There’s a reason smartphones have become digital lifelines. It’s because they can do most things a computer does, including sending and receiving email. Setting up email is one of the first things you’ll want to do with a new smartphone. Though the specific steps may vary according to the phone’s operating system, the email app and the service provider, these general instructions can help you set up email on your smartphone.
1. Choose an email app
If you’re new to smartphones, the phone’s default email app is probably the best choice to start with. If you’re a more advanced user, and want certain features or compatibility with your work’s email system, you may want to search the app store.
2. Decide POP or IMAP
- • POP stores mail locally. It will download it, with an option to leave the original message on the server for accessing via other devices. You need internet access to send and receive POP email messages, but once downloaded, they’re available to you locally without internet access.
- • IMAP stores mail on the server and syncs any changes (to your folder structure, for example) across all your devices. You will need internet access to read your mail but there’s usually an option to store your messages locally, so that they’re available offline.
3. Gather The Following Info
Gather the following information, which you’ll need to enter at some point during the email setup process:
- • Your email address
- • Your user name (this might be different than your email address. When you log into your email on your computer, do you enter a user name? If so, have it ready.)
- • Your password
- • The incoming mail server address (the mail server address may differ for POP and IMAP, so choose accordingly)
- • The outgoing mail server address (this usually starts with SMTP)
- • The port number
- • SSL (Secure Socket Layer) security settings and port numbers
If mail server addresses, port numbers and SSL settings sound complicated, take a deep breath. They’re usually easy to find using a quick Google search. For example, if you’re setting up a Gmail account on your smartphone, try a quick search for ‘incoming gmail mail server settings’. Your email provider’s help pages will likely have a page listing the current server addresses, port numbers, and SSL security setting requirements.
4. Launch Your Email App
Launch your email app and open its settings section. This is where steps vary based on the app itself. Look for ‘Settings’ in the main menu, or for a gear icon. Next, click ‘Add Account’ (or similar).
Some email apps are preconfigured, with a choice of common email providers like Google, Yahoo!, Outlook, and iCloud. Choose the appropriate one and enter your email address, user name, and password when prompted. The more technical details, like mail server addresses and port numbers, may already be repopulated with current information. If yours is not listed, choose ‘other’ and continue with manual setup. Enter the information as prompted.
5. Send Yourself Test Email
Finally, send yourself a test email to make sure that both sending and receiving email on your smartphone works as planned. If so – you’ve set up email on your smartphone and you’re ready to go.
Computer threats like viruses, malware and phishing scams can arrive via email. The same applies to your smartphone, so beware of unsolicited or unusual emails. Quikteks can help you with complete network, computer and mobile security services. Contact us today at (973) 882-4644 to schedule a network security free consultation.