The Zoho Mail SMTP settings are: server smtp.zoho.com, port 465 with SSL or port 587 with TLS. Paid plans with your own domain use smtppro.zoho.com instead. You log in with your full email address and password, or an app-specific password if two-factor authentication is on.
| Setting | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SMTP server | smtp.zoho.com (personal and free plans) or smtppro.zoho.com (paid domain plans) | Check your account for your data center |
| Port and security | 465 with SSL, or 587 with TLS (STARTTLS) | Zoho lists both |
| Username | Your full email address | Must match the From address |
| Password | Account password, or app-specific password with two-factor on | Required for SSL and TLS |
| IMAP (incoming) | imap.zoho.com or imappro.zoho.com, port 993, SSL | Turn on IMAP access first |
| POP (incoming) | pop.zoho.com or poppro.zoho.com, port 995, SSL | Paid domain plans use poppro |
You can test these Zoho Mail SMTP settings in the free SMTP Tester right now. The link fills in smtp.zoho.com on port 465. For a paid domain plan, change the host to smtppro.zoho.com. The first check needs no password. With your login, it can send one test message.
What do SMTP, IMAP, ports and SSL mean?
SMTP is the system that sends email. Your site or app passes each message to Zoho's SMTP server, and Zoho delivers it. IMAP and POP bring mail into your app. IMAP keeps every device in sync, while POP downloads a copy.
A port is a door number on the server. SSL and TLS lock the connection so others cannot read your login. Port 465 uses SSL from the start. Port 587 starts plain and then turns on TLS with a command called STARTTLS.
What do you need before you start?
First, find the right server. Zoho uses two sets of servers:
- Personal and free accounts, such as name@zohomail.com:
smtp.zoho.comandimap.zoho.com. - Paid plans with your own domain, such as you@yourdomain.com:
smtppro.zoho.comandimappro.zoho.com.
Zoho also runs data centers in several regions. Its help pages say the exact server names for your account appear in your Zoho Mail settings under server configuration details. Use those if they differ from the names above. A wrong server stops the app from working until you fix it.
Second, turn on IMAP if you want an email app to read mail. Open Settings, then Mail Accounts, and pick your main address. In the IMAP section, tick IMAP Access and save. On a business plan, an admin may need to allow it first. Zoho says newly signed-up free users do not get IMAP access.
Third, check your sign-in. If two-factor authentication is on, make an application-specific password in your Zoho account and use it instead of your normal one. Zoho says the same applies if you sign in through another service, such as Google.
How do you use Zoho Mail SMTP settings in WordPress?
An SMTP plugin makes WordPress send through your Zoho mailbox instead of your web host. In WP Mail SMTP, choose "Other SMTP" and enter:
- SMTP Host:
smtp.zoho.com, orsmtppro.zoho.comfor a paid domain plan - Encryption: SSL
- SMTP Port: 465 (or 587 with TLS)
- Authentication: on
- SMTP Username: your full Zoho email address
- SMTP Password: your password or app-specific password
- From Email: the same address, or one of its aliases
Zoho says the From address must match your account address or an alias. A default address left in a plugin or a script is a common cause of failed mail. Zoho also says that if forms on your domain fail, your web host should hand your domain's mail to the remote mail server and turn off local delivery. If you would rather use the mailbox that comes with your hosting, see the guide to cPanel email SMTP settings.
How do you add Zoho Mail to an email app or phone?
Add a new IMAP account in your app. Use imap.zoho.com or imappro.zoho.com on port 993 with SSL, then the SMTP values above. Use your full address and the same password for both servers. If your app saves a copy of sent mail, Zoho suggests turning off "Save copy of sent emails" in Zoho to avoid doubles.
What do common Zoho SMTP errors mean?
- Relaying disallowed: the From address does not match your login or its aliases. Zoho says this often comes from a typo or a default address in code.
- 535 authentication failed: Zoho refused the login. Check the full address, and use an app-specific password if two-factor is on.
- Connection timed out on port 25: many apps try port 25 by default. Zoho says to use 465 with SSL or 587 with TLS.
- 530 must issue a STARTTLS command first: you chose port 587 without TLS. Turn TLS on.
- Login works but the server name fails: your account may sit in another data center. Copy the server names from your Zoho settings.
Why do emails from your domain land in spam?
When Zoho hosts mail for your own domain, receiving servers check your domain's DNS. They look for SPF, DKIM and DMARC records that name Zoho as an allowed sender. Without them, your mail may go to spam. Learn what an SPF record is, then check your domain in the free DNS & Email Checker.
The Zoho Mail SMTP settings are simple once you know your server: smtp.zoho.com or smtppro.zoho.com, with port 465 or 587. Test the connection in the SMTP Tester, then send a real test from your site. See other services in the list of SMTP settings for other email providers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between smtp.zoho.com and smtppro.zoho.com?
Zoho uses smtp.zoho.com for personal and free accounts. It uses smtppro.zoho.com for paid plans with your own domain. Both work on port 465 with SSL or port 587 with TLS.
Why does Zoho say "Relaying disallowed"?
The From address in your app does not match the account you log in with, or one of its aliases. Fix the address in your plugin or script. Then send the test again.
Do I need an app-specific password for Zoho?
Only if two-factor authentication is on, or if you sign in through another service such as Google. In those cases, make an application-specific password in your Zoho account. Otherwise your normal password works.
