Hotmail Server Settings? for Easy Configuration on Any Platform

To configure your @hotmail.com account on an email client on your own, you must know the correct Hotmail server settings. The problem is that now Hotmail lacks its original server details. Instead, it uses the outlook.office365.com for incoming mail and smtp.office365.com for outgoing mail.

If you are confused about how to use these parameters accurately, stop worrying. I will show you exactly how to find the details on your own and use them to bypass any auto-discovery failures you might be facing.

In case you are in a hurry, check out the following.

TL; DR: Configuration Snapshot

• IMAP: outlook.office365.com | Port: 993 | SSL/TLS
• SMTP: smtp.office365.com | Port: 587 | STARTTLS
• POP3: outlook.office365.com | Port: 995 | SSL/TLS
• User: Your full email address ending with the @hotmail.com domain.
• Password: Regular password (or App Password if 2FA is active).

Microsoft Has Changed the Hotmail Server Settings

Although on the surface, you might still use the same email you made years ago with the domain extension, like in our case, @hotmail.com. Behind the scenes, almost everything has changed.

Now, when you type in hotmail.com on a browser, you get redirected to the Outlook home page. This is because Microsoft has fully integrated all of its email infrastructure under the M365 umbrella.

Using older configuration guides is the reason why people can’t sign into Hotmail. They believe that they have the correct server details. However, it is not the case as per the new “Modern Authentication” (OAuth 2.0) requirements.

Implement Incoming Hotmail Live Server Settings

By default, all Hotmail IDs use the IMAP protocol. These single details sync all of your email messages across every device instantly.

Even the messages inside the folders like “Sent” or “Draft” are copied. To ensure that the sync is successful, you must use the 993 port number. This is the dedicated port number specifically for the IMAP protocol.

If you choose the wrong port by mistake, then you encounter the “Server Not Found” error. Here are the rest of the details:

• Server: outlook.office365.com
• Port: 993
• Encryption: SSL/TLS

Security and encryption in the new Hotmail server settings:

Microsoft has now made it compulsory to use SSL/TLS while configuring the Hotmail server details. If you don’t follow the official guidelines, the handshake that is supposed to happen at the backend will fail.

Another alternative form of incoming connection is POP3.

The main point of difference is that when you choose POP3, the emails are stored locally. Which keeps the cloud mailbox empty. It is useful in niche situations and is also a temporary solution for an Outlook mailbox being full. The POP3 details for Hotmail are as follows:

• POP3 Port: 995
• Security: SSL/TLS
• Server Address: Same as IMAP (outlook.office365.com)

SMTP Hotmail Server Settings

The Simple Mail Transfer Protocol is a set of rules responsible for sending your messages out. Many users often have a complaint that they are able to receive the messages just fine it is the outgoing that’s troubling them.

This problem is mainly due to an incorrect encryption handshake or a blocked port.

So whenever you add a new Hotmail account anywhere, check for the following.

• Outgoing Server: smtp.office365.com
• Port: 587
• Encryption: STARTTLS

Server Details for Outgoing Messages

Your outgoing server needs authentication. It means that the mail client you are using must log in with the full email address and the associated password before any message can be sent.

Usually, there aren’t any issues; still, if you find it difficult to transfer your data to a new platform, double-check your SMTP and IMAP settings. Verify again, and then try to import a PST to Office 365 or any other activity that you are trying to do.

How to Use Hotmail iPhone Server Settings

Adding a Hotmail or any other email ID, for that matter, to an iPhone is pretty straightforward. All you need to do is use the built-in template. However, sometimes the auto configuration fails. This is when you have to add the data manually.

Perform these steps to ensure that the mail app communicates with the account.

• Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts > Add Account > Other.
• Then type the IMAP (993) and SMTP (587) values.

That’s it, your iPhone will recognise these values and map your account accordingly.

Advanced Use Cases

These Hotmail Live Server Settings unlock powerful functions that you can use. One such useful feature is when you need to move emails across two different Hotmail accounts or from Hotmail to any other domain.

For all such scenarios, use the SysTools IMAP Migrator. It provides a scriptless, pure graphical interface to help you transfer emails from one account to another.

Download your free copy today and utilize the information I shared in this post to access your emails from anywhere.

Conclusion

Applying the correct Hotmail server settings is a must if you want to keep your email account functional across platforms. All you have to do is follow the guidelines prescribed in the post. Which will make the client-server communication super secure without compromising on speed.

At the end, these settings are not just limited to account configuration, but also help out in other circumstances, like moving data between email IDs. Use the professional tool for any such situation.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Hotmail Server Settings

Q: Do Hotmail Live server settings always stay the same?

No, Microsoft has changed the server settings in the past and may do it again if it finds a more efficient way to deliver email.

Q: Are the settings the same for every device?

Yes, you can use the same details no matter the platform.

Q: What were the old Hotmail Live Server Settings

All of these have expired, so change them ASAP.

Protocol	Server Name	Port	Encryption
Incoming (IMAP)	imap-mail.outlook.com	993	SSL/TLS
Incoming (POP3)	pop3.live.com or pop-mail.outlook.com	995	SSL/TLS
Outgoing (SMTP)	smtp.live.com or smtp-mail.outlook.com	587	STARTTLS