QQ Mail SMTP, IMAP & POP3 Settings — Updated 2026

By Alaa

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13 min read Updated Jul 16, 2026 1.0K views Save

Configuring QQ Mail for use outside its native webmail requires attention to a few provider-specific rules. QQ Mail, operated by Tencent and launched in 2002, is one of the largest consumer email platforms in China, tied to Tencent’s QQ instant messenger. It serves hundreds of millions of users in China and its client-access model is more constrained than most people expect.

The essential technical note for anyone setting up QQ Mail in an external client: QQ Mail requires a specific “authorization code” instead of the account password for POP3/IMAP/SMTP client access, generated from the webmail settings. Miss this step and every setup attempt will fail with an authentication error, regardless of how correct the server hostnames and ports are.

This guide documents the exact IMAP, POP3, and SMTP values that work today for QQ Mail, including WeChat integration and dual QQ number / email address login. If you follow the settings below in order, both inbound and outbound mail should flow on the first connection attempt.

Key Takeaways

• Authorization code (not regular password) is required for third-party email client authentication.
• QQ IMAP settings: imap.qq.com, port 993 with SSL/TLS for real-time email syncing across devices.
• POP3 server: pop.qq.com, port 995 with SSL/TLS, for downloading emails to a single device offline.
• SMTP server: smtp.qq.com, ports 465 (SSL) or 587 (STARTTLS) for secure, reliable email sending.
• OAuth authentication and app-specific passwords enhance security and simplify QQ.com email client setup.
• IMAP access activation in QQ.com settings is required for synchronization and secure email management.

Before you start: Generate Your QQ.com Authorization Code

Before you can connect QQ.com to any email client, you need an authorization code. This is a special 16-character password that replaces your regular QQ password when setting up third-party email applications. Your normal QQ password won’t work for IMAP, POP3, or SMTP connections.

Step 1: Enable IMAP/SMTP Service

Log in to your QQ Mail account at mail.qq.com. Click the gear icon in the top-right corner and select “Settings” from the dropdown menu. Navigate to the “Accounts” tab in the settings panel.

Scroll down to the section labeled “POP3/IMAP/SMTP/Exchange/CardDAV/CalDAV Service.” Look for the option to enable IMAP/SMTP Service and click the toggle or checkbox to activate it. Click “Save Changes” at the bottom of the page.

Note: After enabling IMAP/SMTP, the service typically activates within a few hours, though QQ states it can take up to 14 days in some cases. Most users can proceed immediately to the next step.

Step 2: Generate the Authorization Code

Return to the “Accounts” tab in QQ Mail settings. In the same POP3/IMAP/SMTP section, find the button labeled “Generate Authorization Code” or “Manage Service.” Click this button to start the process.

Step 3: Complete SMS Verification

A popup window will appear with a verification code and a phone number. You need to send this exact code as an SMS text message to the displayed phone number from your registered mobile device. Type the code exactly as shown and send the message.

After sending the SMS, click the “SMS Sent” or “I have sent” button in the popup window.

Step 4: Save Your Authorization Code

Once QQ verifies your SMS, a new popup will display your 16-character authorization code. This code appears only once and cannot be retrieved later, so copy it immediately and store it in a secure location.

Use this authorization code as your password when configuring any email client. Your email address remains the same, but the password field requires this authorization code instead of your regular QQ password.

Important Notes:

If you change your QQ account password, all existing authorization codes expire immediately. You’ll need to generate a new code and update it in all connected email clients.

Some users may need to switch their QQ Mail language to Simplified Chinese to access the authorization code generation feature. You can change this in Settings > General > Language.

Keep your authorization code private. If you suspect it’s been compromised, you can revoke it and generate a new one through the same settings page.

QQ.com Server Configuration Details

Official QQ.com support pages and user guides provide essential details for server setup, including protocols, ports, and security settings. Email encryption is a critical feature, ensuring data protection during transmission. Additionally, account recovery options are outlined to assist users in regaining access if login issues occur. The following table summarizes core QQ.com server configuration details necessary for proper client setup:

Important: Always use secure ports (993 for IMAP, 995 for POP3, 465/587 for SMTP) with SSL/TLS encryption enabled. Non-secure ports (143, 110, 25) should only be used if your network blocks standard SSL/TLS ports, but they provide significantly less protection for your email data and credentials.

