Quick‑Start Guide: Setting Up Zoho Mail on iOS & Android

Below you’ll find a step‑by‑step walk‑through to get Zoho Mail working on your iPhone/iPad and Android device. The only extra thing you’ll need to do in the Zoho admin console is enable IMAP, which is a one‑time setting. Once that’s done, the rest is pure device configuration.


1️⃣ Enable IMAP in Zoho Mail (Admin Only)

If you’re the domain owner or have admin privileges, follow these steps.

  1. Log in to the Zoho Mail Admin Console (https://mailadmin.zoho.com).
  2. Go to Setup → Mail Accounts.
  3. Click Edit next to the desired mail account or domain.
  4. Scroll to Mail Access → IMAP.
  5. Check the box that says “Enable IMAP Access”.
  6. Save your changes.

Tip: If you’re using a sub‑domain or a custom domain, make sure your MX records are pointing to Zoho’s servers. Contact your hosting provider (e.g., vvcares.com) if you see any DNS issues.

Once IMAP is activated, you’re ready to add the account on your phone.


2️⃣ Add Zoho Mail on iOS (iPhone / iPad)

  1. OpenSettings > Mail > Accounts > Add Account.
  2. Choose “Other” (Zoho isn’t listed under the Apple Mail presets).
  3. Tap “Add Mail Account” and fill in:
    • Name: Your name (appears in “From” field).
    • Email: [email protected]
    • Password: Your Zoho password (or app‑specific password if you have 2FA).
    • Description: “Zoho Mail”
  4. Tap Next.
  5. Enter the Incoming Mail Server (IMAP) details:
    • Host Name: imap.zoho.com
    • User Name: Your full email address
    • Password: Same as above
  6. Tap Next.
  7. Enter the Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP) details:
    • Host Name: smtp.zoho.com
    • User Name: Your full email address
    • Password: Same as above
  8. Toggle “Use SSL” on for both IMAP & SMTP.
  9. Set Port numbers:
    • IMAP: 993 (SSL)
    • SMTP: 465 (SSL) or 587 (STARTTLS)
  10. Tap Save.

Your Zoho mailbox should now sync. You can adjust sync frequency and storage options in the account settings if needed.


3️⃣ Add Zoho Mail on Android

Android’s native mail app is great, but you can also use Gmail or Outlook; the settings are the same.

Using the Native Android Email App

  1. Open the Email app (or Settings → Accounts → Add account).
  2. Choose “Add account” > “Other”.
  3. Enter your email address and password.
  4. The app will prompt you for server settings.
  5. Manually configure:
    • Incoming Mail Server
      • Type: IMAP
      • Server: imap.zoho.com
      • Port: 993
      • Security type: SSL/TLS
      • Username: Full email address
      • Password: Zoho password (or app password)
    • Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP)
      • Server: smtp.zoho.com
      • Port: 465 (SSL) or 587 (STARTTLS)
      • Security: SSL/TLS
      • Username & Password: Same as above
  6. Save.

Using Gmail (SMTP Only)

If you prefer to use Gmail’s interface but keep your Zoho mailbox:

  1. In Gmail, go to Settings → Accounts.
  2. Click Add a POP or IMAP mail account.
  3. Follow the prompts, using the same Zoho IMAP settings.

4️⃣ Verify Everything Works

  • Send a test email from your device to yourself.
  • Check the Sent folder to ensure the message appears.
  • Open a new email in your Zoho webmail or desktop client to confirm sync.

If you run into authentication errors:

Issue Fix
“Unauthenticated” Check for 2FA – generate an app‑specific password in Zoho.
SSL Connection Failed Make sure “Use SSL” is enabled and you’re using the right port.
Mail not syncing Ensure “IMAP Access” is enabled in the Admin Console.

5️⃣ Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Setting iOS Android (Native)
IMAP Server imap.zoho.com imap.zoho.com
IMAP Port 993 993
IMAP SSL ✔︎ ✔︎ (SSL/TLS)
SMTP Server smtp.zoho.com smtp.zoho.com
SMTP Port 465 (SSL) / 587 (STARTTLS) 465 (SSL) / 587 (STARTTLS)
SMTP SSL ✔︎ ✔︎ (SSL/TLS)
Auth: Username Full email Full email
Auth: Password Zoho password or App Password Same

6️⃣ Need Help from Your Hosting Provider?

If your domain’s MX records aren’t pointing to Zoho or you’re experiencing DNS‑related delivery issues, contact your email hosting provider (e.g., vvcares.com). Provide them with:

  • Your domain name
  • The Zoho MX records (listed in Zoho’s help docs)
  • Any error logs you see

They can ensure the DNS is correctly configured, speeding up email delivery and reducing bounce rates.


🎉 You’re All Set!

Your Zoho Mail is now fully integrated with both iOS and Android devices, using secure IMAP/SMTP connections. Enjoy seamless email across all platforms! If you hit any snags, double‑check the server details or drop a message in Zoho’s support forum for extra help. Happy emailing!