Two servers, two jobs
A server is a computer that is always on and does a job for you. Email uses two kinds of server.
- Incoming mail server: it holds the mail that people send to you. Your program fetches it from here. Think of it as your mailbox at the post office.
- Outgoing mail server: it takes the mail you write and sends it on its way. Think of it as the postal van.
The incoming types
| Type | What it does |
|---|---|
| IMAP | Keeps your mail on the server. Phone, laptop and webmail all show the same mail. |
| POP3 | Downloads mail to one device. It may remove it from the server. |
IMAP is better for most people.
The outgoing type
Outgoing mail uses SMTP. It stands for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. It is the standard way to send email.
The settings you will see
- Server name: the address of the server. It is often something like
mail.yourdomain.com. Check your welcome email for the true name. - Port: a door number on the server. IMAP often uses 993 (secure) or 143. POP3 often uses 995 (secure) or 110. SMTP often uses 465 (secure) or 587.
- Encryption: SSL or TLS. It locks your mail while it travels, so others cannot read it.
- Username: usually your full email address.
- Password: the password of that email account.
- Authentication: the server asks for your login before it sends mail. Keep it on for SMTP.
Where to find the exact values
- Log in to cPanel.
- Open Email Accounts.
- Click Connect Devices next to your address.
- Read Mail Client Manual Settings.
Still not sure? Ask Hostvento support.
Common mistakes
- Using only the part before @ as the username.
- Choosing the wrong port for the encryption type.
- Leaving SMTP authentication off.
- Typing a space at the end of the server name.
Tip: Always pick the secure option (SSL/TLS) if you have a choice.
Quick recap
- Incoming server receives your mail (IMAP or POP3).
- Outgoing server sends your mail (SMTP).
- You need server names, ports, username and password.
- Find exact values in cPanel under Connect Devices.