Setting up an IMAP email on iPad ensures that your emails stay synchronised across all devices. IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) is ideal for users who need to access their emails from multiple locations or devices, as it syncs all changes made (such as deleting or moving emails) across the board. This guide explains the process of adding an IMAP email account to your iPad.

Why Choose IMAP?

IMAP is the preferred email protocol for most users because it keeps your emails and folders synced across all devices. Unlike POP, which downloads emails to a single device, IMAP offers flexibility by allowing you to access your emails from multiple locations and devices. 

How to Setup an IMAP Email on iPad 

This guide assumes you have already logged in and setup your email account in your Control Panel.

Add a New Account 

1. On your iPad, click Settings. 

2. Scroll down and click Mail. 

3. Tap Accounts to manage your email accounts.

4. Select Add Account at the bottom of the list.

5. Choose Other from the list of providers.

6. Click Add Mail Account and enter the following information: 

• Name: Your Name as you want it to appear in outgoing Emails. 
• Mail: Your full email address. 
• Password: The Password for your Email Account. 
• Description: A name for your Email Account (e.g., Work Email). 

7. On the next screen, select IMAP at the top. 

Enter Incoming & Outgoing Server Details 

8. Now fill in the Incoming Mail Server settings for your email hosting provider.

Incoming Mail Server (IMAP) 

• Host Name: Your email provider’s IMAP server address (e.g., imap.mailprovider.com). 
• User Name: Your full email address. 
• Password: The password used for your account. 

Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP) 

• Host Name: Your email provider’s SMTP server address (e.g., smtp.mailprovider.com). 
• User Name: Your full email address. 
• Password: The password you used for your Outgoing Main Server. 

Complete Setup 

Success! The IMAP mail account has been set up on the iPad, and you will see it listed under Mailboxes. 

9. Return to the Home screen by pressing Home on your iPad.

10. To check your emails, press Mail (Note: the icon may be in a different location on your iPad). 

NOTE:

If you have multiple Mail accounts setup on your iPad, they will all be listed here. Select the Mailbox you just set up. 

Additional Information 

• Syncing Across Devices: With IMAP, all changes made on your iPad, such as moving emails between folders or marking emails as read, are synced across all other devices using the same account. 
• IMAP Port Numbers: Some email providers may require specific port numbers to be entered for incoming (IMAP) and outgoing (SMTP) servers. Check with your provider if you encounter any issues during setup. 
• SSL Encryption: Ensure SSL encryption is enabled for incoming and outgoing mail servers. This helps keep your emails secure during transmission. 
• Troubleshooting Common Issues:
  • Incorrect Password – Double-check the password and ensure you’re entering the correct one. 
  • Server Settings – If verification fails, verify that your email provider server addresses and port numbers are correct.  
  • Wi-Fi Connection – Ensure your iPad is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network, as email setup requires an internet connection.