QQ.com IMAP Server Details

How does QQ.com guarantee seamless email synchronization across multiple devices? By employing robust IMAP server configurations that ensure real-time access and management of emails.

The QQ.com IMAP server supports email encryption, securing data transmissions between the client and server. This protects users from unauthorized access during synchronization.

Additionally, the server is optimized to minimize server latency, enhancing the speed at which emails are fetched and updated.

Key QQ.com IMAP server details include:

1. Server address: imap.qq.com, using port 993 with SSL/TLS encryption enabled.
2. Authentication requires the full email address and a secure app-specific password.
3. Continuous synchronization capabilities ensure that changes on one device reflect instantly across all connected devices.

These features collectively maintain reliable and secure email communication for QQ.com users.

POP3 Server Connection Details

While IMAP facilitates real-time email synchronization across devices, QQ.com also supports POP3 for users who prefer downloading emails to a single device. POP3 offers a straightforward method for accessing emails offline but requires attention to security and performance details.

1. The POP3 server address is pop.qq.com, typically accessed via port 995 with SSL/TLS enabled to ensure email encryption during transmission.
2. Enabling SSL/TLS is essential for protecting login credentials and email content from interception.
3. Users may experience minimal server latency when retrieving messages, but QQ.com’s infrastructure optimizes connection speed to reduce delays.

These POP3 server connection details help users securely manage their QQ.com emails locally while balancing performance and security considerations.

When to Use IMAP vs POP3: Choosing the Right Protocol

Understanding the difference between IMAP and POP3 helps you select the best protocol for your needs.

Use IMAP if you:

• Access email from multiple devices (phone, tablet, laptop)
• Want emails to stay synchronized across all devices
• Need to manage folders and organize emails on the server
• Want real-time updates when new emails arrive
• Share an email account with team members
• Have reliable internet connection most of the time

Use POP3 if you:

• Primarily use email on a single device
• Want to save server storage space by downloading emails locally
• Need offline access to your entire email history
• Have limited or unreliable internet connectivity
• Prefer having complete control over local email backups
• Don’t need synchronization across multiple devices

Key Differences:

For most QQ.com users, IMAP is the recommended choice due to its flexibility and synchronization capabilities. However, POP3 remains useful for specific scenarios where local storage and offline access are priorities.

QQ.com SMTP Server Configuration

Configuring the SMTP server is crucial for sending emails through QQ.com. Proper setup ensures reliable message delivery while maintaining server security and email encryption standards.

QQ.com’s SMTP server requires specific parameters to function correctly:

1. Server address: smtp.qq.com, supporting SSL/TLS for encrypted communication.
2. Port number: 465 (SSL) or 587 (STARTTLS), both enabling secure email encryption.
3. Authentication: Users must provide their full QQ email address and an authorization code instead of the account password to enhance server security.

Adhering to these settings guarantees that outgoing emails are transmitted securely, protecting sensitive data from interception.

Implementing email encryption protocols prevents unauthorized access, making the QQ.com SMTP server configuration essential for secure email management.

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.

1. Google Account → Security → App passwords (2-Step Verification must be enabled).
2. Generate App Password for “Mail” → copy 16-character password.
3. Gmail → Settings → See all settings → Forwarding and POP/IMAP.
4. Enable IMAP → 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.

✅ 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.

1. Install and activate WP Mail SMTP or MailPoet plugin from your WordPress dashboard.
2. Navigate to WP Mail SMTP → Settings or MailPoet → Settings → Sending tab.
3. Select “Other SMTP” as your mailer method from the dropdown.
4. Enter SMTP settings and port number.
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.

✅ 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.

1. Open Thunderbird → Account Settings → Account Actions → 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 → log in to your provider → Grant access permissions.
5. Automatic configuration applies
6. Click Done → 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.

Auto Setup (Recommended):

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

Manual Setup (For Advanced Users):

• Incoming Server: Imap or Pop3
• Outgoing SMTP Server
• 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 → Account Settings → Security → Enable Two-Factor Authentication.
2. Link your phone number or authenticator app for 2FA verification codes.
3. Add email account → Choose OAuth2 or manual server configuration.
4. Enter server details
5. Complete login with 2FA code → 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.

