Custom IMAP setup

Connecting a custom domain or cPanel-hosted mailbox

If your email is hosted on your own domain (e.g. you@yourcompany.com) through a provider like cPanel, Plesk, Namecheap, SiteGround, or a similar host, follow these steps to connect it. ← Back to Help

Step 1 — Find your IMAP settings

You'll need your IMAP hostname and port. The most common ways to find them:

  • cPanel — Log in to cPanel → Email Accounts → click Connect Devices next to your address. The IMAP server and port are listed under "Secure SSL/TLS Settings".
  • Plesk — Log in to Plesk → Mail → Mail Settings → the server name is shown at the top of the page. Use port 993 with SSL.
  • Your host's documentation — Search for "your host name IMAP settings". Most hosts publish a page listing their mail server addresses.

If in doubt, try mail.yourdomain.com on port 993 — this is the default for most cPanel hosts.

Step 2 — Enable IMAP access

Some hosts disable IMAP by default. Check that it is enabled before trying to connect.

  • cPanel — Go to Email Accounts → click the account name → confirm that IMAP access is enabled under Restrictions.
  • G Suite / Google Workspace — In Gmail (as the admin) go to Settings → See all settings → Forwarding and POP/IMAP and enable IMAP.
  • Other hosts — Check your host's control panel for a "Mail" or "Email Settings" section and look for an IMAP toggle.
Step 3 — Use your email password (no app password needed)

Unlike Yahoo or Gmail, most custom domain hosts do not require an app-specific password. Use your regular mailbox password. If your host enforces two-factor authentication and generates app passwords, use the app password instead.

Step 4 — Add the connection in Mail in Sync
  1. Go to Settings and click + Add connection.
  2. Enter your full email address (e.g. you@yourcompany.com).
  3. Select Other / Custom as the provider.
  4. Enter the IMAP hostname and port (typically 993 with SSL).
  5. Enter your mailbox password.
  6. Click Test connection to verify, then Save.
Common IMAP server settings
Host / Provider IMAP Server Port
cPanel (generic) mail.yourdomain.com 993
Namecheap / PrivateEmail mail.privateemail.com 993
SiteGround mail.yourdomain.com 993
Bluehost / HostGator mail.yourdomain.com 993
Fastmail imap.fastmail.com 993
Zoho Mail imap.zoho.com 993
iCloud Mail imap.mail.me.com 993

All entries use SSL/TLS on port 993. If 993 fails, try port 143 with STARTTLS (contact your host to confirm).

Troubleshooting
Authentication failed

Double-check your password — use the eye icon in the password field to confirm what you've typed. Make sure you're using the mailbox password, not a cPanel login password (these are often different). If your host requires a specific login format (e.g. you@yourdomain.com vs just you), use the full email address as the username.

Connection timed out / cannot connect

Verify the IMAP hostname is correct. Check that your host's firewall allows outbound connections on port 993. Some shared hosts block IMAP access for accounts on free plans — check your hosting plan details or contact your host's support.

SSL certificate error

This usually means the server's SSL certificate doesn't match the hostname you entered. Try using the hostname your host provides (e.g. server123.yourhost.com) instead of mail.yourdomain.com, as the SSL certificate may be issued to the server's own hostname.

Still stuck?

Email us at support@emailsync.app with your provider name and the error message you're seeing and we'll help you get connected.