Reading time: 8 min · Last verified: August 2026 · SMTPedia editorial team
Mail.ru is one of Russia’s largest consumer email services, now part of VK Group (formerly Mail.ru Group). It operates four consumer domain suffixes on the same infrastructure: @mail.ru, @bk.ru, @list.ru, and @inbox.ru. To connect Mail.ru to Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail, or a mobile client, you need to generate an app password and use the settings below.
Mail.ru requires a dedicated app password for external clients and runs four consumer domains on the same infrastructure. Since Mail.ru enforced app-specific passwords, using your regular Mail.ru account password (or your VK ID password if you sign in via VK) in Outlook, Thunderbird, or Apple Mail will fail. Generate an app password in Mail.ru Security settings (id.mail.ru β Password and security β Passwords for external applications). Additionally, @mail.ru, @bk.ru, @list.ru, and @inbox.ru all share the exact same imap.mail.ru, pop.mail.ru, and smtp.mail.ru servers, only the domain suffix in the username differs. Reference: SMTP 550 5.7.1 guide.
Quick Reference: Mail.ru Server Settings
Use these values verbatim. Encryption is required across all three protocols. The username is your full email address including the exact domain suffix (@mail.ru, @bk.ru, @list.ru, or @inbox.ru).
| Protocol | Server | Port | Encryption | Authentication |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMTP (outgoing, most common) | smtp.mail.ru | 465 (SSL) or 587 (STARTTLS) | Required | Full email + app password |
| IMAP (incoming, recommended) | imap.mail.ru | 993 | SSL/TLS | Full email + app password |
| POP3 (incoming, single device) | pop.mail.ru | 995 | SSL/TLS | Full email + app password |
Generating an App Password
- Go to
id.mail.ruand sign in with your Mail.ru account (or VK ID if your account is linked). - Open Password and security.
- Find Passwords for external applications (ΠΠ°ΡΠΎΠ»ΠΈ Π΄Π»Ρ Π²Π½Π΅ΡΠ½ΠΈΡ ΠΏΡΠΈΠ»ΠΎΠΆΠ΅Π½ΠΈΠΉ).
- Click Add password, give it a name identifying the client (e.g. “Outlook laptop”, “iPhone Mail”).
- Mail.ru displays the generated app password once, copy it immediately.
- Use that app password in your mail client’s password field, not your regular Mail.ru password.
Create a separate app password per device so you can revoke individual access without affecting other clients.
Mail.ru SMTP Settings (Sending Mail)
SMTP handles outbound mail. Server smtp.mail.ru on port 465 SSL is the standard configuration. Port 587 STARTTLS works as an alternative when 465 is blocked. Authentication uses the full email address as username (including exact suffix, e.g. you@bk.ru) plus the app password generated in the previous section.
Mail.ru enforces sending limits typical of a free consumer webmail, with anti-spam blocks on mass-mailing patterns. Fresh accounts sending immediately via SMTP may trigger anti-abuse blocks, use the webmail interface for the first few sends to establish account trust. Heavier transactional sending needs a dedicated SMTP relay or Mail.ru Cloud Business tier.
Mail.ru IMAP Settings (Recommended for Reading)
IMAP syncs folder state across every device. Server imap.mail.ru on port 993 SSL/TLS. Folder names appear in Russian by default (ΠΡΠΏΡΠ°Π²Π»Π΅Π½Π½ΡΠ΅, Π§Π΅ΡΠ½ΠΎΠ²ΠΈΠΊΠΈ, ΠΠΎΡΠ·ΠΈΠ½Π°) but IMAP folder attributes let Outlook, Apple Mail, and Thunderbird map them to Sent, Drafts, and Trash correctly. Language of folder names follows the account language preference set in Mail.ru webmail settings.
Mail.ru POP3 Settings (Single-Device Access)
POP3 downloads mail to one device with no server-side sync. Use pop.mail.ru on port 995 SSL/TLS. The app password prerequisite applies to POP3 the same way. Only pick POP3 if you specifically need offline archival on one device, otherwise IMAP is the correct default for anyone using more than one device.
IMAP, POP3 and SMTP Integration into Gmail
Configure Gmail with external IMAP/POP3/SMTP to send/receive emails from your custom domain through Gmail’s interface. Perfect for professionals managing multiple accounts in one place.
- Google Account β Security β App passwords (2-Step Verification must be enabled).
- Generate App Password for “Mail” β copy 16-character password.
- Gmail β Settings β See all settings β Forwarding and POP/IMAP.
- Enable IMAP β Save Changes.
