CPanel Email Settings
Introduction
After you create a mailbox in cPanel, the natural next step is linking it to a desktop or phone mail program such as Outlook or Thunderbird. To do that properly you need to understand the key mail settings, above all the POP3, IMAP, and SMTP protocols. In this guide we look at each protocol, when to choose it, and where to find the correct values inside your control panel.
The Main Differences Between the Three Protocols
1. IMAP
IMAP synchronizes your messages directly with the server, so the same emails and folders appear on all your devices at the same moment. Any action you take, such as deleting, archiving, or marking a message as read, is mirrored at once on every connected device. It is the best option for most users.
2. POP3
POP3 downloads messages from the server to a single device and usually removes them from the server afterwards. It suits people who rely on one device and do not need syncing across several.
3. SMTP
This protocol is dedicated to sending messages, unlike IMAP and POP3, which are dedicated to receiving. Setting it up correctly is essential if you want your outgoing mail to arrive without being treated as spam.
CPanel Email Settings
Where to Find Your Mail Settings in cPanel
- Sign in to the control panel.
- Open Email Accounts.
- Beside the account you need, click Connect Devices or Set Up Mail Client.
- Everything you require is displayed automatically, including:
- The incoming server addresses for both IMAP and POP3.
- The outgoing SMTP server address.
- The secure and non-secure port numbers.
- The username (the complete email address).
Table of Common Ports
| Protocol | Non-Encrypted Port | Encrypted Port (SSL/TLS) |
| IMAP | 143 | 993 |
| POP3 | 110 | 995 |
| SMTP | 25 / 587 | 465 |
Using the encrypted (SSL/TLS) ports is always recommended to protect your data while it is being sent and received.
Linking Your Mailbox to Outlook
- Launch Outlook and go to File > Add Account.
- Type in your email address.
- Choose manual setup and select the account type (IMAP is usually the best choice).
- Enter the incoming and outgoing server details exactly as cPanel shows them.
- Type your username (the full address) and password, then click “Test Account Settings” to verify everything works.
Frequent Problems and How to Fix Them
- Errors when sending: make sure you are using the correct SMTP port (587 or 465) and that “My outgoing server requires authentication” is turned on.
- Older messages have vanished: check that you are really using IMAP and not POP3, since the latter may have pulled the messages and deleted them from the server.
- Your mail goes to recipients’ spam folders: review your domain’s SPF and DKIM records (the subject of a separate article on email protection).
Frequently Asked Questions
IMAP in most cases, because it unifies your mail across all your devices. POP3 only suits people who consistently use one device.
From the Email Accounts page, click “Connect Devices” next to the account and all the settings will appear, ready to use.
Yes. It shields your data from interception in transit, and we recommend using it whenever it is available.
Common causes are incorrect SMTP settings, disabled authentication, or a problem with your domain’s SPF/DKIM records.
Yes. As long as you use IMAP, you can connect the account to an unlimited number of devices and messages will stay in sync across them.
