IMAP & POP3 setup
Blockjay connects to almost any mailbox over IMAP or POP3. For Gmail and Microsoft 365 we recommend one-tap sign-in instead (see Connect Gmail) — but if you prefer a password, or you're on iCloud, Fastmail, Yahoo, or your own server, this is the way.
Before you start: use an app password
Most providers no longer let apps sign in with your normal password. Instead you create an app-specific password — a one-off password that only Blockjay uses and that you can revoke at any time without changing your main password. You'll usually find it under your provider's Security or Two-factor authentication settings (2FA generally needs to be on first). Blockjay stores it encrypted and never logs it.
Connect over IMAP (recommended)
- In Blockjay, choose Connect mailbox → IMAP.
- Enter your email address. Blockjay auto-detects the server settings for most providers; if it can't, fill them in (see the table below).
- Paste the app password you created.
- Blockjay tests the login before saving — if it fails, you'll get a clear reason rather than a silent error later. On success, it starts scanning recent mail right away.
IMAP is the better choice: Blockjay can move spam out of your inbox and restore it cleanly, because IMAP keeps message identifiers stable across devices.
Common IMAP settings
| Provider | IMAP host | Port (SSL) |
|---|---|---|
| iCloud | imap.mail.me.com | 993 |
| Fastmail | imap.fastmail.com | 993 |
| Yahoo | imap.mail.yahoo.com | 993 |
| Gmail (if not using sign-in) | imap.gmail.com | 993 |
| Microsoft 365 / Outlook | outlook.office365.com | 993 |
| Generic / your own server | (your provider's IMAP host) | 993 |
Always use the SSL/TLS port (usually 993 for IMAP). Blockjay connects over TLS only.
POP3
Blockjay also supports POP3 for older mailboxes. Because POP3 message identifiers aren't stable, Blockjay keeps a full copy of each message so nothing is ever lost, and restores a quarantined message by re-delivering it to your inbox. It works well, but IMAP is cleaner — prefer IMAP where you can.
Monitor first
However you connect, the mailbox starts in monitor mode — Blockjay classifies everything but moves nothing — so you can watch it work before letting it act. Flip to enforce in settings when you're convinced. And remember: Blockjay never deletes your mail; it only sorts it.
Trouble connecting?
The usual culprit is using your main password instead of an app password, or 2FA not being enabled on the provider yet. If you're stuck, reach us from Help & support in the app or via contact.