Connect a custom mailbox with SMTP and IMAP
Supply both server connections so your messages can send and replies can return.
On this page
Collect the settings from your mailbox provider
SMTP sends messages; IMAP reads the mailbox so replies can appear in Outreach DigLab. Prepare both sets of details before opening the connection form. Use the settings supplied by the mailbox provider for this exact account. Do not guess a port from another provider’s guide or assume the login name is always the email address. If the provider requires an app password, use that in the connection form.
| Item | How to use it |
|---|---|
| SMTP host and port | The sending server and port published by your mailbox provider. |
| IMAP host and port | The reading server and port for the same mailbox. |
| Connection security | The SSL or TLS settings required by the provider for each connection. |
| Mailbox username | The login identifier specified for this mailbox. |
| Password or app password | Enter through the connection form; keep it out of task notes and screenshots. |
Add and test the custom account
Gather your server details
From your email provider, collect the SMTP host and port (for sending) and the IMAP host and port (for reading replies), plus the username and password for the mailbox.
Expected result: You have both SMTP and IMAP details for the same mailbox.
Start a custom connection
Open Email Accounts , click Add account , and choose the custom SMTP/IMAP option.
Expected result: The custom SMTP/IMAP form is open under Email Accounts.
Enter SMTP and IMAP settings
Fill in both sets of server details. Most providers use a secure connection (SSL or TLS) on standard ports. If you use an app password, paste that instead of your normal password.
Expected result: Both sets of server details match the provider’s instructions.
Set limits and warmup
Review the daily limit, documented as 30 by default, and the warmup setting. Leave warmup on if that matches your mailbox setup; it does not guarantee future inbox placement.
Expected result: The intended daily limit and warmup state are selected.
Test and save
Save the inbox so Outreach DigLab can verify it can both send and receive. If the test fails, recheck the host, port, and security settings, and confirm the password or app password is correct.
Expected result: The saved mailbox passes the app’s sending and receiving connection checks.
Check sending and reading separately
After saving, send a campaign test to an address you control and inspect the sender identity and message. During an agreed pilot conversation, confirm the reply is visible in the original mailbox and in Outreach DigLab Inbox. This separates an outbound problem from a reading problem. If the email arrives but the reply is missing from Inbox, focus on IMAP details and reading access rather than repeatedly changing the SMTP server.
Example diagnostic note
SMTP connection: accepted or exact error
IMAP connection: accepted or exact error
Outbound test: received or not received
Pilot reply: present in mailbox / present in Inbox
Changed setting: host, port or security mode only; no passwordFix the specific failed connection
Compare the failed host, port and security mode with the provider’s current instructions. A valid password can still fail when the provider requires an app password or disallows that access method. Resolve the provider’s supported configuration rather than disabling its protections. Retest after correcting one identified issue so you can tell which change mattered. If you imported a batch of accounts, review failures individually; the same server defaults may not fit every mailbox.
Avoid pasting a complete mailbox-import file into a support request. It may contain credentials. Supply the provider name, the failed connection type and the exact error with account details removed. Keep the original connected entry available while diagnosing it so you do not accidentally assign duplicate sender entries to a campaign.