Set up an IMAP email account on an iPhone running iOS 18

Email Accounts, IMAP Mail, Iphone, Other Resources

Here’s how to set up an IMAP email account on an iPhone running iOS 18, step by step — plus a few tips to make sure it works well.

Quick note: IMAP keeps your mail synced across devices (recommended). Have your IMAP/SMTP server details ready (hostnames, ports, whether to use SSL/TLS) and your email password (or app-specific password if your provider requires 2-factor app passwords).

1) Open the Mail account screen

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to Apps → Mail → Mail Accounts.
  3. Tap Add Account.

2) Choose provider or “Other”

  1. If your provider (Gmail, Outlook, etc.) appears, you can choose it and follow the provider sign-in (often uses OAuth).
  2. If it’s a custom IMAP account or the provider isn’t listed, tap Other → Add Mail Account.

3) Enter basic account info

  1. Fill in:
  • Name — what recipients will see.
  • Email — your full email address (e.g. you@example.com).
  • Password — your account password (or app-specific password if required).
  • Description — e.g. “Work IMAP”.

Tap Next.

4) Choose IMAP and enter server settings

  1. Make sure IMAP is selected at the top.
  2. Fill the Incoming Mail Server (IMAP) section:
  • Host Name: (e.g. imap.example.com or imap.gmail.com)
  • Username: full email (usually)
  • Password: (same as above)
  1. Fill the Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP) section:
  • Host Name: (e.g. smtp.example.com or smtp.gmail.com)
  • Username: full email (if required by your SMTP)
  • Password: (if required)

Tap Next — iOS will try to verify the settings.

5) Common IMAP/SMTP ports & settings

  • IMAP (SSL/TLS): host imap.example.com — port 993 (SSL/TLS).
  • SMTP (STARTTLS): host smtp.example.com — port 587 (use STARTTLS).
  • SMTP (SMTPS): port 465 (SSL) sometimes used.
  • Authentication: Password (or OAuth/app password if needed).
    Always enable Use SSL if your server supports it.

6) If verification fails — edit Advanced

  1. Tap the account after it’s created: Settings → Apps → Mail → Mail Accounts → [your account] → Account → Advanced. Check:
  • IMAP Path Prefix: often INBOX (only change if provider asks).
  • Use SSL: ON.
  • Authentication: Password.
  • Incoming Port: 993 (if SSL).
  • Outgoing Port: 587 (if STARTTLS) or 465 (if SSL).
    Make changes and try saving again.

7) Mailbox Behaviors (sync folders)

  1. In the account settings, map local folders to server folders so Sent/Drafts/Trash/Archive sync:
  • Sent Mail → the server Sent folder
  • Drafts → server Drafts
  • Deleted Mail → server Trash or Deleted Items
    This ensures actions on your iPhone reflect on other devices.

8) Fetch / Push settings

  1. To control how frequently mail arrives: Settings → Apps → Mail → Fetch New Data.
  • If provider supports Push, enable Push for immediate delivery.
  • Otherwise choose a Fetch schedule (e.g. every 15 minutes) to balance battery vs immediacy.

Examples (typical server names)

  • Gmail (if not using Google sign-in):
    • IMAP: imap.gmail.com port 993 (SSL)
    • SMTP: smtp.gmail.com port 587 (STARTTLS) or 465 (SSL)
    • Note: Google often uses OAuth; if you use password + 2FA you’ll need an App password.
  • Outlook.com / Hotmail:
    • IMAP: imap-mail.outlook.com port 993 (SSL)
    • SMTP: smtp-mail.outlook.com port 587 (STARTTLS)
  • Custom domain (example):
    • IMAP: imap.yourdomain.com port 993 (SSL)
    • SMTP: smtp.yourdomain.com port 587 (STARTTLS) or 465

Troubleshooting checklist

  • Wrong password / auth failed: re-type password; if you use 2FA enable an app-specific password or use OAuth.
  • Server not found / connection timed out: confirm hostnames and ports, and whether the server requires VPN / private network.
  • Certificate warnings: verify the server’s SSL cert — sometimes a self-signed cert needs special handling.
  • Mail not syncing folders: check Mailbox Behaviors mapping and IMAP Path Prefix (INBOX).
  • SMTP sending fails: make sure SMTP requires authentication and you supplied username/password; try port 587 (STARTTLS) first.
  • If provider offers OAuth (Google, Microsoft), use the built-in provider entry instead of manual IMAP for easier login and fewer auth problems.

Final test

  1. Send a test email from the iPhone to another address.
  2. Reply from that other address and confirm the message appears (and syncs) on your other devices.
  3. Move a message into a server folder and confirm it appears in webmail or another device.