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Bellsouth.net SMTP, IMAP & POP3 Settings (2026): Secure Mail Key Required

Perfect Bellsouth email settings for POP3, IMAP, and SMTP unlock seamless communication, discover the exact configurations to optimize your email experience today.
Alaa Alaa
23 July 2026
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Email Settings
Alaa
By Alaa
SMTPedia documents email infrastructure end to end: SMTP standards from the RFC archive, delivera...
6 min read Updated Jul 23, 2026 277 views

Reading time: 8 min · Last verified: July 2026 · SMTPedia editorial team

Bellsouth.net is now operated by AT&T on its mail.att.net infrastructure. To connect a Bellsouth account to Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail, or a mobile client, you need the IMAP or POP3 incoming server, the SMTP outgoing server, and a Secure Mail Key in place of your regular password. The Secure Mail Key is what most setup guides get wrong.

SETUP GOTCHA SECURE MAIL KEY REQUIRED

Your Bellsouth webmail password will not work in a mail client. Bellsouth.net accounts are AT&T-managed and require a 16-character Secure Mail Key generated inside your AT&T account (Sign-in info → Manage secure mail key), pasted into the password field. Without it, authentication fails with 535 5.7.8 Username and Password not accepted. See SMTP error 550 5.7.1 guide for related bounce codes.

Bellsouth.net Email Settings (Quick Setup Guide)

Bellsouth.net email accounts (now managed by AT&T) require secure IMAP or POP3 settings with SSL/TLS and a Secure Mail Key instead of your regular password.

What you needIMAP (recommended, sync across devices)POP3 (download to one device)
Incoming serverimap.mail.att.netinbound.att.net
Incoming port & security993, SSL/TLS enabled995, SSL/TLS enabled
Outgoing serversmtp.mail.att.netoutbound.att.net
Outgoing port & security465 (SSL) or 587 (STARTTLS/TLS)465 (SSL) or 587 (TLS, where supported)
UsernameFull Bellsouth email address (e.g., user@bellsouth.net)Full Bellsouth email address
Password field16‑character Secure Mail Key (not your webmail password)16‑character Secure Mail Key
SMTP authenticationEnable β€œMy outgoing server (SMTP) requires authentication” β†’ β€œUse same settings as my incoming mail server”Same as IMAP column

One‑Minute Setup Steps

  1. Open your email app and choose β€œAdd account” β†’ β€œOther / IMAP or POP”.
  2. Enter your full Bellsouth.net address and paste your Secure Mail Key in the password field.
  3. For IMAP, use imap.mail.att.net on port 993 with SSL/TLS, and smtp.mail.att.net on port 465 or 587 with SSL/TLS or STARTTLS.
  4. For POP3, use inbound.att.net on port 995 with SSL/TLS, and outbound.att.net on port 465 (or 587 where allowed).
  5. In outgoing (SMTP) settings, enable authentication and select β€œUse same settings as my incoming mail server”.
  6. If you can’t send mail, switch the SMTP port between 465 and 587 while keeping SSL/TLS or STARTTLS enabled.

Secure Mail Key Reminder

AT&T now requires a Secure Mail Key for non‑OAuth email apps such as Outlook, Apple Mail, Thunderbird, and many mobile mail clients.

You can generate it in your myAT&T profile: go to Profile β†’ Settings / Sign‑in info β†’ Secure Mail Key β†’ Add secure mail key β†’ Create, then copy and paste it into your email client instead of your usual password.

Bellsouth SMTP Settings (Sending Mail)

SMTP handles outbound mail from any client, WordPress SMTP plugin, or third-party app connecting to a Bellsouth account. The server is smtp.mail.att.net on port 465 with SSL or 587 with STARTTLS. Authentication is required on both ports; use your full user@bellsouth.net address as username and your Secure Mail Key as the password, never your webmail login.

Two things to know. The SMTP infrastructure is shared across every AT&T-managed domain (att.net, bellsouth.net, sbcglobal.net, ameritech.net, prodigy.net, and others), so the outbound server never changes if you migrate between them. Port 25 is blocked by AT&T’s residential lines and by most other ISPs, so it is not usable for outbound. Authentication failures with 535 5.7.8 almost always mean the Secure Mail Key was mistyped, revoked, or generated in the wrong account.

Bellsouth IMAP Settings (Recommended for Reading)

IMAP keeps your inbox in sync across every device. Read status, folder moves, and drafts mirror between webmail, desktop, and mobile. The server is imap.mail.att.net on port 993 with SSL/TLS. Your username is your full email address; your password is the Secure Mail Key.

AT&T retains the standard IMAP folder layout, so Sent, Drafts, Spam, and Trash appear where clients expect them. Legacy Bellsouth mailboxes have been on this AT&T infrastructure since 2016, so any older setup guide referencing imap.bellsouth.net is out of date and will not connect.

