In Thunderbird, add a new email account with your name, full email address and password, choose IMAP, and make sure the servers match cPanel's Connect Devices page: port 993 for incoming and 465 for outgoing, both with SSL/TLS.
- In cPanel, open Email → Email Accounts and click Connect Devices next to the mailbox. Keep that page open: it lists the exact server names and ports for your account.
- Open Thunderbird. On a new installation the account setup screen opens by itself. Otherwise open the menu (☰) and choose New Account → Email, or File → New → Existing Mail Account.
- Enter your name, full email address and the mailbox password, tick Remember password, and click Continue.
- Thunderbird looks up the settings. If it offers IMAP with the server name shown in Connect Devices, select it and click Done. If not, click Configure manually.
- Enter the settings in the table below, click Re-test, then Done.
| Incoming | Outgoing | |
|---|---|---|
| Protocol | IMAP | SMTP |
| Hostname | As in Connect Devices (often mail.yourdomain.com) | Same hostname |
| Port | 993 | 465 |
| Connection security | SSL/TLS | SSL/TLS |
| Authentication method | Normal password | Normal password |
| Username | Full email address | Full email address |
Labels vary a little between Thunderbird versions, but the values are the same.
If Thunderbird suggests POP3, switch to IMAP. IMAP keeps your mail the same in Thunderbird, on your phone and in webmail.
- Thunderbird warns about the server’s certificate.
- Don’t add an exception. Change the hostname to exactly what Connect Devices shows and re-test.
- Receiving works but sending fails.
- Check the outgoing server’s port, security and username, then see Why can’t I send email?
Still stuck? Open a support ticket with your email address and a screenshot of the error, or message us on WhatsApp, Monday to Friday, 08:00–17:00 CAT.
Updated 6 November 2026. Something here out of date? Tell us.