Exchange Server Settings
Exchange Server settings are the connection parameters used by email clients and other applications to access a Microsoft Exchange mailbox. Depending on the connection method, these settings may include the Exchange server address, IMAP or POP server name, SMTP server, port numbers, and SSL/TLS options.
What Exchange Server Settings Do You Need?
The exact settings depend on how an email client connects to Exchange. Outlook can often detect Exchange account settings automatically, while IMAP, POP3, or SMTP connections may require the server name, port number, and encryption method to be entered manually.
For an on-premises Exchange Server, the server address normally uses the organization's Exchange fully qualified domain name (FQDN), such as mail.example.com. The actual address must be provided by the Exchange administrator or IT department.
Common Exchange Server Ports and Settings
IMAP Settings
Exchange Server uses port 993 for IMAP connections encrypted with SSL/TLS. Port 143 can be used for unencrypted connections or STARTTLS, depending on the server configuration.
SMTP Settings
Authenticated SMTP client submission normally uses port 587 with TLS. The SMTP server name is usually based on the Exchange server FQDN configured by the administrator.
POP3 Settings
POP3 normally uses port 995 for SSL/TLS connections. Port 110 may be used for unencrypted access or STARTTLS when enabled by the administrator.
Server Address
The Exchange server address is typically an FQDN such as mail.example.com. If Outlook cannot detect it automatically, the server name should be obtained from the organization's administrator.
Exchange Server Settings for Outlook
When Outlook is connected directly to Microsoft Exchange, most connection parameters are usually detected automatically. If automatic configuration fails, Outlook may ask for the Microsoft Exchange Server address and other connection information.
Microsoft also allows administrators to configure POP3, IMAP4, and authenticated SMTP for clients that do not use the standard Outlook connection method. In those cases, the correct server name, ports, and encryption options must match the Exchange Server configuration.
How to Find Exchange Server Settings
If you do not know the Exchange server name, the most reliable source is the administrator or IT department responsible for the mailbox. Microsoft specifically recommends obtaining the Exchange server address from the organization that provided the account.
For POP3 and IMAP4 connections, configured connection information may also be available in Outlook on the web when the Exchange administrator has enabled and published these settings.
Exchange Server vs. Exchange Online Settings
On-premises Exchange Server and Exchange Online do not necessarily use the same server names. For Exchange Online, Microsoft currently lists outlook.office365.com for IMAP and POP access and smtp.office365.com for SMTP submission.
For an on-premises Exchange deployment, server names are defined by the organization and may use an internal or public hostname depending on the connection type.
Exchange Settings and Exchange Mailbox Data
Connection settings are different from the mailbox data stored by Exchange. Messages, attachments, calendars, contacts, and other mailbox items are kept inside an Exchange Mailbox Database, while calendar information forms part of the user's Exchange Server Calendar data.
If you need to preserve the Exchange environment rather than simply configure an email client, see our Microsoft Exchange Backup Solution guide. It explains how Handy Backup works with Exchange databases and mailbox data using the dedicated MS Exchange plug-in.
Exchange Server Settings FAQ
What is the Exchange Server address?
The Exchange Server address is the hostname used by an email client to connect to the Exchange environment. In an on-premises deployment, it is usually an organization-specific FQDN such as mail.example.com. The correct value should be obtained from the Exchange administrator.
What are the IMAP settings for Exchange Server?
Exchange Server normally uses port 993 for IMAP with SSL/TLS. Port 143 can be used for unencrypted IMAP or STARTTLS, depending on how the Exchange administrator has configured the server.
What SMTP port does Exchange Server use?
Authenticated SMTP client submission typically uses port 587 with TLS. The actual SMTP hostname depends on the Exchange Server configuration.
Where can I find my Exchange Server settings?
If Outlook cannot detect the account automatically, ask the administrator or IT department for the Exchange server name and connection parameters. POP and IMAP settings may also be shown in Outlook on the web when these protocols have been enabled and configured by the administrator.
Learn more:
- Exchange Mailbox Database
"Exchange Mailbox Database is a database used by Microsoft Exchange Server to store user mailboxes and their contents. Mailbox databases contain email messages,…" - Exchange Server Message Tracking
"Exchange Server message tracking records message activity as email moves through the Exchange transport pipeline. Administrators can use message tracking…" - Outlook Address Book Location
"Outlook address book is a compilation of various address books and mailing lists, including the "Contacts" folder, Personal Address Book files (.pab),…"