Every email app asks for the same few details: incoming server, outgoing server, ports and username. For Instant Access Internet Services mailboxes, the quickest way to find your email settings is the Connect Devices page in cPanel, which shows the exact values for each mailbox and can even set up some devices automatically.
How to open Connect Devices
- Log in to cPanel (see How to Log In to cPanel from the Client Area).
- Go to Email > Email Accounts.
- Find the mailbox you want to set up and click Connect Devices next to it.
The page that opens is titled Set Up Mail Client. Everything on it is for that one email address.
What's on the page
Mail Client Automatic Configuration Scripts
This table lists common apps (such as iOS for iPhone and iPad, and macOS Mail) with download links for each protocol. Choose IMAP over SSL/TLS in most cases. Downloading and opening the file configures the app for you. On an iPhone, see How to Set Up Your Email on iPhone and iPad for how to install it.
Mail Client Manual Settings
This is the part you'll use most. It has two columns:
- Secure SSL/TLS Settings (Recommended) -- use these.
- Non-SSL Settings (NOT Recommended) -- these send your password without encryption. Don't use them.
The secure settings look like this for most accounts:
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Username | your full email address, e.g. you@example.com |
| Password | the email account's password |
| Incoming Server | mail.example.com -- IMAP port 993, POP3 port 995 |
| Outgoing Server | mail.example.com -- SMTP port 465 |
| Authentication | required for IMAP, POP3 and SMTP |
Port 587 with STARTTLS also works for sending if your network blocks 465. For a full explanation of every port, see Email Server Settings and Ports (IMAP, POP3 and SMTP).
Send the settings by email
Near the bottom there's an option to email these instructions to any address. This is handy when a staff member or IT helper is setting up the mailbox on their own device. Enter the address and click the send button. You'll still need to give them the mailbox password separately.
Which server name should I use?
Use exactly what the page shows, which is normally mail. followed by your domain. It only works securely once your free SSL certificate covers mail.example.com, which happens automatically when your domain uses our nameservers (see Free SSL Certificates: How AutoSSL and SSL/TLS Status Work).
If your domain is brand new, is pointed elsewhere, or your app shows a certificate warning, use secure.instantaccess.net as both the incoming and outgoing server. The ports and username stay the same.
Setting up a specific app
Once you have the settings, follow the guide for your device:
- iPhone and iPad: How to Set Up Your Email on iPhone and iPad
- Android: How to Set Up Your Email on Android
- New Outlook for Windows: How to Set Up Your Email in the New Outlook for Windows
- Outlook for Mac: How to Set Up Your Email in Outlook for Mac
- Apple Mail on Mac: How to Set Up Your Email in Apple Mail on Mac
- Thunderbird: How to Set Up Your Email in Thunderbird
Not sure whether to choose IMAP or POP3? Read IMAP vs POP3: Which Should You Use?. In short: choose IMAP if you check mail on more than one device.
Common questions
Why isn't my password shown?
cPanel never displays mailbox passwords. If you've forgotten it, set a new one -- see How to Change an Email Account Password in cPanel.
My username is just "you", without the domain. Is that right?
No. For mailboxes you create, the username is always the full email address, including @example.com. A username without a domain is the main cPanel account's own mailbox, which you shouldn't use for business email.
The settings are right but my app still won't connect
Test the same address and password in webmail (How to Log In to Webmail (Roundcube)). If webmail works, the problem is in the app. If you've had several failed logins, our firewall may have temporarily blocked your IP address -- send us your IP from whatismyipaddress.com in a ticket.
Related guides
- Email Server Settings and Ports (IMAP, POP3 and SMTP)
- IMAP vs POP3: Which Should You Use?
- How to Fix "Cannot Send Email" (SMTP Authentication Errors)
- How to Create an Email Account in cPanel
Still stuck? Open a support ticket and the Instant Access Internet Services team will help.
