---
type: concept
title: macOS Email Configuration
tags: [macos, email, configuration, imap, smtp]
related: [central-email-service, imap, smtp, starttls, zentraler-nutzeraccount]
created: 2026-06-30
updated: 2026-06-30
sources: ["output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_allgemein_e_mail_e_mail_einrichten_mac_e_mail_clien.md"]
---

# macOS Email Configuration

The configuration of the native Apple Mail client on macOS for the Universität Greifswald email system requires specific server settings and adherence to minimum OS version requirements to ensure secure communication.

## Technical Requirements
- **Minimum OS**: macOS 10.12 (Sierra) is required for the native Mail app to support **TLSv1.2**. If the OS is older, the app cannot retrieve messages, and [[mozilla-thunderbird]] is recommended as an alternative.
- **Credentials**: Authentication is performed using the [[zentraler-nutzeraccount]] (URZ username).

## Server Settings
The following parameters must be configured in the Mail app:

### Incoming Mail (IMAP)
- **Server**: `imap.uni-greifswald.de`
- **Port**: 143
- **Encryption**: [[starttls]]

### Outgoing Mail (SMTP)
- **Server**: `smtp.uni-greifswald.de`
- **Port**: 587 (Note: The macOS setup assistant often defaults to Port 25; this must be manually corrected to 587).
- **Encryption**: [[starttls]]
- **Authentication**: Password

## Configuration Steps
1. **Account Addition**:
   - For new installations, use the setup assistant.
   - For existing installations, go to `Mail -> Settings -> Accounts` and click the `[+]` button.
2. **SMTP Manual Override**:
   - Navigate to `Settings -> Accounts -> [University Account] -> Server Settings`.
   - Uncheck **"Manage connection settings automatically"**.
   - Manually enter **Port 587**.
   - Enable **TLS/SSL** and set authentication to **Password**.
   - Click **Save** to verify the connection.
