Apple Mail SMTP (macOS)

This guide explains how to configure Apple Mail on macOS to send emails from a custom domain using ImprovMX SMTP while receiving messages through Gmail IMAP.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

• A domain configured in ImprovMX forwarding to Gmail
• Created SMTP credentials in the ImprovMX Dashboard
• Added DKIM and DMARC DNS records
• Gmail 2-Step Verification enabled
• A Gmail App Password generated

Step 1: Open Mail and Add Account

1. Launch the Mail application
2. Navigate to Mail → Add Account
3. Select Other Mail Account...
4. Click Continue

Step 2: Enter Basic Account Information

• Name: Your display name
• Email Address: user@yourdomain.com
• Password: Your Gmail App Password

Click Sign In. Account verification may fail at this stage — this is normal.

Step 3: Configure Mail Server Details

• Email Address: user@yourdomain.com
• Username: Your Gmail email address
• Password: Your Gmail App Password
• Account Type: IMAP
• Incoming Mail Server: imap.gmail.com
• Outgoing Mail Server: smtp.improvmx.com

Click Sign In, then Next when prompted.

Step 4: Complete Account Setup

1. Select Mail as the only app to use
2. Click Done

Step 5: Adjust Outgoing SMTP Settings

Access Mail → Settings → Accounts → Server Settings.

SMTP Configuration

• Username: user@yourdomain.com (your ImprovMX credential)
• Password: Your ImprovMX SMTP credential password
• Host Name: smtp.improvmx.com
• Port: 587
• Uncheck: "Automatically manage connection settings"
• Check: "Use TLS/SSL"
• Authentication: Password

Step 6: Send a Test Message

1. Compose a new email, ensuring the From field displays your custom domain
2. Send to a test address
3. Enter your ImprovMX SMTP password if prompted

Final Configuration

This setup enables sending via ImprovMX SMTP while receiving mail through Gmail IMAP where your domain forwards messages.