Most people read work email on their phone more than on a computer. Setting it up takes two minutes, but a few choices decide whether it keeps working smoothly.
Choose IMAP, not POP3
- IMAP keeps messages on the server and syncs folders across every device. Read a message on your phone and it shows as read on your laptop.
- POP3 downloads messages to one device and often removes them from the server.
For almost everyone, IMAP is the right choice.
The settings you need
Your provider gives you an incoming (IMAP) server, an outgoing (SMTP) server, and the ports. Use the secure options: IMAP over SSL/TLS and SMTP with SSL/TLS or STARTTLS. Your username is usually your full email address. The exact values for IDX are in our email client settings guide.
iPhone and Android
Both have built-in mail apps that support IMAP. In the Gmail and Outlook apps you can also add your business mailbox alongside a personal account. Choose "Other" or "IMAP" rather than a webmail provider when adding the account.
Common problems
- Sent messages missing on other devices: set the phone to use the server's Sent folder.
- "Cannot verify server identity": check you used the server name your provider gave you, which matches its certificate.
- Mailbox full: large attachments add up; delete or archive old mail, or ask for a larger quota.
If your phone is lost
Change your email password straight away, which signs the phone out. Use a screen lock on every phone that has work email.
At IDX
All IDX business email plans support IMAP and POP3, and work with the mail apps on iPhone and Android as well as Outlook. Our support team can walk you through the setup.
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