Why can't I access my AOL Mail using other email applications?

If you're having trouble accessing your AOL Mail account from another email application (Microsoft Outlook, Thunderbird, etc), here are a couple of things to look for:

Check Your Password

If you recently changed your AOL password, you'll also need to change it in the email client that you use. Find that application's "Email Accounts" or "Accounts Settings" tab, select your AOL Mail account, and then insert your new AOL password.

Check Your IMAP Settings

To check your IMAP settings in Mac Mail, Outlook, Thunderbird, or whichever email client you’re using, find the "Email Accounts" or "Account Settings" menu option.

You might be prompted to select either IMAP or POP. AOL Mail supports both, but we recommend you use IMAP. What’s the difference?

Difference between IMAP and POP

IMAP	POP
These days, IMAP is the more common option. It keeps your email (and folders) on the remote email server, which means you have access from multiple locations – including mobile.	Requires you to download your Inbox (no folders) to your computer before you can read it—and, depending on settings, your email is deleted from the server as soon as it’s downloaded.

IMAP Setup Information

IMAP Username: YourUsername@aol.com
Incoming Mail Server: imap.aol.com (Use port 143 for standard or 993 for SSL connections)
SMTP Outgoing Server Address: smtp.aol.com Set the port to 587 (If using SSL, set port to 465)
SMTP Username: YourUsername@aol.com
SMTP Password: password you use to login to Mail

For a secure connection, check the SSL option for IMAP and TLS for SMTP in your mail program.

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Last updated: 08-31-2012