How to set up email in Thunderbird for Mac

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.

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 to Create a new account > Email – proceed to step 4
    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
  4. Ignore this option and choose to Skip this and use my existing email?

  5. Enter your details

  6. 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)
  7. Then click Continue

    Edit settings

  8. Thunderbird will now automatically check your email settings.
  9. This screen confirms your chosen settings > Done
     

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).

  • If you don’t know your password, reset it via konsoleH.
  • Server hostname:
    • Incoming can be POP or IMAP
    • is mail. followed by the domain name e.g. mail.example.com*
    • Port is 993 (or 995 for POP)
    • SSL is set to SSL/TLS
    • Authentication is Normal password
    • Outgoing SMTP is smtp. followed by the domain name e.g. smtp.example.com*
    • Port is 465
    • SSL is set to SSL/TLS
    • Authentication is Normal password
  • User Name is the full email address for both Incoming and Outgoing
  • For new hosting accounts, temporarily use the IP address  instead of the Incoming & Outgoing mail servers.

* Note: In isolated cases mail.domain (e.g. mail.example.com) and smtp.domain won’t work. In these cases you will need to use the server name instead e.g. www34.cpt1.host-h.net. Find my server name.

Email still not working? Read our Troubleshooting Guide.

Application Innovation

Targeted Web Solutions

We build beautiful professional websites that clearly represent the clients brand and mission. More importantly, the  websites and web portals we design offer full interactive business support solutions making them so much more than just a web brochure. The web presences we create actively solve system and process issues and increase business automation.

Business Connectivity

Plum Systems offers network connectivity and specialized monitoring solution for home and corporate clients. We provide highly customized and integrated network solution with an emphasis on security and quality of service. We have many unique offerings delivering secure high performance cabled and wireless solution in local and wide area formats.

Business Incubation

Plum Systems in partnership with CPUT runs the BiiC a comprehensive incubation program for graduate student and other entreprenuer business projects that have a social impact and are commercially viable. Our program provides mentorship, technology assistance, and access to funding and resources to develop great solution ideas into successful businesses.