Yandex Mail IMAP SMTP Configuration Guide

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

Quick Yandex Mail Settings

IMAP Settings (Incoming Mail)

Server:imap.yandex.com
Port:993
Security:SSL/TLS

SMTP Settings (Outgoing Mail)

Server:smtp.yandex.com
Port:587 or 465
Security:STARTTLS or SSL

Before You Start

App Password Required

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

  • Ensure you have a Yandex Mail account (@yandex.com, @yandex.ru, etc.)
  • Two-factor authentication should be enabled for security
  • Have your email client ready for configuration
  • Know your complete Yandex email address

Step 1: Enable Two-Factor Authentication

  1. Go to Yandex Passport and sign in
  2. Click on "Security" in the left sidebar
  3. Find "Two-factor authentication" and click "Enable"
  4. Follow the setup process:
    • Download an authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy, etc.)
    • Scan the QR code with your authenticator app
    • Enter the verification code from your app
    • Save the backup codes in a secure location
  5. Complete the two-factor authentication setup

Step 2: Generate App Password

  1. In your Yandex Passport Security page, scroll to "App passwords"
  2. Click "Create app password"
  3. Enter a name 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 Yandex password

Important Note

This app 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@yandex.com]
    • Account Type: IMAP
    • Incoming mail server: imap.yandex.com
    • Outgoing mail server: smtp.yandex.com
    • User Name: [your complete Yandex email address]
    • Password: [Your app 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, Yandex email address, and app password
  3. Click "Configure manually" if auto-detection fails
  4. Set the following settings:
    • Incoming: IMAP, imap.yandex.com, Port 993, SSL/TLS
    • Outgoing: SMTP, smtp.yandex.com, Port 587, STARTTLS
    • Username: your complete Yandex email address
    • Authentication: Normal password
  5. Click "Re-test" and then "Create Account"

Apple Mail Configuration

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

Generic Email Client Configuration

Manual Configuration Settings:

Incoming Mail (IMAP)
  • Server: imap.yandex.com
  • Port: 993
  • Security: SSL/TLS
  • Authentication: Normal password
Outgoing Mail (SMTP)
  • Server: smtp.yandex.com
  • Port: 587 (STARTTLS) or 465 (SSL)
  • Security: STARTTLS or SSL/TLS
  • Authentication: Required

Yandex Domain Variations

Supported Yandex Email Domains

International

  • @yandex.com
  • @ya.ru

Russian

  • @yandex.ru
  • @yandex.by
  • @yandex.kz

Regional

  • @yandex.ua
  • @narod.ru

Note: All Yandex email domains use the same server settings and configuration process.

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.yandex.com
  • Port: 995 with SSL/TLS
  • Port 110 (non-secure)

Mobile Device Configuration

iPhone/iPad Setup

  1. Go to Settings → Mail → Accounts
  2. Tap "Add Account" → "Other"
  3. Tap "Add Mail Account"
  4. Enter your Yandex email details
  5. Use the app password, not your regular password
  6. Use the IMAP/SMTP settings above

Android Setup

  1. Open Email app or Gmail
  2. Tap "Add Account" → "Other"
  3. Choose "Personal (IMAP)"
  4. Enter your Yandex email and app password
  5. Configure with the settings above
  6. Enable SSL/TLS encryption

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Authentication Failed Error

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

Can't Generate App Password

  • Ensure two-factor authentication is properly enabled
  • Wait a few minutes after enabling two-factor authentication
  • Try signing out and back into your Yandex account
  • Contact Yandex 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 Yandex Mail storage quota

Security Best Practices

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an app password for Yandex Mail?

Yes, if you have two-factor authentication enabled (which is recommended), you must use app passwords for third-party email clients.

Can I use different Yandex domains with the same settings?

Yes, all Yandex domains (@yandex.com, @yandex.ru, @ya.ru, etc.) use the same server settings and configuration process.

Is Yandex Mail available in English?

Yes, Yandex Mail supports multiple languages including English. You can change the language in your account settings.

What's the storage limit for Yandex Mail?

Yandex Mail offers generous storage limits, typically starting with 10GB for free accounts, with options to increase storage.