Skip to main content

Setting up desktop email clients (IMAP/SMTP/POP)

Overview​

While the Clearbox Web App is the easiest way to access your mail, you may prefer using a desktop program like Microsoft Outlook. To connect these apps to your Clearbox Suite, the app needs specific "Connection Rules" (known technically as protocols).

This guide provides the necessary settings and a walkthrough for the most common desktop setup.

1. Understanding How Your Mail Syncs​

There are two ways a desktop app can talk to Clearbox. We strongly recommend the first option:

  • IMAP (Recommended): This "Syncs" your devices. If you read an email on your phone, it shows as read on your computer. If you create a folder in Outlook, it appears in your Web App.
  • POP3: This "Downloads" your mail to one specific computer. Once downloaded, it is often removed from the server, meaning you won't be able to see those emails on your phone. We generally recommend avoiding POP3 for modern business use.

2. Professional Server Settings​

When setting up a third-party application, you will be asked for "Incoming" and "Outgoing" server details. Use the values in the table below:

FeatureSetting
UsernameYour full professional email address
PasswordYour standard Clearbox account password
Incoming Server (IMAP)clearbox.alfrolia.com
Incoming Port993 (Security: SSL/TLS)
Outgoing Server (SMTP)clearbox.alfrolia.com
Outgoing Port587 (Security: STARTTLS)

Note on Security: Clearbox provides built-in encryption (SSL/TLS) for every connection. This ensures your business correspondence remains private and protected while traveling across the internet.

3. Microsoft Outlook Setup (Windows)​

To add your Clearbox account to the Windows version of Microsoft Outlook, follow these professional steps:

  1. Open Outlook: Click on File in the top-left corner.
  2. Add Account: Select Add Account.
  3. Manual Configuration: Enter your email address, select Advanced Options, check the box for "Let me set up my account manually," and click Connect.
  4. Choose Account Type: Select IMAP.
  5. Enter Server Details: Enter the server names and ports provided in the table above.
  6. Authentication: When prompted for a password, enter your primary Clearbox password.
  7. Test & Finish: Outlook will perform a brief test to ensure it can "talk" to Clearbox. Once the test is successful, your mail will begin to download.

4. Troubleshooting Connection Errors​

If Outlook or another app refuses to connect, it is usually due to one of the following:

  • Authentication Errors: This is almost always caused by a typo in the email address or password. Ensure your "Caps Lock" is off and that you are using your full email (e.g., you@yourdomain.com). Clearbox does not use "App Passwords," so simply use your main login.
  • Security/SSL Errors: If you see a warning about a "Security Certificate," verify that you have typed the server name exactly as clearbox.alfrolia.com. If the name is misspelled, the security system will block the connection to protect your data.
  • Port Blocks: Some public Wi-Fi networks (like those in cafes or airports) block the ports used for business email. If you are having trouble, try connecting to a trusted home or office network.

Additional Guides​

For mobile-specific setup or deeper technical references, please consult our related articles: