How to Setup an Email Account Using OS X Mail

The postage stamp: Mail's icon

Mail for Mac OS X is a native email client that comes loaded on all Macs with OS X. It is also known as Apple Mail or Mail.app. Mail works with just about any email provider such as Google Mail, AOL, Yahoo! mail or even your local ISP. Mail also takes advantage of OS X's Spotlight feature to quickly search through your messages.

Things You'll Need

• Mac OS X
• Mail server settings from your Internet service provider

Instructions

Setting Up an Email Account

1. 

   Click on the "Finder" icon on the Dock. Select "Applications" and Double-Click on "Mail."

2. Click on "File" and select "Add Account."

3. 

   Fill in each field---Full Name, Email Address, and Password---and click "Continue."

4. Click the drop-down menu beside Account Type and choose the type of email server, as specified by your ISP. The most common are POP or IMAP. Enter a name in the Description field to identify the account.

5. 

   Enter the email server in the Incoming Mail Server field. Check to make sure your Username and Password are correct, then click "Continue."

6. 

   Enter a name in the Description field to identify the outgoing server. Enter the outgoing mail server address in the Outgoing Mail Server field. If your ISP requires Authentication, check the "Use Authentication" box and enter your username and password. Click "Continue."

7. Click "Continue" in Outgoing Mail Security unless your ISP requires Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Authentication. If this is the case, fill in the proper information.

8. Click "Create" to activate your account.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with your ISP on the needed mail settings. Most will have a support page dedicated to providing you with all the necessary mail settings.

Resources

• Apple's Mail Support Page With Tutorials and Guides