2.24.2.7.2. Configuring the correct authentication in the Mail app (macOS)

When a mail client connects to a mail server to receive or send mail, authentication is used for security purposes. There are different authentication methods. Some of the options are CRAM-MD5 or APOP, which are currently outdated and insecure. Here's how to check your current settings and set up a more modern and secure authentication method.

To properly configure authentication in the Mail app, do the following:

1. Launch the Mail app.
2. In the top menu, click “Mail → Settings»:
3. In section "Accounts"On the left, select the required account, switch to the"Server settings"And check the settings:
   • Incoming mail:
     • Checkmark opposite "Configure connection parameters automatically»Must be cleared so that the settings can be manually specified.
     • The parameters “Port"And"Use TLS / SSL»:
       • If the IMAP protocol is used (at the top it says “Incoming mail server (IMAP)»):
         • For the connection to the server to be encrypted, recommended use port 993 and check the box next to "Use TLS / SSL».
         • If an unencrypted connection suits you, you can use the port 143 and the unchecked box opposite “Use TLS / SSL».
       • If the POP3 protocol is used (at the top it says “Incoming mail server (POP)»):
         • For the connection to the server to be encrypted, recommended use port 995 and check the box next to "Use TLS / SSL».
         • If an unencrypted connection suits you, you can use the port 110 and the unchecked box opposite “Use TLS / SSL».
     • The parameter “Authentication"- its meaning necessarily should be “Password". If set to a different value, change it to the one shown.
   • Outgoing mail server (SMTP):
     • Checkmark opposite "Configure connection parameters automatically»Must be cleared so that the settings can be manually specified.
     • The parameters “Port"And"Use TLS / SSL»:
       • For the connection to the server to be encrypted, recommended use port 465 and check the box next to "Use TLS / SSL».
       • If an unencrypted connection suits you, you can use the port 25 or 2525 and the unchecked box opposite “Use TLS / SSL».
     • The parameter “Authentication"- its meaning necessarily should be “Password". If set to a different value, change it to the one shown.
4. Click "Advanced IMAP settings»:
5. Make sure to check the box next to “Allow insecure authentication»:
6. Save your changes and test your mail.