iCloud Mail SMTP settings: smtp.mail.me.com, port 587
Apple iCloud Mail outgoing server: smtp.mail.me.com, port 587 STARTTLS, your full iCloud address and an app-specific password from appleid.apple.com. Limits (1,000 a day, 500 recipients per message) and custom-domain notes.
iCloud Mail outgoing mail server:
smtp.mail.me.com, port <code>587</code> (STARTTLS), username = your full iCloud address, password = an app-specific password from appleid.apple.com → Sign-In and Security → App-Specific Passwords.
iCloud Mail SMTP settings at a glance
| Outgoing (SMTP) host | smtp.mail.me.com |
|---|---|
| Ports & encryption |
587 — STARTTLS <em>(the only port Apple documents)</em> |
| Username | your full iCloud address, e.g. you@icloud.com (also @me.com / @mac.com aliases) |
| Password | an app-specific password from appleid.apple.com → Sign-In and Security → App-Specific Passwords |
| Authentication | Two-factor authentication is required on the Apple ID before app-specific passwords can be created. The main Apple ID password is refused by third-party SMTP clients. |
How to set up iCloud Mail SMTP
- Turn on two-factor authentication for the Apple ID.
- appleid.apple.com → Sign-In and Security → App-Specific Passwords → Generate; copy it.
- App settings: host smtp.mail.me.com, port 587, STARTTLS, username = full iCloud address, password = app-specific password.
- For an iCloud+ custom domain, the From address must be one of the domain addresses set up in iCloud settings.
Sending limits
- Apple documents 1,000 messages per day and 500 recipients per message; new accounts may be lower.
- From must be your iCloud address, an @me.com/@mac.com alias, an iCloud email alias, or a custom domain configured in iCloud+ Custom Email Domain.
Things that catch people out
- Port 465 and port 25 are not supported.
- Some clients need the username without the @icloud.com suffix if authentication keeps failing — try both.
Common iCloud Mail SMTP errors
| Server reply | Meaning | Fix |
|---|---|---|
535 5.7.8 Error: authentication failed | Apple ID password used, or 2FA not enabled. | Generate an app-specific password. |
554 5.7.1 Mail from not allowed | From address is not an iCloud address/alias/custom-domain address. | Send from an address that belongs to the account. |
More codes: 535 authentication failed, 550 relay denied, 554 rejected as spam, connection timed out — or all SMTP error codes.
When iCloud Mail is not enough for your app
When a provider caps you or blocks a port, point the same app at QueenSMTP instead: host smtp.queensmtp.com, port 587 (STARTTLS) or 465 (SSL), your SMTP username and password from the dashboard. $5/year plus $0.10 per 1,000 emails, 100 free a day to test.
Get SMTP credentials — free to test Test iCloud Mail nowRelated settings
iCloud Mail SMTP — questions
smtp.mail.me.com, port 587 with STARTTLS. Username is your full iCloud address and the password must be an app-specific password.
Yes, if the domain is added as an iCloud+ Custom Email Domain and the From address is one of its configured addresses.
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