How to Check and Change Thunderbird Server Settings (Complete Guide)

To find and update your Thunderbird server settings, go to your Account Settings and click on Server Settings option to check the incoming server– IMAP or POP3. Scroll and check Outgoing Server (SMTP) at the bottom on the left for the sending server. Now, you can edit and update the hostname, port, connection security, or authentication method. At last, after all changes are made, restart Thunderbird and send a demo test mail.

In this article, we have covered what each setting consists of, where to find the details, how to update and resolve common problems, and connection errors on your own.

What are Thunderbird Server Settings?

These server settings are the values or details that tell how to send and receive emails for an account. They include server name, port number, security, authentication method, and username. If there is any error in these, it will face connection issues, and will show login errors or missing emails.

How do I check Thunderbird server settings?

Open the settings of your account. Select Server Settings to fetch the incoming details, and select Outgoing Server to see sending details. The following steps will you to check these settings easily –

1. Open Thunderbird.
2. Click on the three lines on the top and choose Account Settings.
3. You can also right-click on your Account and click on Settings.
4. Select Server Settings from the other options to see the incoming details.
5. Scroll down and click Outgoing Server (SMTP).
6. Select the SMTP and Click edit to view its additional settings.

What are Thunderbird incoming server settings?

These Thunderbird settings control how Thunderbird downloads mail, using IMAP or POP3 port with SSL/ TLS. The fields are-

• Server name– demo: imap.gmail.com
• Port– 993 or 995 (IMAP or POP3)
• Security– SSL/ TLS
• Username– full email address (usually)
• Authentication– password, OAuth2, or any other method which provider supports

What are Thunderbird outgoing server settings?

These outgoing server settings control how the Thunderbird sends an email through SMTP server, with either port 465 with SSL/TLS or port 587 with STARTTLS. Included fields are-

• Server name– demo: smtp.gmail.com
• Port– 465 or 587
• Username– full email address
• Authentication– method your provider supports

What are the Thunderbird email server settings for Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo?

Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo all work on port 993 (IMAP) with SSL/TLS for incoming emails, but what differs is their sign-in methods ad SMTP ports. Let’s have a brief look into the details of each one of them.

Gmail server settings for Thunderbird

• Incoming server (IMAP): imap.gmail.com, port 993, SSL/TLS
• Outgoing server (SMTP): smtp.gmail.com, port 465 (SSL/TLS) or 587 (STARTTLS)
• Authentication: OAuth2
• Username: your full Gmail address

Outlook server settings for Thunderbird

• Incoming server (IMAP): outlook.office365.com, port 993, SSL/TLS
• Outgoing server (SMTP): smtp.office365.com, port 587, STARTTLS
• Authentication: OAuth2
• Username: your full email address

Yahoo server settings for Thunderbird

• Incoming server (IMAP): imap.mail.yahoo.com, port 993, SSL/TLS
• Outgoing server (SMTP): smtp.mail.yahoo.com, port 465, SSL/TLS
• Authentication: Normal password
• Username: your full Yahoo address

Also read: You can export your Thunderbird Emails to various file formats using SysTools Thunderbird Converter

How do I configure Thunderbird manually?

Choose the configurations manually when adding a new account, then add incoming and outgoing server details. Use this when automatic setup of the account fails.

1. Click Account Settings, then Account Actions, and finally Add Mail Account.
2. Enter name, email, and password in the respective fields.
3. Click Configure manually option.
4. Enter the incoming name, port, security, and authentication method.
5. Enter the outgoing server details just the way you did for incoming server.
6. Click on Re-test, and finally confirm by clicking on Done.

How to change server settings in Thunderbird?

If you want to change server settings in Thunderbird, open Account Settings and edit the given details, update the SMTP in Outgoing Server, and restart Thunderbird. Steps include–

1. Open Account Settings and click Server Settings.
2. Update the required details like server name, port, connection security, or auth method.
3. Open Outgoing Server, click on your server and then Edit.
4. After all necessary changes, click OK and restart your Thunderbird.
5. You can perform a test to confirm everything works by sending and receiving a demo mail.

Also Read: You can import your files or folders into Thunderbird with SysTools Thunderbird Importer

How can I fix or change Thunderbird server settings password?

To fix the password of your Thunderbird, remove the old saved password by clicking Settings, then search for Privacy & Security, look for Passwords section, and there you will see Saved Passwords option.

Every provider has their own method of fixing password problem. Common solution includes–

• Gmail and Outlook– Set OAuth2 as your authentication method. Thunderbird will open a browser sign-in window instead of asking a password.
• Yahoo and iCloud– If 2-step verification is on, create a different app-specific password and use it instead of your actual password.
• Password rejected– Cross-check your username, IMAP or POP3 access (if are enabled in your settings)

Note– if you are migrating your Thunderbird from one computer to another, My Saved Passwords, Add-ons & Settings will be moved as well. If you are using a master password, it will be required to regain stored passwords, so choose passwords wisely or save them in your notes.

Also Read: Quickly Add and Import Hotmail Account to Thunderbird with Best 2 Methods

What are common Thunderbird server settings errors and fixes?

Also Read: How to Add Yahoo Account to Mozilla Thunderbird? 3 Quick Solution

Best Practices for Thunderbird Server Settings

• Use IMAP, if you wok or handle mails on more than one device.
• Always use connection security (SSL/TLS or STARTTLS).
• Keep your Thunderbird updated so it supports your chosen security methods.
• Practice using app passwords instead of main password wherever possible.
• Always keep backup of your profile before making any changes.

Conclusion

Thunderbird server settings usually need four correct configurations for each server: hostname, port, connection security, and auth method. Problem in connections usually appears from small mistakes or mistyped hostname or a port. Checking these values in your Thunderbird Account Settings can easily fix it in minutes. With the right server settings, your mailbox stays safe, reliable, and keep your connected device synchronised.

FAQs

1. What is OAuth2 in Thunderbird?
   OAuth2 is a login method that lets you enter your provider’s own web page instead of entering a password. It is more secured because Thunderbird uses token for OAuuth2 rather than your password.
2. Why is Thunderbird unable to find Port after I changed the hostname?
   The hostname may have a spelling mistake, or there must be some issue in your internet connection. To check it, test the address in a browser, or try again in some time.
3. Is there any difference in Thunderbird server settings on Windows, Mac, and Linux?
   No. The values of the server remains same on every operating system. Only the way to find the server settings may differ a little, or have similar headings.
4. Is it possible to reset the Thunderbird settings?
   Yes. You need to go to your Account settings and under Account Actions, select Remove Account option, After removing it, add your account again with correct server configurations.
5. Why there is a ‘server certificate’ error after I made some changes in the server settings?
   The hostname you entered may be different or have a spelling mistake, which is why its not matching server’s certificate. Review the hostname and add a security exception only if you trust the server.