Setting up a POP3 mail account in Mozilla Thunderbird

Note: Set up on the 14 April 2010 using version 3.0.4
Also tested using the Portable Edition, version 3.0.4 from PortableApps.com

First-time installation/account setup:

Step 1:

If required, download and install Mozilla Thunderbird.

Run Thunderbird, cancelling any prompts to set up accounts.

Step 2:

Add Outgoing Server (SMTP) settings:

Go to Tools » Accounts Settings and select Outgoing Server (SMTP) from the left panel and click the Add button.

From the entry box, add the following:

  • Enter a Description for the account
  • Enter a Server Name
  • Use Port 25
  • Leave Connection security as none
  • Leave Authentication method as none
  • Enter a User Name
  • Click OK to confirm and exit
Thunderbird Outgoing Server (SMTP) settings

Step 3:

Add Account settings:

Go to Tools » Accounts Settings and, from the bottom left panel, click the Account Actions button then select Add Mail Account.

From the entry box, add the following:

  • Enter Your name
  • Enter the Email address
  • Enter the Password, check Remember password (optional), click Continue
Thunderbird account setup

Thunderbird will now try to automatically detect settings and will use IMAP by default, which is not required. Cancel this by clicking Stop, and manually change the settings to the following:

  • Enter the User name
  • For Incoming:
    • Enter the mail server name
    • Choose POP from the dropdown list
    • Use Port 110
    • Choose None for connection security
  • For Outgoing:
    • Enter the mail server name
    • Use Port 25
    • Choose None for connection security
  • Click Create Account
Thunderbird POP account settings

Step 4:

Now go to Tools » Accounts Settings and select the account that has just created by highlighting the account name (email address). From here, there are various options that can be used to configure the email client.

Send messages in Plain Text (optional):

Step 1:

Go to Tools » Accounts Settings and select Composition & Addressing from the left panel.

Uncheck Compose messages in HTML format, click OK.

Step 2:

Go to Tools » Options and select Composition from the top panel.

Under Forward messages choose Inline.

Step 3:

Click Send Options, and, under Text Format choose Ask me what to do, click OK and exit.

Note: Messages will now be sent in plain text as default.
Tip: To send a message in HTML format, hold down Shift on the keyboard while pressing Compose or Reply

Test the account is working by sending an e-mail (checking any firewalls or anti-virus software are not blocking the application).

Go back to the How-to Guides main page.

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