⚠️ Important: Use Client Tokens, NOT Passwords

You must use a Client Token as your password when configuring email clients. Your account password will NOT work for IMAP or SMTP connections. See our Client Tokens Guide for detailed instructions on creating and managing Client Tokens.

What is IMAP & SMTP?

IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) is a standard email protocol that stores email messages on a mail server, but allows the end user to view and manipulate the messages as though they were stored locally on the end user’s computing device(s).

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is a protocol for sending e-mail messages between servers. Most e-mail systems that send mail over the Internet use SMTP to send messages from one server to another; a client can also use SMTP to send an e-mail message to a mail server.

In short, IMAP allows a mail client (Outlook or iPhone, Android phone etc.) to access remote message stores, while SMTP allows a mail client to send mails.

TinkMail IMAP & SMTP Settings

• IMAP (Receive)
  • server: imap.tinkmail.me
  • port: 993
  • SSL/TLS/Encryption: SSL/TLS
• SMTP (Send)
  • server: smtp.tinkmail.me
  • port: 465 or 587
  • SSL/TLS/Encryption: SSL/TLS

⚠️ CRITICAL: Authentication Requirements

Username: Your full email address (e.g., [email protected] or [email protected]) Password: Your Client Token (NOT your account password)

You MUST use a Client Token for IMAP/SMTP authentication. Your account password will NOT work. Learn how to create Client Tokens in our Client Tokens Guide.

SSL/TLS Note: You must check the SSL/TLS option for both IMAP & SMTP. We do not support non-SSL/TLS or STARTSSL/STARTTLS connections.

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

“Authentication Failed” Error

• Cause: Using account password instead of Client Token
• Solution: Generate a Client Token and use it as the password

“Connection Refused” or “Cannot Connect to Server”

• Cause: Firewall blocking ports or incorrect server settings
• Solution: Verify SSL/TLS is enabled, check ports 993 (IMAP) and 465/587 (SMTP)

“SSL/TLS Error” or “Certificate Error”

• Cause: Client not using SSL/TLS encryption
• Solution: Enable SSL/TLS in client settings - TinkMail requires encrypted connections