Bellsouth POP3 Settings (Single-Device Access)

POP3 downloads mail to one device with no server-side sync afterwards. It fits archival use cases or single-device workflows. The server is inbound.att.net on port 995 with SSL/TLS. By default a copy stays on the AT&T server; if you set the client to delete on download, that action is per-message and permanent.

IMAP, POP3 and SMTP Integration into Gmail

gmail external mail setup imap pop smtp

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.

  1. Google Account β†’ Security β†’ App passwords (2-Step Verification must be enabled).
  2. Generate App Password for “Mail” β†’ copy 16-character password.
  3. Gmail β†’ Settings β†’ See all settings β†’ Forwarding and POP/IMAP.
  4. Enable IMAP β†’ Save Changes.
  5. Incoming (IMAP): [IMAP SERVER]:993 SSL | Outgoing (SMTP): [SMTP SERVER]:587 STARTTLS.
  6. Use your full email + App Password (not regular password) for authentication.

βœ… Gmail Result: Send/receive custom domain email directly in Gmail interface with full search/folder integration.

WordPress SMTP Plugin Configuration (WP Mail SMTP + MailPoet)

wp-mail-smtp-wizard
WP Email SMTP
mailpoet smtp setup integration
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.

  1. Install and activate WP Mail SMTP or MailPoet plugin from your WordPress dashboard.
  2. Navigate to WP Mail SMTP β†’ Settings or MailPoet β†’ Settings β†’ Sending tab.
  3. Select “Other SMTP” as your mailer method from the dropdown.
  4. Enter SMTP settings with Port 587 and STARTTLS encryption (when available).
  5. Input your full email address and password in the authentication fields.
  6. Click Save Settings and send a test email to verify the configuration works.

βœ… 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)

thunderbird email setup step2

Secure IMAP & SMTP using OAuth2 token authentication in Thunderbird. This modern method eliminates password storage for enhanced security.

  1. Open Thunderbird β†’ Account Settings β†’ Account Actions β†’ Add Mail Account.
  2. Enter your email address and click Continue to begin setup.
  3. Select IMAP protocol and choose OAuth2 authentication method.
  4. Thunderbird opens a browser window β†’ log in to your provider β†’ Grant access permissions.
  5. Automatic configuration applies: Incoming: use the IMAP server address from the settings table above, port 993, SSL
  6. 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 Hotmail Microsoft

Outlook configuration supports both automatic server detection and manual IMAP/POP3/SMTP settings for complete control over your email setup.

πŸ”„ Auto Setup (Recommended):

  1. Go to File β†’ Add Account β†’ Enter your email address + password.
  2. Outlook automatically detects IMAP, POP3, and SMTP server settings.
  3. Click Connect β†’ setup completes in approximately 30 seconds.

βš™οΈ 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.

  1. Open BlueMail β†’ Account Settings β†’ Security β†’ Enable Two-Factor Authentication.
  2. Link your phone number or authenticator app for 2FA verification codes.
  3. Add email account β†’ Choose OAuth2 or manual server configuration.
  4. Enter server details from the table above
  5. Complete login with 2FA code β†’ enhanced security layer activated.

Apple Mail IMAP Configuration (iCloud + Manual)

icloud apple mail setup

Setup IMAP in Apple Mail for seamless synchronization across Mac, iPhone, and iPad devices with full folder support.

  1. Open Apple Mail β†’ Mail β†’ Add Account β†’ Other Mail Account.
  2. Enter your name, email address, and password β†’ click Continue.
  3. Select IMAP account type β†’ Incoming server.
  4. Next: Outgoing server
  5. Click Sign In β†’ Mail verifies settings and begins folder synchronization.

iOS Mail App Setup (iPhone/iPad)

Email setup iphone ios ipad smtp imap

iPhone/iPad Mail configuration syncs IMAP folders across all Apple devices with native push notifications.

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Mail β†’ Accounts β†’ Add Account β†’ Other.
  2. Enter name, email, password β†’ Next.
  3. Account Type: IMAP β†’ Incoming: [IMAP SERVER] Port 993 SSL.
  4. Enter your outgoing SMTP server and port.
  5. Next β†’ Save β†’ iOS verifies and syncs immediately.

Push enabled automatically: new emails appear instantly on Lock Screen.

Android Mail App Configuration

email android setup imap smtp

Android Gmail/Email app setup works with any IMAP/SMTP provider for native device integration.

  1. Go to: Settings β†’ Accounts β†’ Add Account β†’ Email (or Gmail app).
  2. Enter email + password β†’ Next.
  3. Account Type: IMAP
  4. Outgoing server details β†’ Require authentication.
  5. 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

emclient authentication email settings

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.

  1. Click New Account β†’ Mail
  2. Authentication requires full email address + password for both incoming and outgoing servers.
  3. Click Next β†’ Finish β†’ Send/Receive All Folders to begin synchronization.