1. Open Apple Mail → Mail → Add Account → Other Mail Account.
2. Enter your name, email address, and password → click Continue.
3. Select IMAP account type → Incoming server
4. Next, outgoing SMTP server
5. Click Sign In → 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.

1. Settings → Mail → Accounts → Add Account → Other.
2. Enter name, email, password → Next.
3. Account Type: IMAP → Incoming
4. Account Type: SMTP
5. Next → Save → 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.

1. Settings → Accounts → Add Account → Email (or Gmail app).
2. Enter email + password → Next.
3. Account Type: IMAP.
4. Outgoing: SMTP → Require authentication.
5. Next → Sign In → 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 eM Client with precise IMAP/POP3 server settings for reliable email synchronization and full folder support.

1. Click New Account → Manual Setup → Select IMAP or POP3 protocol.
2. Incoming Server: YOUR IMAP SERVER DETAILS.
3. Outgoing Server: YOUR SMTP SERVER DETAILS.
4. Authentication requires full email address + password for both incoming and outgoing servers.
5. Click Next → Finish → 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.

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

Mailspring OAuth2 IMAP Configuration

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

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

Postbox Manual IMAP Synchronization

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

1. Add IMAP account → Server: [IMAP SERVER]:993 SSL.
2. Outgoing SMTP: YOUR SMTP SERVER DETAILS. with full email authentication.
3. Postbox connects and displays folder structure automatically.
4. Right-click any folder → 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)

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

1. Open SendBlaster → Settings → SMTP Configuration section.
2. Enter SMTP Server: YOUR SMTP SERVER DETAILS and Port number.
3. Authentication: Your full email address + password (required).
4. Click Test Connection → verify green success indicator appears.
5. Save settings → 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.

1. Incoming Server: YOUR IMAP SERVER DETAILS.
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.
5. Complete setup ensures consistent mailbox status everywhere you check email.

Clean.email OAuth2 Synchronization Setup

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

1. Add new account → Select OAuth2 authorization method.
2. Your provider opens login portal → 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 → Clean.email maintains secure, ongoing mailbox synchronization.

📊 Best Email Client 2026 Comparison (eM Client vs Outlook vs Gmail)

Client	IMAP Sync	OAuth2	Mobile App	Bulk Send	Overall Score
eM Client	✅	✅	✅	✅	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Outlook	✅	✅	✅	✅	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gmail	✅	✅	✅	❌	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thunderbird	✅	✅	❌	❌	⭐⭐⭐
Mailbird	✅	✅	✅	❌	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Apple Mail	✅	❌	✅	❌	⭐⭐⭐
iOS Mail	✅	❌	✅	❌	⭐⭐⭐
Android Mail	✅	❌	✅	❌	⭐⭐⭐

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 465 SSL 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.

Troubleshooting: Common QQ.com Email Setup Issues and Solutions

Setting up QQ.com email with third-party clients can present challenges. Below are the most common problems users encounter and their solutions.

Problem: “Invalid Credentials” or “Authentication Failed”

This error typically occurs when you’re using your regular QQ password instead of the authorization code. QQ.com requires a special 16-character authorization code for IMAP, POP3, and SMTP connections. Your normal password will not work with email clients.

Solution: Generate an authorization code through QQ Mail settings as described in the section above. Use this code in the password field when configuring your email client, not your regular QQ account password.

Problem: “Connection Refused” or “Unable to Connect to Server”

When you see this error immediately after enabling IMAP/SMTP service, the activation period hasn’t completed yet. QQ.com states that IMAP/SMTP activation can take up to 14 days, though it usually happens within 24-48 hours.

Solution: Wait at least 24 hours after enabling IMAP/SMTP service before attempting to connect. If the problem persists after 48 hours, verify that you enabled the service correctly in QQ Mail settings under Accounts > POP3/IMAP/SMTP Service.

Problem: Cannot Find “Generate Authorization Code” Button

Some users report that the authorization code generation option doesn’t appear in their QQ Mail settings, even after enabling IMAP/SMTP service. This usually happens when viewing QQ Mail in English or other languages.

