Sina Mail (新浪邮箱) is the free and VIP email service of Sina, one of China’s largest portals. It works with Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Foxmail and phone mail apps over IMAP, POP3 and SMTP, but two steps are required before any client can connect: you must turn on client access in Sina webmail, and you must log in with a client authorization code (客户端授权码) instead of your normal password. The server names also depend on your address suffix.
Sina requires a 16-character client authorization code for third-party mail clients. Your web login password is rejected. Generate the code in webmail (Settings, then Client POP/IMAP/SMTP), confirm it by SMS, and paste it into the password field of your mail client.
Quick Reference: Sina Mail Server Settings
Values from Sina’s official help center (free mailbox POP/IMAP/SMTP servers and Outlook setup guide). Tick “SSL” for every server. Username: your full email address.
| Address | IMAP (SSL) | POP3 (SSL) | SMTP (SSL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| @sina.com | imap.sina.com : 993 | pop.sina.com : 995 | smtp.sina.com : 465 (or 587) |
| @sina.cn | imap.sina.cn : 993 | pop.sina.cn : 995 | smtp.sina.cn : 465 (or 587) |
| @vip.sina.com | imap.vip.sina.com : 993 | pop.vip.sina.com : 995 | smtp.vip.sina.com : 465 (or 587) |
| @vip.sina.cn | imap.vip.sina.cn : 993 | pop.vip.sina.cn : 995 | smtp.vip.sina.cn : 465 (or 587) |
Sina’s notes: if port 465 does not work for sending, try 587, though in some countries only one of the two ports may be available. In every client, turn on “My outgoing server (SMTP) requires authentication”, otherwise sending fails.
Step 1: Enable Client Access and Get an Authorization Code
- Log in to Sina Mail on the web (mail.sina.com.cn).
- Open Settings (设置), then Client POP/IMAP/SMTP (客户端pop/imap/smtp).
- Under Client authorization code (客户端授权码), switch the code status on and complete the SMS verification on your phone.
- Copy the 16-character code that appears.
- Tick POP3/SMTP, IMAP4/SMTP or both, depending on the protocol you will use, and save.
Use this code, not your web password, wherever a mail client, a CRM or a device (scanner, PBX, NAS) asks for the Sina password.
Sina IMAP Settings (Recommended)
IMAP keeps your mail and folders in sync between webmail, your phone and your computer. For an @sina.com address use imap.sina.com on port 993 with SSL; for @sina.cn use imap.sina.cn. The username is the full address and the password is your client authorization code.
Sina POP3 Settings
POP3 downloads mail to one device. Use pop.sina.com (or pop.sina.cn) on port 995 with SSL. Sina’s own guides suggest ticking “Leave a copy of messages on the server” if you also want to keep your mail in webmail.
Sina SMTP Settings (Sending)
Use smtp.sina.com (or smtp.sina.cn) on port 465 with SSL, with 587 as Sina’s documented alternative. SMTP authentication is mandatory, with the full address and the authorization code. Sina does not publish a daily sending limit; use a dedicated email service for newsletters or bulk mail.
Sina Enterprise Mail Uses Different Servers
If your address is on your company’s own domain hosted by Sina Enterprise Mail (新浪企业邮箱), the servers above do not apply. Sina’s enterprise help page lists imap.sina.net, pop3.sina.net and smtp.sina.net, and for users outside China hwimap.sina.net, hwpop.sina.net and hwsmtp.sina.net.
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 → Security → App passwords (2-Step Verification must be enabled).
- Generate App Password for “Mail” → copy 16-character password.
- Gmail → Settings → See all settings → Forwarding and POP/IMAP.
- Enable IMAP → 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.
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 → Settings or MailPoet → Settings → 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.
Result: WordPress contact forms, user registrations, and newsletter emails now deliver reliably via your SMTP server.
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 → Account Settings → Account Actions → Add Mail Account.
- Enter your email address and click Continue to begin setup.
- Select IMAP protocol and choose OAuth2 authentication method if your provider supports it (Gmail, Microsoft and Yahoo do; many smaller providers do not, in which case choose Normal password).
- Thunderbird opens a browser window → log in to your provider → Grant access permissions.
