Configuring Thunderbird 3 using IMAP
for Macintosh
Summary: Thunderbird is a popular and free email program that is supported for use at UCI with OIT MailBox Services.
IMAP stores your email on the server. This allows you to read your email from different computers. Thunderbird allows you to download your messages for offline viewing when you do not have a connection to the Internet. If you check email from more than one computer, including Webmail, we recommend using IMAP.
Note: These directions are for use with Thunderbird 3. We recommend upgrading Thunderbird to the latest release to ensure you have updated security patches. If you are still using an older version, please use these directions for Thunderbird 2.
Using the Mail Account Wizard
If you have never used Thunderbird before, a new Mail Account Wizard will appear the first time you launch the application. Setup can be done in a few easy steps.
Note: If you are using Thunderbird 3 for another account, you can get to the Mail Account Setup from the File > New Account > Mail Account menu.
- Launch Thunderbird
- In the Mail Account Setup window, type in the following:
- Your name as you would like it to be shown to others
- Your UCI email address
- Your UCInetID password
- Click the Continue button (Figure 1)
Figure 1 - Thunderbird will try to auto-detect the correct settings for our email servers.
The Incoming server should be correct and should show a green dot.
The Outgoing server is not correct and you will need to edit the settings.
- Click the Edit button. (Figure 2)
Figure 2 - Select STARTTLS from the drop-down menu next to SMTP.
- Click the Re-test Configuration button. (Figure 3)
Figure 3 - The Outgoing server should now also be green.
- Click the Create Account button. (Figure 4)
Figure 4 - Thunderbird should now be configured to send and receive UCI email using IMAP.
You are now ready to use your email. To check mail, click the Get Mail icon at the top of the screen. When prompted, enter your Email password and press Enter.
- View the Thunderbird Basics Tutorial
If you have any problems, please call the OIT Help Desk at 949-824-2222, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