Solution: Switch your QQ Mail language to Simplified Chinese. Go to Settings > General > Language and select Simplified Chinese. The authorization code generation button should now appear in the POP3/IMAP/SMTP section under Accounts settings.

Problem: Authorization Code Suddenly Stopped Working

If your email client was working fine but suddenly cannot connect, your authorization code has likely expired. QQ.com automatically expires all authorization codes when you change your account password.

Solution: Log in to QQ Mail, navigate to Settings > Accounts, and generate a new authorization code. Update this new code in all email clients where you use QQ.com. Consider keeping a secure record of your current authorization code to avoid confusion.

Problem: IMAP/SMTP Enable Option is Grayed Out

The IMAP/SMTP service option appears but cannot be activated. This restriction typically applies to newly created QQ.com accounts or accounts with security flags.

Solution: QQ.com requires accounts to be active for a certain period before allowing IMAP/SMTP access. Ensure your account is at least a few weeks old and has been used regularly. If your account is established but still restricted, contact QQ.com support for account verification.

Problem: “Server Does Not Support SSL/TLS”

This error appears when your email client cannot establish a secure connection using the standard SSL/TLS ports. Some corporate or institutional networks block these ports.

Solution: Try alternative ports if your network blocks standard SSL ports. For SMTP, use port 587 instead of 465. For IMAP, use port 143 instead of 993, though this provides a less secure connection. Consult your network administrator if port restrictions prevent secure connections.

Problem: Emails Send But Won’t Receive (or Vice Versa)

You can send emails successfully but cannot receive them, or you can receive but not send. This indicates that only part of your configuration is correct.

Solution: Verify that you’ve configured both incoming and outgoing servers separately. The IMAP/POP3 server handles incoming mail, while the SMTP server handles outgoing mail. Both require the authorization code and proper port settings. Check that both server configurations are complete and use the same authorization code.

Problem: Mobile App Shows “Account Setup Failed”

Mobile devices often have stricter security requirements and less detailed error messages, making troubleshooting more difficult.

Solution: Ensure IMAP/SMTP is enabled and wait the full activation period. Double-check that you’re using the authorization code, not your password. Try removing and re-adding the account. On iOS devices, you may need to add the account as “Other” rather than selecting a preset email provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Recover a Forgotten QQ.Com Email Password?

To recover a forgotten QQ.com email password, one initiates the password reset process via the official QQ account recovery page, verifying identity through linked phone or email to securely regain access and complete account recovery steps.

Can I Use QQ.Com Email on Mobile Devices Without SMTP Configuration?

Yes, QQ.com email can function on mobile devices without manual SMTP configuration when using official apps or integrated mobile email clients that automatically handle server settings, simplifying mobile email setup and ensuring seamless app integration for sending messages.

What Are the Security Features of QQ.Com Email Accounts?

QQ.com email accounts incorporate encryption protocols to protect data during transmission and support account verification processes such as two-factor authentication, enhancing security by preventing unauthorized access and ensuring user identity verification.

How Do I Block Spam Emails on My QQ.Com Account?

To block spam emails on a QQ.com account, users can enable email filtering to automatically sort unwanted messages and use spam reporting features to mark suspicious emails, helping improve future spam detection and maintain inbox cleanliness.

Is There a Limit on the Number of Emails I Can Send Daily?

QQ.com enforces email sending limits to prevent abuse, imposing a daily email cap that varies by account type. Users should consult official guidelines to understand their specific daily email sending limits and avoid service interruptions.

Wrapping Up and Final Verdict

In summary, configuring QQ.com email requires precise server settings for IMAP, POP3, and SMTP to guarantee seamless communication. Proper integration with tools like WordPress SMTP plugins, Sendblaster, MailJerry, and Clean.email enhances email management and synchronization. Additionally, Apple Mail’s OAuth configuration provides a secure authentication method. Following the outlined steps guarantees reliable access and efficient handling of QQ.com emails across various platforms and devices.

Other Email Settings for providers in China also include:

Foxmail Email Settings

Sina Email Settings

126.com Email Settings

10086.cn Email Settings

163.com Email Settings

About This Guide

The QQ 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 QQ. If you find a discrepancy between what is documented here and what QQ currently requires, please report it so we can update the reference.

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About the Author

Alaa · 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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