Zoho Mail IMAP SMTP Configuration Guide

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

Quick Zoho Mail Settings

IMAP Settings (Incoming Mail)

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

SMTP Settings (Outgoing Mail)

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

Before You Start

Simple Setup

Zoho Mail supports IMAP/SMTP access with your regular password. No app passwords required for most configurations.

  • Ensure you have an active Zoho Mail account
  • Know your complete Zoho email address and password
  • Have your email client ready for configuration
  • Check if IMAP access is enabled in your Zoho Mail settings

Step 1: Enable IMAP Access in Zoho Mail

  1. Sign in to your Zoho Mail account
  2. Click the gear icon (Settings) in the top right corner
  3. Go to "Mail" → "POP/IMAP Access"
  4. Enable "IMAP Access" if it's not already enabled
  5. Optionally, enable "POP Access" if you prefer POP3
  6. Click "Save" to apply the changes

Note

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

Step 2: 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@yourdomain.com]
    • Account Type: IMAP
    • Incoming mail server: imap.zoho.com
    • Outgoing mail server: smtp.zoho.com
    • User Name: [your complete Zoho email address]
    • Password: [Your Zoho Mail 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, Zoho email address, and password
  3. Click "Configure manually" if auto-detection doesn't work
  4. Set the following settings:
    • Incoming: IMAP, imap.zoho.com, Port 993, SSL/TLS
    • Outgoing: SMTP, smtp.zoho.com, Port 587, STARTTLS
    • Username: your complete Zoho 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, Zoho email address, and password
  5. Configure manually if needed:
    • Incoming Mail Server: imap.zoho.com
    • Outgoing Mail Server: smtp.zoho.com
    • Use SSL for both incoming and outgoing
    • Incoming port: 993, Outgoing port: 587
  6. Click "Sign In" to complete the setup

Gmail (Adding Zoho 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 Zoho email address and click "Next"
  5. Select "Import emails from my other account (POP3)" and click "Next"
  6. Configure the settings:
    • POP Server: pop.zoho.com
    • Port: 995
    • Username: your complete Zoho email address
    • Password: your Zoho Mail 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.zoho.com
  • Port: 993
  • Security: SSL/TLS
  • Authentication: Normal password
Outgoing Mail (SMTP)
  • Server: smtp.zoho.com
  • Port: 587 (STARTTLS) or 465 (SSL)
  • Security: STARTTLS or SSL/TLS
  • Authentication: Required

Custom Domain Email Configuration

Custom Domain Users

If you're using Zoho Mail with your own domain, use the same server settings but with your custom email address.

For custom domain emails (e.g., yourname@yourbusiness.com hosted on Zoho):

  • Use the same IMAP/SMTP server settings (imap.zoho.com and smtp.zoho.com)
  • Enter your complete custom domain email address as the username
  • Use your Zoho Mail password
  • All port and security settings remain the same

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.zoho.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 Zoho email details
  5. Use the IMAP/SMTP settings above
  6. Enable SSL for both incoming and outgoing

Android Setup

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

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Authentication Failed Error

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

Connection Timeout Issues

  • Check your firewall and antivirus 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 Zoho Mail webmail interface
  • Go to Settings → Mail → POP/IMAP Access
  • 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 Zoho Mail storage quota

Security Best Practices

  • Use strong, unique passwords for your Zoho Mail account
  • Enable two-factor authentication in Zoho Mail settings
  • Always use SSL/TLS encryption for email connections
  • Keep your email client software updated
  • Regularly review account activity and connected devices

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need app passwords for Zoho Mail?

Generally no, unless you have two-factor authentication enabled. Most email clients work with your regular Zoho Mail password.

Can I use Zoho Mail with my custom domain?

Yes, Zoho Mail supports custom domains. Use the same server settings but with your custom domain email address.

What's the difference between IMAP and POP3?

IMAP syncs emails across all devices and keeps them on the server, while POP3 downloads emails to one device. IMAP is recommended for most users.

Why can't I access IMAP settings in Zoho Mail?

IMAP access might be disabled by your administrator (for business accounts) or you might need to upgrade your plan. Contact Zoho support for assistance.