- Incoming (IMAP):
[IMAP SERVER]:993 SSL| Outgoing (SMTP):[SMTP SERVER]:587 STARTTLS. - Use your full email + App Password (not regular password) for authentication.
β Gmail Result: Send/receive custom domain email directly in Gmail interface with full search/folder integration.
WordPress SMTP Plugin Configuration (WP Mail SMTP + MailPoet)
Configure SMTP in WordPress to fix email delivery issues and prevent spam folder placement. WP Mail SMTP and MailPoet ensure reliable transactional emails, contact forms, and newsletters deliver successfully.
- Install and activate WP Mail SMTP or MailPoet plugin from your WordPress dashboard.
- Navigate to WP Mail SMTP β Settings or MailPoet β Settings β Sending tab.
- Select “Other SMTP” as your mailer method from the dropdown.
- Enter SMTP settings with Port
587and STARTTLS encryption (when available). - Input your full email address and password in the authentication fields.
- Click Save Settings and send a test email to verify the configuration works.
β Result: WordPress contact forms, user registrations, and newsletter emails now deliver reliably via your SMTP server.
This configuration includes these plugins and tools within WordPress:
- HappyForms
- Elementor Forms
- Gravity Form
- WooCommerce Checkout Form
- Contact Form by BestWebSoft
- Fluent Forms
- Contact Form 7
- WPForms
- Ninja Forms
- Default WordPress Reg Form
- Forminator Forms
- Formidable Form
- WordPress Comment Form
- Mail Mint Form
Thunderbird OAuth2 Email Setup (IMAP + SMTP)
Secure IMAP & SMTP using OAuth2 token authentication in Thunderbird. This modern method eliminates password storage for enhanced security.
- Open Thunderbird β Account Settings β Account Actions β Add Mail Account.
- Enter your email address and click Continue to begin setup.
- Select IMAP protocol and choose OAuth2 authentication method.
- Thunderbird opens a browser window β log in to your provider β Grant access permissions.
- Automatic configuration applies: Incoming: use the IMAP server address from the settings table above, port 993, SSL
- Click Done β Thunderbird begins syncing folders and emails immediately.
OAuth2 advantage: Token-based authentication enhances security over traditional password methods while maintaining full functionality.
Outlook IMAP, POP3 & SMTP Setup (Auto + Manual)
Outlook configuration supports both automatic server detection and manual IMAP/POP3/SMTP settings for complete control over your email setup.
π Auto Setup (Recommended):
- Go to File β Add Account β Enter your email address + password.
- Outlook automatically detects IMAP, POP3, and SMTP server settings.
- Click Connect β setup completes in approximately 30 seconds.
βοΈ Manual Setup (Advanced Users):
- Authentication: Use your full email address + password for both servers
BlueMail Two-Factor Authentication + OAuth2 Setup
BlueMail security setup combines OAuth2 authentication with two-factor authentication (2FA) for maximum account protection.
- Open BlueMail β Account Settings β Security β Enable Two-Factor Authentication.
- Link your phone number or authenticator app for 2FA verification codes.
- Add email account β Choose OAuth2 or manual server configuration.
- Enter server details from the table above
- Complete login with 2FA code β enhanced security layer activated.
Apple Mail IMAP Configuration (iCloud + Manual)
Setup IMAP in Apple Mail for seamless synchronization across Mac, iPhone, and iPad devices with full folder support.
- Open Apple Mail β Mail β Add Account β Other Mail Account.
- Enter your name, email address, and password β click Continue.
- Select IMAP account type β Incoming server.
- Next: Outgoing server
- Click Sign In β Mail verifies settings and begins folder synchronization.
iOS Mail App Setup (iPhone/iPad)
iPhone/iPad Mail configuration syncs IMAP folders across all Apple devices with native push notifications.
- Go to Settings β Mail β Accounts β Add Account β Other.
- Enter name, email, password β Next.
- Account Type: IMAP β Incoming:
[IMAP SERVER]Port993SSL. - Enter your outgoing SMTP server and port.
- Next β Save β iOS verifies and syncs immediately.
Push enabled automatically: new emails appear instantly on Lock Screen.
Android Mail App Configuration
Android Gmail/Email app setup works with any IMAP/SMTP provider for native device integration.
- Go to: Settings β Accounts β Add Account β Email (or Gmail app).
- Enter email + password β Next.
- Account Type: IMAP
- Outgoing server details β Require authentication.
- Next β Sign In β Android syncs contacts/calendar if enabled.
Sync interval: 15min default (battery optimized) – change in Account Sync settings.
eM Client Manual IMAP & POP3 Sync Configuration
Configure your email settings on eM Client with either automatic setup or through precise IMAP/POP3 server settings for reliable email synchronization and full folder support.
