Infomaniak IMAP and SMTP Settings: The Complete Guide to Configuring Your Emails

Properly configuring your emails may seem technical, but it\'s essential for a messaging system that works perfectly across all your devices. This guide explains in detail all the Infomaniak IMAP and SMTP settings, with the correct values to use depending on your situation.

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Understanding the Protocols: IMAP, POP3, and SMTP

Before diving into the settings, let\'s understand what these protocols are for. This is essential for making the right configuration choice.

IMAP: Modern Synchronization

IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) is the recommended protocol for the vast majority of users. Its principle: your emails remain stored on the Infomaniak server and are synchronized across all your devices.

• Multi-device synchronization – Read an email on your phone, it appears as read on your computer
• Emails always accessible – From any device, anywhere
• Synchronized folders – Your folder structure is identical everywhere
• Centralized backup – If you lose your device, your emails are safe

POP3: Local Download

POP3 (Post Office Protocol version 3) is an older protocol that downloads emails to your device, typically deleting them from the server.

• Advantage – Works offline, emails stored locally
• Major drawback – No synchronization between devices
• Usage – Not recommended except in very specific cases (local archiving, very limited connectivity)

SMTP: Sending Emails

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is the sending protocol. Regardless of whether you use IMAP or POP3 for receiving, sending always goes through SMTP.

Infomaniak Settings at a Glance

Here is the complete summary of settings to use when configuring your Infomaniak email:

Incoming Settings in Detail (IMAP)

Recommended IMAP Configuration

To receive your emails with IMAP, use these settings:

Why Port 993?

Port 993 is the standard port for secure IMAP. The connection is encrypted from the start (implicit SSL/TLS), meaning your credentials and emails are protected throughout the entire transfer.

Alternative: Port 143 with STARTTLS

Some older software or particular network configurations may require port 143:

With STARTTLS, the connection starts unencrypted then switches to encrypted. This is less secure than implicit SSL/TLS because an attacker could intercept the initial phase. Always use port 993 if possible.

POP3 Settings (If Absolutely Necessary)

If you absolutely must use POP3:

Outgoing Settings in Detail (SMTP)

Recommended SMTP Configuration

To send your emails, Infomaniak recommends this configuration:

Port 587 vs Port 465: Which One to Choose?

Both ports work, but they have important differences:

In practice: Try port 587 with STARTTLS first. If it doesn\'t work (some corporate networks or ISPs block it), switch to port 465 with SSL/TLS.

Port 25: Why Not Use It?

Port 25 is the historical SMTP port, but it is reserved for server-to-server communication (MTA). Most ISPs block it for end users to combat spam. Never use port 25 to configure your email client.

SMTP Authentication Is Required

Infomaniak requires authentication for sending emails. Without it, the server will reject your messages. In your email software:

• Enable the "Outgoing server requires authentication" option
• Select "Use the same settings as the incoming server"
• Or manually enter the same credentials

Understanding SSL/TLS and STARTTLS

These terms come up frequently and cause confusion. Here\'s a clear explanation:

SSL/TLS (Implicit Encryption)

With SSL/TLS, the connection is encrypted from the very first byte exchanged. Your software knows it must communicate in "encrypted language" immediately.

• Relevant ports: 993 (IMAP), 995 (POP3), 465 (SMTP)
• Advantage: Maximum security, no vulnerable phase
• Drawback: Requires a dedicated port

STARTTLS (Explicit Encryption)

With STARTTLS, the connection starts unencrypted, then the client requests an "upgrade" to an encrypted connection. The server accepts, and the rest of the exchange is secured.

• Relevant ports: 143 (IMAP), 110 (POP3), 587 (SMTP)
• Advantage: Flexibility, reuse of standard ports
• Drawback: Initial phase potentially interceptable ("downgrade" attack)

Configuration by Software

Outlook (Windows / Mac)

1. File → Add Account
2. Enter your Infomaniak email address
3. Select "Manual setup" or "Advanced settings"
4. Choose "IMAP"
5. Enter the settings:
   • Incoming server: mail.infomaniak.com, port 993, SSL/TLS
   • Outgoing server: mail.infomaniak.com, port 587, STARTTLS
6. Authentication: your full email address + password

Apple Mail (macOS)

1. Mail → Add Account → Other Mail Account
2. Enter name, email, and password
3. Apple Mail attempts automatic detection
4. If it fails, enter manually:
   • Account type: IMAP
   • Incoming server: mail.infomaniak.com
   • Outgoing server: mail.infomaniak.com
5. Confirm and verify that SSL is enabled in the account preferences

iOS Mail (iPhone / iPad)

1. Settings → Mail → Accounts → Add Account
2. Select "Other" → "Add Mail Account"
3. Enter name, email, password, description
4. Select IMAP
5. Incoming server: mail.infomaniak.com
6. Outgoing server: mail.infomaniak.com
7. Username (for both): your full email address

Gmail (Android / iOS)

1. Open Gmail → Menu → Settings
2. Add account → Other
3. Enter your Infomaniak email address
4. Select "Personal (IMAP)"
5. Enter your password
6. Incoming server settings:
   • Server: mail.infomaniak.com
   • Port: 993
   • Security type: SSL/TLS
7. Outgoing server settings:
   • Server: mail.infomaniak.com
   • Port: 587
   • Security type: STARTTLS

Thunderbird

Thunderbird usually detects Infomaniak settings automatically:

1. Menu → New → Existing Mail Account
2. Enter your name, email address, and password
3. Click "Continue" – Thunderbird searches for the configuration
4. Verify that the detected settings are correct
5. Click "Done"

If automatic detection fails, click "Manual config" and use the standard settings.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

"Authentication Failed" Error

"Unable to Connect to Server" Error

Emails Received but Unable to Send

Missing or Unsynchronized Folders

CalDAV and CardDAV Settings (Bonus)

To also synchronize your Infomaniak calendars and contacts:

Use your full email address and its password for authentication.

Port Summary

For quick reference, here are all the ports you can use with Infomaniak:

Conclusion

Email configuration may seem technical, but by remembering the essential settings – server mail.infomaniak.com, port 993 for IMAP and port 587 for SMTP – you\'ll cover 95% of situations.

If you encounter difficulties, feel free to use the Infomaniak webmail (mail.infomaniak.com) which requires no configuration, or the Infomaniak Mail mobile app available on iOS and Android.

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