Struggling to get your Hotmail emails working smoothly on your iPhone? You’re not alone. Many people run into hiccups when setting up their old Hotmail accounts on newer devices, especially when it comes to finding the right hostname.
Knowing the correct hostname is essential for syncing your emails without a hitch. In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly what you need, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips so you can access your Hotmail inbox on your iPhone in minutes.
Related Video
How to Set the Hostname for Hotmail on iPhone: A Complete Guide
If you’re trying to set up your Hotmail email on your iPhone and find yourself puzzled by requests for server hostnames and SMTP settings, you’re not alone. While iPhones often identify these settings automatically, sometimes you need to enter them manually—especially if you’re using older devices, troubleshooting, or facing syncing issues.
Let’s break down exactly what hostname settings you need for Hotmail on your iPhone, how to enter them, and some essential tips for a smooth setup.
What Hostname Do I Use for Hotmail on iPhone?
To connect your Hotmail account to the iPhone’s Mail app, you’ll need two server addresses:
- Incoming Mail Server (IMAP or POP): This is for receiving emails.
- Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP): This is for sending emails.
Here are the hostnames you should use for Hotmail (now known as Outlook.com):
- Incoming Mail Server (IMAP):
Host Name:imap-mail.outlook.com
Port: 993
Encryption: SSL
-
Incoming Mail Server (POP3) [optional]:
Host Name:pop-mail.outlook.com
Port: 995
Encryption: SSL -
Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP):
Host Name:smtp-mail.outlook.com
Port: 587
Encryption: STARTTLS or TLS -
(IMAP is recommended over POP3, as it keeps your emails in sync across all devices.)*
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Hotmail Manually on Your iPhone
If your iPhone doesn’t automatically configure your account, or you choose “Other” during setup, follow these steps:
1. Gather Your Credentials
Make sure you have:
- Your Hotmail email address (e.g., [email protected])
- Your Hotmail (Outlook.com) password
2. Open iPhone Settings
- Go to the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap Mail.
- Select Accounts.
- Tap Add Account.
3. Choose Account Type
- Choose Outlook.com if it’s available.
(If not, choose Other > Add Mail Account.)
4. Enter Your Information
- Name: Your name as you want it to appear
- Email: Your full Hotmail email address
- Password: Your password
- Description: Something like “Hotmail”
5. Manual Settings for “Other” Accounts
If prompted for server settings, enter:
- Incoming Mail Server
- Host Name:
imap-mail.outlook.com - User Name: Your Hotmail email address
-
Password: Your Hotmail password
-
Outgoing Mail Server
- Host Name:
smtp-mail.outlook.com - User Name: Your Hotmail email address
- Password: Your Hotmail password
6. Save and Test
- Tap Next.
- The device will attempt to verify your settings.
- If prompted about SSL, accept or enable it.
- If successful, your email will sync shortly.
Understanding IMAP vs POP3 for Hotmail
When setting up your Hotmail account, you’ll be asked to choose between IMAP and POP3.
- IMAP (imap-mail.outlook.com):
- Keeps emails on the server.
- Syncs changes across multiple devices automatically.
-
Best for using Hotmail on several devices (phone, tablet, computer).
-
POP3 (pop-mail.outlook.com):
- Downloads emails to your device and can remove them from the server.
- Not ideal if you check email from multiple places.
Which Should You Use?
Unless you have a specific reason, always use IMAP for Hotmail on your iPhone.
SMTP Settings: What You Need to Know
SMTP is the protocol for sending emails. The correct SMTP server ensures your messages go out without errors.
- SMTP Host Name:
smtp-mail.outlook.com - Port: 587
- Encryption: STARTTLS or TLS
- Username: Your Hotmail address
- Password: Your Hotmail password
Important SMTP Tips
- Always use your full Hotmail email as the username.
- Make sure SSL/TLS is enabled for security.
- The correct port is crucial (usually 587).
Troubleshooting Common Hotmail Setup Issues on iPhone
There are a few hiccups you might encounter—don’t worry, they’re easily fixed.
1. Authentication Failed
- Double-check your password. If you’ve enabled two-factor authentication with Microsoft, you might need an “app password.”
- Ensure you’ve entered your email address in full.
2. Cannot Connect to Server
- Verify you’ve typed hostnames exactly as shown.
- Confirm that SSL/TLS is enabled.
- Are you on a reliable Wi-Fi or cellular network?
3. Email Not Sending
- Check that SMTP settings match those above.
- Re-enter your Hotmail username and password for the outgoing server.
4. Sync Delays or Missing Folders
- IMAP sync may take a few minutes after setup.
- Ensure “Mail” is toggled on in Mail account settings.
Benefits of Manual Configuration
While auto-setup usually works, manual setup offers some benefits:
- Control: You know exactly what settings are being used.
- Troubleshooting: Easier to fix problems by checking each field.
- Flexibility: Set up accounts not detected by default.
Best Practices for a Smooth Hotmail Setup
- Update Your iOS: Keep your device up-to-date to avoid compatibility issues.
- Secure Your Account: Use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication.
- Backup Your Settings: Before making changes, make a quick note or screenshot of current settings.
- Test Your Email: After setup, send a test email to ensure both sending and receiving work.
- Stay Patient: Sometimes, email sync can take several minutes to finish after setup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the hostname for Hotmail’s incoming server on iPhone?
The hostname for the incoming (IMAP) server is imap-mail.outlook.com. Use this along with your full Hotmail email address and password to receive emails.
What is the SMTP server for Hotmail on iPhone?
The SMTP server (for sending mail) is smtp-mail.outlook.com. Use port 587 with STARTTLS/TLS encryption for best results.
Why won’t my iPhone accept my Hotmail password?
This can happen due to incorrect password entry or if you’re using two-step verification. If you have two-step verification enabled on your Microsoft account, create an “app password” from your Microsoft account security settings and use it for setup.
Should I use IMAP or POP3 to set up Hotmail on iPhone?
IMAP is recommended for most users because it syncs your emails across all your devices. POP3 is outdated and less flexible for accessing your mail from multiple places.
Can I change Hotmail settings after setup?
Yes! Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts, select your Hotmail account, and you can edit incoming and outgoing server details, update your password, or delete the account and set it up again if needed.
In Summary
Setting up Hotmail on your iPhone isn’t as complicated as it seems once you know the right server hostnames: imap-mail.outlook.com for incoming (IMAP) and smtp-mail.outlook.com for outgoing (SMTP).
Choosing manual setup can help ensure your email works smoothly, especially if you encounter connection issues or need a custom configuration.
With the right settings and a little patience, you’ll have your Hotmail account working perfectly on your iPhone in no time. Happy emailing!