- Click New Account β Mail
Authentication requires full email address + password for both incoming and outgoing servers.Click Next β Finish β Send/Receive All Folders to begin synchronization.
Mailbird OAuth2 IMAP & SMTP Integration
Secure Mailbird setup using OAuth2 authentication eliminates password storage while providing full IMAP/SMTP functionality.
- Mailbird β Add Account β Enter your email address to begin.
- Choose Manual Setup β OAuth2 authentication method from options.
- Browser opens your provider’s login page β enter credentials β Authorize Mailbird.
- Mailbird receives access token and automatically configures IMAP/SMTP servers.
- Setup completes β full email synchronization begins automatically.
Mailspring OAuth2 IMAP Configuration
Mailspring OAuth2 setup provides secure email access without storing passwords directly in the application.
- Add new email account β Select Custom IMAP configuration option.
- Incoming
IMAP SERVERand outgoingSMTP SERVER. - Mailspring prompts OAuth2 authorization via browser window for secure login.
- Log into your provider account and grant Mailspring access permissions.
- Mailspring automatically manages authentication tokens β seamless email access established.
Postbox Manual IMAP Synchronization
Postbox IMAP setup with manual synchronization control for precise email folder management and immediate updates.
- Add IMAP account β Enter IMAP Server details.
- Outgoing SMTP with full email authentication.
- Postbox connects and displays folder structure automatically.
- Right-click any folder β Get Messages for immediate manual synchronization.
- Manual sync updates local mailbox instantly with server changes (read status, deletions, organization).
SendBlaster SMTP Configuration (Bulk Email)
Bulk email SMTP configuration in SendBlaster requires precise server authentication for reliable campaign delivery.
- Open SendBlaster β Settings β SMTP Configuration section.
- Enter SMTP Server and Port: do not forget to Enable TLS encryption.
- Authentication: Your full email address + password (required).
- Click Test Connection β verify green success indicator appears.
- Save settings β SendBlaster ready for bulk email campaigns and newsletters.
MailJerry IMAP Real-Time Synchronization
MailJerry IMAP setup enables real-time access to email folders stored on your provider’s server across all devices.
- Incoming Server and encryption required.
- Authentication: Full email address + password for secure connection.
- Enable real-time folder synchronization settings in MailJerry preferences.
- Folders update instantly with new messages, read status, and deletions across devices.
Clean.email OAuth2 Synchronization Setup
Clean.email OAuth2 setup provides secure mailbox access without sharing passwords directly with the application.
- Add new account β Select OAuth2 authorization method.
- Your provider opens login portal β enter credentials securely.
- Grant Clean.email permissions for email read/write access.
- OAuth2 token enables real-time message management, filtering, and organization.
- Setup complete β Clean.email maintains secure, ongoing mailbox synchronization.
Common IMAP/POP3/SMTP Troubleshooting
- Authentication failed: Always use your complete email address, never just the username portion.
- Port blocked by ISP: Try alternative SMTP port as fallback.
- SSL certificate errors: Ensure certificate validation is enabled in client settings.
- Slow or no IMAP sync: Check folder subscriptions and enable all folders in client settings.
More Popular Email Settings Guides
| Guide | Region | Type |
|---|---|---|
| T-Online.de SMTP Settings | π©πͺ Germany | ISP |
| Fibertel.com.ar Webmail | π¦π· Argentina | ISP |
| QQ Mail SMTP Server | π¨π³ China | Global |
| Volny Mail Settings | π¨πΏ Czech Republic | ISP |
| Freemail.hu IMAP Settings | ππΊ Hungary | Regional |
| Etisalat/EIM Mail Settings | π¦πͺ UAE | ISP |
| Hotmail IMAP Settings | π Global | Global |
| 126.com IMAP Server Settings | π¨π³ China | Regional |
| Waoo Mail SMTP/IMAP | π©π° Denmark | ISP |
| GMX SMTP Server Settings | π Global | Global |
| 163.com IMAP Server Settings | π¨π³ China | Regional |
| Webmail.co.za IMAP Settings | πΏπ¦ South Africa | Regional |
About Mail.ru
mail.ruinbox.ru · list.ru · bk.ruMail.ru is one of the largest Russian consumer internet services, with email as its founding product launched in 1998. The parent company Mail.ru Group grew to include social networks (Odnoklassniki, VKontakte), gaming, and various internet services. The group rebranded to VK in 2021, though the Mail.ru email service retained its name.
Mail.ru serves an estimated 100+ million active users, making it the largest consumer email service in Russia and among Russian-speaking populations worldwide. The service also operates @inbox.ru, @list.ru, and @bk.ru as alternate domains, all running on the same infrastructure.
