> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.yeymail.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.yeymail.com/using-yeymail/sending-and-replying/outlook.md).

# Outlook

> **Which Outlook?** This works in the **desktop app**: Outlook for Windows or Mac, and the classic desktop client. It does **not** work on **outlook.com** in a browser: Microsoft's webmail doesn't let you send through an outside mail server. If you use Outlook only in a browser, use one of the other apps in this section instead, or reply rather than composing new mail.

## Before you start

In YeyMail: **Aliases → open the alias → Send as this alias (SMTP)** and set a password.

## The approach

Outlook ties sending to an account rather than to a free-standing identity, so you add the alias as an additional account. Because YeyMail forwards your mail elsewhere and doesn't run a mailbox you can download from, set it up as a **send-only** account.

## Steps (new Outlook for Windows / Outlook for Mac)

1. **File → Add Account**, or **Settings → Accounts → Add account**.
2. Enter the alias, e.g. `shop@yourdomain.com`, and choose **Advanced setup** / **Let me set up my account manually**.
3. Choose **IMAP** or **POP** as the account type (Outlook requires an incoming server even when you only want to send).
4. Outgoing (SMTP) server:

   | Field      | Value                     |
   | ---------- | ------------------------- |
   | Server     | `mx1.yeymail.com`         |
   | Port       | `587`                     |
   | Encryption | **STARTTLS**              |
   | Username   | the full alias            |
   | Password   | the SMTP password you set |
5. For the incoming server, Outlook will insist on something. Enter `mx1.yeymail.com` with port `993`/IMAP to get past the dialog, then expect the incoming test to fail. That's expected and harmless. Choose to continue anyway if offered, and afterwards set the account to **not** check for new mail.

   YeyMail doesn't host a mailbox for your alias (mail is forwarded to your real inbox instead), so there is nothing for Outlook to download.
6. When composing, pick the alias in the **From** field.

## Honestly, Thunderbird is easier

Outlook's insistence on a receiving mailbox makes this fiddly for a forwarding alias. If you're setting up several aliases, [Thunderbird](/using-yeymail/sending-and-replying/thunderbird.md) handles them as identities with no fake incoming server, and takes about a minute each.

## If it doesn't work

**The incoming server test fails**: expected. There's no mailbox to connect to. Only the outgoing half matters.

**Sending is rejected**: the From address must be the same alias as the username. Outlook sends as the account's own address, so use the account you created for that alias.

**Connection times out**: port `587` with STARTTLS, not 465.


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