Mozilla Thunderbird is a free, powerful email client for Windows, Mac, and Linux. In this guide, we explain how to set up your business email in Thunderbird with the correct IMAP settings.

Download Thunderbird

If you don't have Thunderbird yet:

1. Go to thunderbird.net
2. Click "Free Download
3. Install the program
4. Start Thunderbird

Add account

Step 1: Start new account

On first startup, Thunderbird asks for an account:

1. Click "Email under "Set Up an Account"
2. Or go to Menu (☰) > New > Existing Mail Account

Step 2: Enter basic information

Fill in the following details:

• Your name: How you want recipients to see you
• Email address: your full email address
• Password: your email password
• Check: "Remember password

Click "Continue

Step 3: Automatic configuration

Thunderbird tries to automatically find the server settings. This may take a moment.

If automatic configuration succeeds:

• Verify that IMAP is selected (not POP3)
• Click "Done

If automatic configuration fails:

• Click "Manual config
• Follow the steps below

Step 4: Manual configuration

Fill in the following settings:

Incoming server (IMAP):

Outgoing server (SMTP):

Step 5: Test and finish

1. Click "Re-test to verify the settings
2. If everything is green, click "Done
3. Thunderbird starts synchronizing your email

Adjust important settings

Synchronize folder structure

By default, Thunderbird doesn't sync all folders:

1. Right-click on your account name
2. Choose "Subscribe
3. Check all folders you want to synchronize
4. Click "OK

Save sent messages

Ensure sent messages are saved on the server:

1. Go to Menu > Account Settings
2. Select your account > "Copies & Folders
3. Under "When sending messages, automatically":
4. Choose "Place a copy in: Sent folder on: and select your server

Set up Trash

For correct synchronization of deleted messages:

1. Go to Account Settings > Server Settings
2. Under "When I delete a message":
3. Choose "Move it to this folder: and select Trash on your server

Add signature

Set up a professional signature:

1. Go to Menu > Account Settings
2. Select your account
3. Scroll to "Signature text
4. Enter your signature (HTML is supported)

Example:

Best regards,

John Smith
Company Name
Tel: +1-555-123-4567
www.companyname.com

Troubleshooting

"Server not found"

1. Check the hostname - No typos?
2. Check your internet connection
3. Try: mail.yourdomain.com (replace yourdomain.com)

"Login failed"

1. Check your password - Test via webmail
2. Use your full email address as username
3. Check that Caps Lock is off

"Certificate error"

1. This can happen with new domains
2. Click "Add Exception if you're sure
3. Verify you're using the correct server name

Folders don't appear

1. Right-click on your account > "Subscribe
2. Check the missing folders
3. Wait for synchronization to complete

Emails not deleted from server

1. Go to Account Settings > Server Settings
2. Check the trash settings
3. Ensure "Move deleted messages to Trash" is enabled

Tips for daily use

Keyboard shortcuts

Set up filters

Automatically sort emails:

1. Go to Menu > Message Filters
2. Click "New
3. Set your filter rules
4. Choose the action (move, label, etc.)

Calendar and contacts

Thunderbird also supports:

• Calendar: via built-in Lightning
• Contacts: automatically from emails or import

Need help?

We're here for you! Running into issues or have questions? Our support team is happy to help you personally. Drop us a message through the ticket system - we usually respond within a few hours and love helping you find the best solution.