Knowledgebase

Setting Up Email in Apple Mail (macOS) – Firstserv Guide

This guide explains how to set up your Firstserv email account in the Mail app on macOS.

Before You Begin

Make sure:

• ✅ Your email account has already been created in cPanel
• ✅ You have your email address and password
• ✅ You have your mail server settings (if required)

Choosing Your Setup Method

There are two configuration options. We recommend Option 1 where possible.

Option 1 (Recommended): Use mail.yourdomain

Example

If your domain is:

example.co.uk

Use:

mail.example.co.uk

for both:

• Incoming (IMAP) server
• Outgoing (SMTP) server

Requirements

• Your domain’s A record points to your Firstserv server
• SSL is enabled (a Let’s Encrypt certificate is issued automatically once configured)

Benefits

✅ No need to update settings if you change hosting servers
✅ Simpler and future-proof configuration

Option 2: Use Server Hostname

• Uses your server hostname instead
• No prerequisites required

⚠️ If you change hosting servers later, you will need to update email settings on all devices

Step-by-Step Setup in Apple Mail

Step 1: Open Mail

• Open the Mail app on your Mac

Step 2: Add an Account

• If this is your first time:

  • Select Other Mail Account…

• If you already have accounts set up:

  1. Click Mail in the top menu
  2. Select Add Account…
  3. Choose Other Mail Account…

Step 3: Enter Account Details

Fill in:

• Name: Your display name (shown to recipients)
• Email Address: Your full email address
• Password: Your mailbox password

Click Sign In

Step 4: Configure Server Settings

You may see a message like:

“Unable to verify account name or password”

✅ This is normal—Mail just needs the correct server details.

Enter:

Incoming Mail Server (IMAP)

• Server Name:
  • mail.yourdomain.com (recommended)
  • or your server hostname
• Username: Your full email address
• Password: Your email password

Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP)

• Server Name:
  • mail.yourdomain.com (recommended)
  • or your server hostname
• Username: Your full email address
• Password: Your email password

Click Sign In

Step 5: Select Apps

Choose which apps use this account:

• ✅ Leave Mail selected
• ⚠️ You can deselect Notes unless specifically required

Click Done

Recommended Server Settings

If you need to confirm:

Incoming (IMAP)

• Port: 993
• Encryption: SSL/TLS

Outgoing (SMTP)

• Port: 465 or 587
• Encryption: SSL/TLS

Why Use IMAP?

• Emails remain stored on the server
• Syncs across multiple devices
• Reduces risk of losing emails

Summary

To set up your email in Apple Mail:

1. Add a new account
2. Choose Other Mail Account
3. Enter your details
4. Configure mail servers if prompted
5. Complete setup and start syncing

Need Help?

If you’re unsure about your settings or experience any issues, the Firstserv support team is always happy to assist.