Mailbird OAuth2 IMAP & SMTP Integration

mailbird

Secure Mailbird setup using OAuth2 authentication eliminates password storage while providing full IMAP/SMTP functionality.

  1. Mailbird β†’ Add Account β†’ Enter your email address to begin.
  2. Choose Manual Setup β†’ OAuth2 authentication method from options.
  3. Browser opens your provider’s login page β†’ enter credentials β†’ Authorize Mailbird.
  4. Mailbird receives access token and automatically configures IMAP/SMTP servers.
  5. Setup completes β†’ full email synchronization begins automatically.

Mailspring OAuth2 IMAP Configuration

mailspring

Mailspring OAuth2 setup provides secure email access without storing passwords directly in the application.

  1. Add new email account β†’ Select Custom IMAP configuration option.
  2. Incoming IMAP SERVER and outgoing SMTP SERVER.
  3. Mailspring prompts OAuth2 authorization via browser window for secure login.
  4. Log into your provider account and grant Mailspring access permissions.
  5. Mailspring automatically manages authentication tokens β†’ seamless email access established.

Postbox Manual IMAP Synchronization

postbox login email settings

Postbox IMAP setup with manual synchronization control for precise email folder management and immediate updates.

  1. Add IMAP account β†’ Enter IMAP Server details.
  2. Outgoing SMTP with full email authentication.
  3. Postbox connects and displays folder structure automatically.
  4. Right-click any folder β†’ Get Messages for immediate manual synchronization.
  5. Manual sync updates local mailbox instantly with server changes (read status, deletions, organization).

SendBlaster SMTP Configuration (Bulk Email)

sendblaster smtp setup

Bulk email SMTP configuration in SendBlaster requires precise server authentication for reliable campaign delivery.

  1. Open SendBlaster β†’ Settings β†’ SMTP Configuration section.
  2. Enter SMTP Server and Port: do not forget to Enable TLS encryption.
  3. Authentication: Your full email address + password (required).
  4. Click Test Connection β†’ verify green success indicator appears.
  5. Save settings β†’ SendBlaster ready for bulk email campaigns and newsletters.

MailJerry IMAP Real-Time Synchronization

mailjerry email settings setup

MailJerry IMAP setup enables real-time access to email folders stored on your provider’s server across all devices.

  1. Incoming Server and encryption required.
  2. Authentication: Full email address + password for secure connection.
  3. Enable real-time folder synchronization settings in MailJerry preferences.
  4. Folders update instantly with new messages, read status, and deletions across devices.

Clean.email OAuth2 Synchronization Setup

clean.email login

Clean.email OAuth2 setup provides secure mailbox access without sharing passwords directly with the application.

  1. Add new account β†’ Select OAuth2 authorization method.
  2. Your provider opens login portal β†’ enter credentials securely.
  3. Grant Clean.email permissions for email read/write access.
  4. OAuth2 token enables real-time message management, filtering, and organization.
  5. 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I recover a lost Bellsouth password?

Reset your AT&T account password at att.com/olam/passwordReset.olamexecute, then generate a fresh Secure Mail Key under Profile → Sign-in info → Manage secure mail key. The Secure Mail Key does not update automatically when you change the account password, so any mail client that was using the old key must be reconfigured.

Where is the Secure Mail Key setting on AT&T?

Sign in at att.com, then go to Profile → Sign-in info → Manage secure mail key. Click “Add secure mail key”, give it a name (e.g. “Outlook Desktop”), and copy the 16-character string. Paste that into the password field of your mail client. If you rotate or delete the key, every client that was using it will fail on the next connection.

Can I access Bellsouth on mobile devices?

Yes. Use the native Mail app on iOS or Android with the IMAP settings above. Server: imap.mail.att.net, port 993, SSL/TLS, and your Secure Mail Key. For webmail on mobile browsers, sign in through the AT&T portal at currently.att.yahoo.com.

What is the mailbox storage limit?

Bellsouth accounts on AT&T infrastructure share the standard 1 TB mailbox storage of AT&T webmail. If your account was migrated from very old Bellsouth infrastructure, some legacy caps around 25 GB may still apply. Monitor usage in webmail; once at capacity, incoming mail is rejected until you free space.

How do I set up email forwarding on Bellsouth?

In AT&T webmail, open Settings → More settings → Mailboxes, select your Bellsouth account, and enter the forwarding address in the Forwarding section. AT&T sends a verification email to the destination before forwarding activates. You can choose to keep or delete the forwarded copy on the AT&T server.

About This Guide

The Bellsouth email settings on this page were last verified on April 12, 2026 against the provider’s official help documentation, publicly available postmaster resources, 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 Bellsouth. If you find a discrepancy between what is documented here and what Bellsouth currently requires, please report it so we can update the reference.

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About the Author

Alaa - SMTPedia author

Alaa Β· LinkedIn

Email infrastructure specialist with 8+ years of hands-on experience in SMTP, deliverability, and email verification. I’ve 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.

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