How to Set Up Email on an Android Phone

Android phones can receive email from virtually any provider. The quickest route is using the Gmail app (which handles multiple account types) or the Microsoft Outlook app, both free on the Google Play Store. You can also use the built-in Android Email app for business or custom accounts.

Adding Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo to the Gmail App

1. Open the Gmail app.
2. Tap your profile picture (top right) and choose Add another account.
3. Select your provider: Google, Outlook, Hotmail, and Live, Yahoo, or Other.
4. Sign in with your email address and password.
5. For Google accounts, complete any two-factor authentication steps.
6. Gmail will sync your inbox automatically.

The Gmail app works well for non-Gmail accounts too — Outlook and Yahoo accounts added this way sync reliably, and you can switch between accounts by tapping your profile picture.

Using the Microsoft Outlook App

If you prefer a unified inbox, the Outlook app for Android is an excellent choice. Download it from the Play Store, open it, and tap Add Account. It supports Microsoft 365, Exchange, Gmail, Yahoo, IMAP, and POP3.

Setting Up a Custom or Business Email Account

1. In the Gmail app, tap Add another account > Other.
2. Enter your email address and tap Manual setup.
3. Choose IMAP.
4. Enter the incoming server details: your IMAP hostname, port 993, and SSL/TLS.
5. Enter the outgoing SMTP server, port 587, and your username and password.
6. Tap Next and Gmail will verify the settings.

Your hosting provider or IT department should supply the exact server names. Many web hosts publish them in their help documentation.

Notifications Not Coming Through?

On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Gmail (or whichever app you use) and make sure Notifications are enabled. Also check Settings > Battery and ensure the email app is not being restricted by battery optimisation.