP configuration issue. Check your outgoing server settings, port (587), and ensure STARTTLS encryption is enabled.