How to set up email in Thunderbird for Mac

How to set up email in Thunderbird for Mac

Table of contents

Mozilla_Thunderbird_logo

This guide takes you step-by-step through the process of setting up a new email account in Thunderbird for Mac.

If the Mail account is already set up, but giving errors – then refer to our  Troubleshooting guide.

Note: This guide defaults to IMAP and No SSL.

Replace example.com with your domain name

Check your password

  • First, check your password by browsing to Webmail and trying to log in. If you aren’t able to log in, then you have the incorrect password. Forgotten passwords can be reset in konsoleH – you will need to get your domain or web administrator to update it for you if you don’t have konsoleH access.

♦ Automatic Account configuration

A new email account set up with Thunderbird is quick and easy using Automatic Account configuration. 

However, reasons to rather use Manual Configuration are:

  • if you prefer POP, as this automatic configuration defaults to IMAP 
  • if this is a new hosting account and domain propagation has not completed

View account settings

  1. Launch Mozilla Thunderbird
  2. If this Accounts screen opens, choose Create a new account > Email – proceed to step 4
    Thunderbird Mac email setup
    Or alternatively, on the toolbar at the top, select Tools and then Account Settings

    Add mail account

  3. Click the Account Actions drop-down and then select Add Mail Account from the list
    thunderird mac account actions
  4. Ignore this option and choose Skip this and use my existing email?
    thnderbird mac skip

    Enter your details

  5. Enter the following details:
    • Name (which will appear the “From” field in your emails)
    • Email address
    • Password (stipulated when you created your email account in konsoleH – (forgotten passwords can be reset in konsoleH)
  6. Then click Continue
    thunderbird mac account setup

    Edit settings

  7. Thunderbird will now automatically check your email settings. Ignore this warning message, tick and choose Done 
    thunderbird mac warning
  8. This screen confirms your chosen settings > Done.
    thunderbird mac autoconfig final
  9. If your settings are not found, click the Manual config button and continue:

    ♦ Manual configuration

    Follow the Automatic configuration above, and then choose Manual config.

    Ensure that your settings are correct as below (these are the default settings – replacing with your own name and domain).

    • Choose POP or IMAP
      • IMAP: Incoming port 143, Outgoing 587 (as below)
      • POP : Incoming 110, Outgoing 587
    • Ensure that the User Name is the full email address.
    • If you don’t know your password, reset it via konsoleH.
    • For new hosting accounts, temporarily use the IP address  instead of the Incoming & Outgoing mail servers.

    thunderbird mac manual imap config

  10. Choose Re-test > Done.

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