The service offers 25 GB of free storage and supports IMAP, POP3, and SMTP. Free VK domain-based hosting (@vk.com) is also available. Mail.ru participates in international standards including SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, and offers deliverability tools for senders.
Timeline
- 1998Mail.ru launched as consumer email service
- 2010Mail.ru Group IPO on London Stock Exchange
- 2014Full acquisition of VKontakte
- 2021Mail.ru Group rebranded to VK
Mail.ru's multiple domain aliases (@list.ru, @inbox.ru, @bk.ru) originated from acquisitions of smaller Russian email services in the 2000s and 2010s. Together with Yandex.Mail, Mail.ru dominates the Russian consumer email market with an estimated 80%+ combined share.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Mail.ru account password not work in Outlook or Thunderbird?
Because Mail.ru now requires an app-specific password for third-party email clients. Your regular Mail.ru password (or VK ID password if your account is linked) is only valid for the Mail.ru webmail interface and official mobile apps. Generate an app password at id.mail.ru under Password and security, Passwords for external applications, and use that in your Outlook, Thunderbird, or Apple Mail configuration.
I have addresses at @bk.ru, @list.ru, or @inbox.ru, are the settings different?
No, all four Mail.ru consumer domains share the same infrastructure. Use imap.mail.ru, pop.mail.ru, and smtp.mail.ru regardless of whether your address is @mail.ru, @bk.ru, @list.ru, or @inbox.ru. Only the domain suffix in your username differs. Enter your full email address exactly as issued (e.g. you@bk.ru) as the username with the same app password.
My Mail.ru account is linked to VK ID, does that change the setup?
Not at the mail-client level, only at the account management level. Once VK ID is linked, you sign in to Mail.ru webmail via VK ID credentials, but the mailbox itself still authenticates against Mail.ru’s mail servers using the same app password mechanism. Generate the app password from within id.mail.ru after signing in via VK ID, then use that app password (not your VK password) in Outlook, Thunderbird, or Apple Mail.
How do I reset my Mail.ru password?
Sign in to id.mail.ru and use the password change flow in Password and security. If you have lost access entirely, use the account recovery link on the sign-in page, which goes through the mobile number or backup email registered on your account. If your Mail.ru account is linked to VK ID, VK ID recovery may also allow restoring access. Note that resetting your main account password does not invalidate previously-generated app passwords automatically, revoke them separately if needed.
How secure is Mail.ru email in transit?
Mail.ru enforces SSL/TLS on all encrypted mail ports (993, 995, 465) for client-to-server transport. Port 587 uses STARTTLS opportunistic encryption after connection. The app password model isolates external client access from your main Mail.ru or VK ID credentials, and 2FA on the main account is strongly recommended. Server-to-server transport follows standard SMTP with STARTTLS. Mail.ru infrastructure is hosted in Russia and subject to Russian federal law, which is a jurisdictional consideration for users with cross-border privacy requirements. For end-to-end message encryption use S/MIME or PGP client-side. Related: SMTP connection guide.
Other webmail providers with similar app-password requirements include:
Yandex Mail Email Settings · Gmail Email Settings · AOL Email Settings
About This Guide
The Mail.ru email settings on this page were last verified on August 12, 2026 against Mail.ru’s official help pages at help.mail.ru and independent user setup reports. Email server configurations rarely change once established, most providers issue major updates only every one to two years, typically tied to phasing out unencrypted protocols or migrating to new mail infrastructure. SMTPedia re-verifies these settings quarterly and after any announced changes from Mail.ru. If you find a discrepancy between what is documented here and what Mail.ru currently requires, please report it so we can update the reference.
About the Author
Alaa Β· LinkedIn
Email infrastructure specialist with 8+ years of hands-on experience in SMTP, deliverability, and email verification. Iβve configured and troubleshot mail systems across Postfix, Exchange, and cloud relays, managed IP reputation and warmup campaigns, and built verification pipelines processing millions of addresses. My work spans DNS authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC, BIMI), bounce handling, blocklist monitoring, and compliance frameworks including CAN-SPAM and GDPR. I write every article on SMTPedia to give email professionals, developers, and marketers the accurate, RFC-grounded reference they need.
About SMTPedia
SMTPedia is an independent email industry reference covering SMTP, IMAP, POP3, email deliverability, marketing platforms, DNS authentication, and email verification. Every article is researched from official provider documentation, IETF RFCs, and industry best practices. Settings and configurations are verified quarterly.
We are cited as a source by ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and thousands of email professionals worldwide. Learn more about our editorial process.
