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.

Downloading Thunderbird

If you haven't downloaded Thunderbird yet:

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

Adding an Account

Step 1: Start New Account

When you start Thunderbird for the first time, it will ask for an account:

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

Step 2: Enter Basic Information

Fill in the following information:

  • Your Name: As you want recipients to see you
  • Email Address: your full email address
  • Password: your email password
  • Check: "Remember Password

Click on "Continue

Step 3: Automatic Configuration

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

If automatic configuration succeeds:

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

If automatic configuration fails:

  • Click on "Manual Setup
  • Follow the steps below

Step 4: Manual Configuration

Fill in the following settings:

Incoming Server (IMAP):

SettingValue
ProtocolIMAP
Hostnamemail.yourdomain.nl
Port993
Connection SecuritySSL/TLS
Authentication MethodNormal Password
Usernameyour full email address

Outgoing Server (SMTP):

SettingValue
Hostnamemail.yourdomain.nl
Port465
Connection SecuritySSL/TLS
Authentication MethodNormal Password
Usernameyour full email address

Step 5: Test and Complete

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

Adjust Important Settings

Synchronizing Folder Structure

By default, Thunderbird does not synchronize all folders:

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

Saving Sent Messages

Ensure that sent messages are saved on the server:

  1. Go to Menu > Account Settings
  2. Select your account > "Copies & Folders
  3. Under "Place a copy of sent messages in":
  4. Select "Sent" folder on: and choose your server

Setting Up Trash

For correct synchronization of deleted messages:

  1. Go to Account Settings > Server Settings
  2. Under "Move deleted messages to":
  3. Select "Trash folder on: and choose your server

Adding a Signature

Set up a professional signature:

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

Example:

Best regards,

Jan Jansen
Company Name
Tel: 020-1234567
www.companyname.nl

Troubleshooting

"Server Not Found"

  1. Check the hostname - Any typos?
  2. Check your internet connection
  3. Try: mail.yourdomain.nl (replace yourdomain.nl)

"Login Failed"

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

"Certificate Error"

  1. This can occur with new domains
  2. Click on "Add Exception if you are sure
  3. Check if you are using the correct server name

Folders Not Appearing

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

Emails Not Deleted from Server

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

Tips for Daily Use

Keyboard Shortcuts

ActionShortcut
New EmailCtrl+N
ReplyCtrl+R
Reply AllCtrl+Shift+R
ForwardCtrl+L
SendCtrl+Enter
SearchCtrl+K

Setting Up Filters

Automatically sort emails:

  1. Go to Menu > Message Filters
  2. Click on "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 are here for you! Are you facing any issues or do you have questions? Our support team is happy to assist you personally. Send us a message via the ticket system - we usually respond within a few hours and are happy to help you.