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Quick answer: Use IMAP on port 993 to receive and SMTP on port 465 to send, both with SSL/TLS, your full email address as the username, and your mail server (usually mail.yourdomain) for both.
IMAP, POP and SMTP
| Protocol | What it does | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| IMAP | Reads mail on the server and keeps every device in sync | Almost always |
| POP3 | Downloads mail to one device, often removing it from the server | Only if you use one device and want local copies |
| SMTP | Sends your outgoing mail | Always, with authentication |
Recommended settings (cPanel hosting)
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Username | Your full email address, e.g. you@yourbusiness.co.za |
| Incoming server | mail.yourbusiness.co.za (or the server name your host gives you) |
| IMAP port | 993 with SSL/TLS |
| POP3 port | 995 with SSL/TLS |
| Outgoing (SMTP) server | mail.yourbusiness.co.za |
| SMTP port | 465 with SSL/TLS |
| SMTP authentication | On, using the same username and password |
Non-SSL ports
Mail servers usually also offer IMAP on 143, POP3 on 110 and SMTP on 587 without SSL. Avoid them where the secure ports work, because without encryption your password and messages can be read in transit.
Which server name?
Most hosts use mail.yourdomain.co.za. If your domain's SSL certificate doesn't cover that name, your host may give you the server's own hostname instead, which avoids certificate warnings.
Troubleshooting by symptom
| Symptom | Check |
|---|---|
| Can't receive | Incoming server name, port 993, SSL on, correct password |
| Can't send | SMTP authentication on, port 465, SSL on |
| Certificate warning | Use the server name your host recommends |
| Mail missing on other devices | Switch POP accounts to IMAP |
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