Secure email settings
Use IMAP 993, POP3 995 and SMTP 587 for secure email
Choose IMAP when your phone or computer asks for the account type. For most people, the settings to copy are incoming port 993 with SSL/TLS and outgoing port 587 with STARTTLS. The tables below include alternatives only when an app specifically asks for them.
IMAP, POP3 and SMTP port numbers
A port is simply the numbered connection your email app uses. Copy the recommended numbers below. Do not use port 25 in a phone or computer email app.
| Service | Purpose | Port | Security | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IMAP | Receive and synchronise mail | 993 | SSL/TLS | Recommended for most people |
| POP3 | Download incoming mail | 995 | SSL/TLS | Secure POP3 option |
| SMTP | Send outgoing mail | 587 | STARTTLS | Recommended for sending |
| SMTP | Send outgoing mail | 465 | SSL/TLS | Use when your app requests implicit TLS |
First, identify which UKC email service you have
Domain add-on
Custom Domain Email
Use webmail.ukc.uk for incoming mail, outgoing mail and browser webmail. Email apps use the account username shown in the welcome email; Roundcube webmail uses the full email address.
Plesk service
Shared hosting or Business Email Hosting
Use the server name printed in your hosting or email welcome message, such as ukc10.uk. Plesk-hosted mailboxes use the full email address as the username. Do not use webmail.ukc.uk for this type of mailbox.
Where can I find my server name?
If you have shared hosting or Business Email Hosting, the correct server name is in your welcome message and Plesk control panel. Copy it exactly. This avoids security warnings caused by using the wrong name.
- 1Sign in to Plesk
Open the hosting subscription that contains your mailbox.
- 2Open Mail Accounts
Choose the mailbox you want to connect.
- 3Open Mail Client Setup
Copy the incoming server, outgoing server and security settings displayed for that mailbox.
Your email app may find the settings automatically. Try that first. If it fails, choose manual setup and copy the settings from this page.
Should I choose IMAP or POP3?
Recommended
Choose IMAP for phones, tablets and multiple computers
IMAP keeps messages and folders synchronised with the server. A change made on one device is reflected on the others.
- Best for multiple devices
- Keeps server folders in sync
- Uses port 993 with SSL/TLS
Alternative
Choose POP3 when you want to download mail
POP3 is designed to download messages to an email app. Device behaviour depends on whether the app is configured to leave a copy on the server.
- Useful for a single main computer
- Can reduce server mailbox usage
- Uses port 995 with SSL/TLS
Email app setup checklist
Setup guides for popular email applications
Microsoft Outlook
Configure new or classic Outlook with secure UKC IMAP and SMTP settings.
Apple Mail on Mac
Add a UKC mailbox and correct incoming or outgoing connection problems.
iPhone and iPad
Use the current Settings route and verify the primary SMTP server.
Gmail app on Android
Add the mailbox as a Personal (IMAP) account using Other.
Mozilla Thunderbird
Use Manual configuration and verify the separate outgoing server.
Fix common email connection problems
I can receive email but cannot send it
Confirm that the outgoing service is SMTP, authentication is enabled, the username matches the rule for your service and port 587 uses STARTTLS. If your app requests SSL/TLS rather than STARTTLS, try SMTP port 465.
I see a certificate or server identity warning
Check that the incoming and outgoing server names exactly match the settings shown in Plesk Mail Client Setup. Do not accept an unexpected certificate warning without checking the hostname.
My password is rejected
Use the username required by your service and the password for that mailbox, not necessarily your Plesk account password. Reset the mailbox password in Plesk if required, then update every connected device.
What is the outgoing IMAP port?
IMAP has no outgoing mail port. IMAP receives and synchronises messages. Use SMTP port 587 with STARTTLS, or SMTP port 465 with SSL/TLS, to send mail.
Should I use port 25 in Outlook or Apple Mail?
No. Port 25 is primarily for mail server delivery and may be blocked by networks. Use authenticated SMTP submission on port 587 or 465.
These settings match the active UKC mail services. Plesk customers can also find the account-specific values in Plesk Mail Client Setup.
Need an email service for your domain?
Choose the service by how you want to work. Product limits and prices can change, so check the Client Area or order page for the current specification and total including VAT before ordering.
One domain mailbox
Custom Domain Email
Basic includes 1 GB storage. Standard includes 5 GB and spam protection. Pro includes 10 GB and priority support. It runs on webmail.ukc.uk.
Several mailboxes
Business Email Hosting
A control panel for creating several mailboxes, plus browser webmail, spam controls, forwarding and automatic replies.
Still unsure?
Tell us which mailbox you are setting up
Include the email application, device, server name and exact error. Never include your password.