The Mail app can collect Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, iCloud, Exchange, and many work or school accounts in one place. Most large providers set up with a sign-in prompt, while smaller or custom providers may need manual IMAP or POP server details.
These steps apply to iOS 17 and iOS 18.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if you want an email account to appear in the iPhone Mail app, need to add a second account, or want to remove an old account from this device.
Add a Major Email Provider
- Open Settings.
- On iOS 18, tap Apps > Mail. On iOS 17, open Mail from the main Settings list.
- Tap Mail Accounts or Accounts.
- Tap Add Account.
- Choose iCloud, Google, Yahoo, Outlook.com, Exchange, or another listed provider.
- Sign in and complete any two-factor verification.
- Make sure Mail is enabled, and turn on Contacts or Calendars too if wanted.
- Tap Save.
Add an Email Account Manually
- Go to Settings > Apps > Mail > Mail Accounts > Add Account, or the iOS 17 equivalent.
- Tap Other.
- Tap Add Mail Account.
- Enter name, email address, password, and description.
- Choose IMAP or POP. IMAP is usually better because it syncs across devices.
- Enter incoming and outgoing server host names, usernames, and passwords from your provider or IT department.
- Tap Next, then Save after verification.
Manage and Troubleshoot Mail
Remove an Account
Open Mail account settings, select the account, and tap Delete Account. This removes it from the iPhone only; it does not delete the email account itself.
Mail Not Syncing
Check that the Mail switch is on for the account. If messages still do not arrive, re-enter the password or confirm it has not changed at the provider.
App-Specific Passwords
Some providers, including Google in certain security setups, may require an app-specific password for Mail instead of the normal account password.
Default Mail Account
If several accounts are configured, choose which one sends new messages by default under Mail settings.
Sources
- Apple Support: Add an email account to iPhone
- Apple Support: Use Mail on iPhone
- Apple Support: If you cannot add an email account to Mail