Technical guide for Hovixa users on provisioning professional email accounts in cPanel and configuring mail clients (Outlook, Gmail, Apple Mail) using secure IMAP and SMTP settings.

Email Account Creation and IMAP/SMTP Client Configuration

Professional email hosting on Hovixa allows you to send and receive mail using your own domain name. This guide details the creation of accounts via cPanel and the subsequent configuration of external mail clients using encrypted protocols to ensure data privacy.

1. Creating an Email Account in cPanel

Email accounts are managed independently of your cPanel login. Each account maintains its own password and storage quota.

1. Log in to cpanel.hovixa.com.
2. Navigate to the Email section and click Email Accounts.
3. Click the + Create button on the right side.
4. Domain: Select the domain for which you are creating the address.
5. Username: Enter the prefix (e.g., info or yourname).
6. Password: Use a strong, unique password. Do not use your cPanel account password.
7. Storage Space: Set a specific quota (e.g., 1024MB) or select Unlimited. Note: "Unlimited" is still bound by your overall hosting account's disk space and inode limits.
8. Click + Create.

2. Standard Secure Connection Settings

To connect a mobile device or desktop client (Outlook, Apple Mail, Thunderbird), you must use the following encrypted settings. Hovixa enforces SSL/TLS to prevent credential interception.

3. IMAP vs. POP3

• IMAP (Recommended): Syncs your mail across all devices. When you read an email on your phone, it is marked as read on your computer. Folders are mirrored on the server.
• POP3: Downloads mail to your local device and typically deletes it from the server. This is inefficient for modern multi-device workflows and is discouraged.

4. Troubleshooting Connection Issues

1. DNS Resolution: Ensure your domain's mail A record (e.g., mail.example.com) points to the Hovixa server IP. If using Cloudflare, this record must be "Grey Cloud" (DNS Only) to support IMAP/SMTP traffic.
2. IP Blocking: If you enter the wrong password multiple times, our firewall (CSF/LFD) may block your IP address. If you cannot reach cpanel.hovixa.com, your IP is likely blacklisted.
3. SSL Certificate Mismatch: If your mail client warns about an untrusted certificate, ensure your mail.yourdomain.com subdomain is included in your AutoSSL certificate. (See our guide on SSL/TLS Status).

Pro Tip: Use the "Connect Devices" button next to your email account in cPanel to send an automatic configuration script to your iOS or macOS device.