Mailfence is a Belgian paid email provider from ContactOffice Group offering standard IMAP, SMTP, and POP3 alongside end-to-end OpenPGP encryption integrated directly in the webmail. Configuration uses imap.mailfence.com, smtp.mailfence.com, and pop.mailfence.com against your full @mailfence.com address or configured custom domain. Third-party clients require an app password when 2FA is enabled; the account password works otherwise. Mailfence bundles Mail with Documents, Calendar, Groups, and Contacts as a Google Workspace-equivalent privacy suite, all hosted in Belgium under EU privacy law. This guide covers the exact ports, the app-password workflow, and the tier where custom domains and OpenPGP unlock.
Setup notes
Standard IMAP/SMTP/POP3OpenPGP integrated
Unlike Proton Mail and Tuta, Mailfence exposes standard protocols directly. Any mail client (Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail, K-9 Mail, FairEmail) connects natively without a bridge app. OpenPGP is available in webmail and via IMAP clients that support it, with keys managed inside the Mailfence interface. The free tier includes IMAP/SMTP/POP3 access but is limited to 500 MB storage; the paid Entry tier starts at 2.50 EUR/month for 20 GB. Reference: SMTP authentication.
Quick reference: Mailfence server settings
All three protocols require SSL/TLS and full-address authentication. SMTP is used only for sending. IMAP is the recommended incoming protocol because it keeps mail in sync across devices; POP3 downloads and (by default) removes messages from the server after retrieval.
| Protocol | Server | Port | Encryption | Auth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMTP | smtp.mailfence.com | 465 or 587 | SSL/TLS or STARTTLS | Full address + password |
| IMAP | imap.mailfence.com | 993 | SSL/TLS | Full address + password |
| POP3 | pop.mailfence.com | 995 | SSL/TLS | Full address + password |
Mailfence SMTP settings
Mailfence SMTP uses smtp.mailfence.com on port 465 with implicit SSL/TLS. Port 587 with STARTTLS is the alternative when 465 is blocked. Authenticate with the full Mailfence email address (you@mailfence.com or custom-domain equivalent) plus either the account password (2FA disabled) or an app password (2FA enabled).
Free accounts have a daily send cap that resets every 24 hours; paid tiers remove it. Outbound mail from a mail client passes through Mailfence’s servers where SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are applied automatically for both @mailfence.com and configured custom domains. Never use port 25 for client submission: Mailfence rejects it.
Mailfence IMAP settings
Mailfence IMAP uses imap.mailfence.com on port 993 with SSL/TLS. Same credentials as SMTP. IMAP keeps mail on Mailfence’s servers and syncs read/unread state, drafts, and folders across every connected device.
Folder sync mirrors the webmail structure (Inbox, Drafts, Sent, Trash, Spam, plus custom folders). Storage caps by tier: Free 500 MB, Entry 20 GB, Pro 50 GB. Documents, Calendar, and Contacts are separate services accessible via CalDAV and CardDAV endpoints from the same account.
Mailfence POP3 settings
Mailfence POP3 uses pop.mailfence.com on port 995 with SSL/TLS. Same credentials as SMTP and IMAP. POP3 downloads messages to a single device and (unless the client is set to leave a copy on the server) removes them from the Mailfence server after retrieval.
Use POP3 only if you check mail from one device and never plan to add another. For everyday use, IMAP is the safer choice. Note that POP3 does not download OpenPGP-encrypted content in a usable form for the local client (decryption still requires the Mailfence webmail or a client with the corresponding private key).
OpenPGP end-to-end encryption
Mailfence includes integrated OpenPGP: keys are generated and stored inside the Mailfence webmail with the private key protected by a separate PGP passphrase (not your account password). Encrypted messages between Mailfence users are handled transparently in the webmail. External contacts require public key exchange, either through the built-in Mailfence key server directory or by manual import. Third-party mail clients accessing Mailfence over IMAP can use OpenPGP but must manage keys locally (Thunderbird with Enigmail or the built-in Thunderbird OpenPGP is the common path).
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.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Mailfence really have a free plan?
Yes. The free tier includes IMAP, SMTP, and POP3 access with 500 MB storage, one @mailfence.com address, and limited daily send count. Sufficient for evaluation or very light personal use. Paid tiers (Entry 2.50 EUR/mo, Pro 7.50 EUR/mo) unlock more storage, custom domains, more aliases, and higher send limits.
Do I need an app password for Mailfence?
Only if you have 2FA enabled on the account. Without 2FA, the regular account password works for IMAP, SMTP, and POP3. With 2FA enabled, generate an app-specific password from webmail Settings > Account > Passwords for each mail client. This is the standard modern pattern also used by Gmail, Fastmail, and Yahoo.
Does Mailfence support custom domains?
Yes, on the Entry tier (2.50 EUR/mo) and above. Setup is a DNS reconfiguration (MX, SPF, DKIM, DMARC) using values from the Mailfence dashboard. Custom domain mailboxes work with all three protocols and integrate with OpenPGP the same way as @mailfence.com addresses.
How does Mailfence OpenPGP compare to Proton and Tuta?
Proton Mail encrypts everything at rest by default with keys derived from the account password. Tuta uses proprietary encryption with no OpenPGP interop. Mailfence uses OpenPGP with a separate passphrase, which is more interoperable with external PGP tools but requires the user to actively opt in per message. Choose Mailfence for OpenPGP flexibility with standard protocols; Proton for default E2E; Tuta for closed-ecosystem encryption.
Where is Mailfence webmail?
At mailfence.com then click Sign in, or directly at webmail.mailfence.com. Bookmark to avoid phishing. Webmail is where OpenPGP keys, aliases, and app passwords are managed.
Does Mailfence log user activity?
Mailfence’s privacy policy states minimal logging (IP addresses for abuse prevention, 90 days), no email content scanning, and no advertising cookies. Being Belgian, Mailfence operates under EU GDPR with no US CLOUD Act exposure. This is a similar privacy posture to Mailbox.org, Posteo, and Runbox.
About this guide
These Mailfence server settings were verified against Mailfence’s official support documentation in July 2026. Mailfence has maintained the same hostnames since launch and its OpenPGP implementation has been stable since 2018. SMTPedia re-verifies each provider quarterly.
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.
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