Configuring Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express to Use a Secure Connection (SSL) for Email Messages

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) are cryptographic protocols that provide secure communications on the Internet for such things as Web browsing, email, Internet faxing, instant messaging and other data transfers. You can configure your email client to use SSL for your mail as an extra layer of security. For more information on SSL, see What is an SSL certificate?

BEFORE YOU START: To set up Outlook® or Outlook Express with your email, you need to know your POP or IMAP Email Server Settings and ports. To find them, got to the Email Setup Center and write down the information that displays under Email Server Settings.

Configuring Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express to Use SSL for Messages

1. From the Tools menu, select E-Mail Accounts.
2. Select View or change existing e-mail accounts, and then click Next.
3. Select your email account, and then click Change.
4. In Outgoing mail (SMTP) enter your SMTP server name.
5. Click More Settings and go to the Outgoing Server tab.
6. Select My server requires authentication.
7. Select Log on using and enter your email address and password in the Account name and Password fields.
8. Go to the Advanced tab and make the following changes:
   • Outgoing mail (SMTP) Settings:
     • Port 465
     • Select This server requires an encrypted connection (SSL)
   • Incoming server Settings:
     • Port for IMAP accounts - 993
     • Port for POP accounts - 995
     • Select This server requires an encrypted connection (SSL)
9. Click OK.

For information on setting up Outlook to send and receive email see How to configure Internet e-mail accounts in Outlook.

For information on setting up Outlook Express to send and receive email see How to Set Up Outlook Express.

As a courtesy, we provide information about how to use certain third-party products, but we do not endorse or directly support third-party products and we are not responsible for the functions or reliability of such products. Outlook® and Outlook® Express are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All rights reserved.