- Automatic configuration applies: Incoming: use the IMAP server address from the settings table above, port 993, SSL
- 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):
- Go to File → Add Account → Enter your email address + password.
- Outlook automatically detects IMAP, POP3, and SMTP server settings.
- Click Connect → setup completes in approximately 30 seconds.
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 → Account Settings → Security → Enable Two-Factor Authentication.
- Link your phone number or authenticator app for 2FA verification codes.
- Add email account → Choose OAuth2 or manual server configuration.
- Enter server details from the table above
- 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.
- Open Apple Mail → Mail → Add Account → Other Mail Account.
- Enter your name, email address, and password → click Continue.
- Select IMAP account type → Incoming server.
- Next: Outgoing server
- 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.
- Go to Settings → Mail → Accounts → Add Account → Other.
- Enter name, email, password → Next.
- Account Type: IMAP → Incoming:
[IMAP SERVER]Port993SSL. - Enter your outgoing SMTP server and port.
- Next → Save → iOS verifies and syncs immediately.
New mail checks: for standard IMAP accounts, iOS Mail checks for new mail on the schedule set under Fetch New Data in the Mail account settings; instant push is only offered for some account types, such as iCloud and Exchange.
Android Mail App Configuration
Android Gmail/Email app setup works with any IMAP/SMTP provider for native device integration.
- Go to: Settings → Accounts → Add Account → Email (or Gmail app).
- Enter email + password → Next.
- Account Type: IMAP
- Outgoing server details → Require authentication.
- 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 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 → Mail
Authentication requires full email address + password for both incoming and outgoing servers.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.
- Mailbird → Add Account → Enter your email address to begin.
- Choose Manual Setup → OAuth2 authentication method from options.
- Browser opens your provider’s login page → enter credentials → Authorize Mailbird.
- Mailbird receives access token and automatically configures IMAP/SMTP servers.
- 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.
- Add new email account → 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 → 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 → Enter IMAP Server details.
- Outgoing SMTP with full email authentication.
- Postbox connects and displays folder structure automatically.
- Right-click any folder → 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 → Settings → 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 → verify green success indicator appears.
- 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.
- 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 → Select OAuth2 authorization method.
- Your provider opens login portal → enter credentials securely.
- Grant Clean.email permissions for email read/write access.
- OAuth2 token enables real-time message management, filtering, and organization.
- Setup complete → 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 | Germany | ISP |
| Fibertel.com.ar Webmail | Argentina | ISP |
| QQ Mail SMTP Server | China | Global |
| Volny Mail Settings | Czech Republic | ISP |
| Freemail.hu IMAP Settings | Hungary | Regional |
| Etisalat/EIM Mail Settings | UAE | ISP |
| Hotmail IMAP Settings | Global | Global |
| 126.com IMAP Server Settings | China | Regional |
| Waoo Mail SMTP/IMAP | Denmark | ISP |
| GMX SMTP Server Settings | Global | Global |
| 163.com IMAP Server Settings | China | Regional |
| Webmail.co.za IMAP Settings | South Africa | Regional |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my mail client reject my Sina password?
Third-party clients need the 16-character client authorization code, not the web login password. Also check that POP3/SMTP or IMAP4/SMTP is switched on in webmail settings.
Are the servers the same for sina.com and sina.cn?
No. Each suffix has its own hostnames: imap.sina.com for @sina.com, imap.sina.cn for @sina.cn, and imap.vip.sina.com or imap.vip.sina.cn for VIP addresses. The same pattern applies to POP3 and SMTP.
Port 465 does not work. What now?
Sina’s help center says to try port 587 instead, noting that some countries may support only one of the two ports.
Can I use Sina Mail in a printer, PBX or app that sends email?
Yes. Enable POP3/SMTP or IMAP4/SMTP, generate an authorization code, and enter smtp.sina.com, port 465 with SSL, your full address as username and the code as password.
Other email settings for providers in China: Foxmail, 126.com, 10086.cn, 163.com, QQ Mail.
About This Guide
The Sina Mail settings on this page were verified in November 2026 against Sina’s official help center (help.sina.com.cn) and the Sina Enterprise Mail help page. SMTPedia re-verifies these settings regularly; if you find a discrepancy, please report it so we can update the reference.
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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.
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