How do I find my SMTP/IMAP server address and port number?
SparrowDesk can connect to any server that supports standard SMTP and IMAP.
The quickest way to get the right hostnames and ports is to check your provider’s own help pages or ask your IT admin.
SMTP (For outgoing mail)
Below are the most-used combinations our customers succeed with.
For every provider you must also turn on “SMTP authentication” (sometimes called “Allow less-secure apps” or “App Password”) in the mailbox itself.
- Outlook / Microsoft 365 –
smtp.office365.com, port 587, “SSL/TLS”
• Gmail / Google Workspace – smtp.gmail.com, port 587, “SSL/TLS”
• GoDaddy (Microsoft 365) – smtpout.secureserver.net, port 587, “SSL/TLS” (make sure SMTP auth is enabled in GoDaddy)
• Namecheap Private Email – mail.privateemail.com, port 587, “SSL/TLS”
• Yahoo Mail – smtp.mail.yahoo.com, port 587, “SSL”
• Zoho Mail – smtp.zoho.com, port 465 or 587, “SSL/TLS”
• Amazon WorkMail – hostnames vary by AWS region (see Amazon guide); port 465 or 587 with “SSL/TLS”
• Bluehost – hostnames differ per account; look for “Outgoing Server” in your Bluehost cPanel or settings.
IMAP (For incoming mail)
IMAP delivers your customers’ messages to SparrowDesk. Keep SSL/TLS turned on and use the port shown here unless your provider tells you otherwise.
- Outlook / Microsoft 365 –
outlook.office365.com, port 993, “SSL”
• Gmail / Google Workspace – imap.gmail.com, port 993, “SSL”
• GoDaddy (Microsoft 365) – imap.secureserver.net, port 993, “SSL” (SMTP auth must also be enabled)
• Namecheap Private Email – mail.privateemail.com, port 993 (or 143 with STARTTLS)
• Yahoo Mail – imap.mail.yahoo.com, port 993, “SSL”
• Zoho Mail – hostnames differ for free vs. paid plans; both use port 993 with “SSL”
• Amazon WorkMail – region-specific hostnames; port 993, “SSL”
• Bluehost – check your Bluehost account for the exact IMAP host; normally port 993 with “SSL”.
Tips if a connection fails
- Double-check spelling of hostnames—one extra letter will block the test.
- Use an app-specific password if your provider enforces two-factor authentication.
- Enable IMAP in the mailbox settings (Gmail turns it off by default for new accounts).
- Switch ports: if port 587 + STARTTLS times out, try port 465 + SSL.
- Ask your provider whether they block third-party SMTP; some low-cost hosts do.
If you still can’t connect, copy the exact error message from SparrowDesk’s test screen, then share it with your mail provider’s support team or SparrowDesk Support so we can pinpoint the cause.
Need another method?
SparrowDesk also supports OAuth for Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, plus automatic forwarding. If you prefer those routes, see the separate setup guides in the Help Center.