Setting up your DreamHost email with your device’s default mail application can seem daunting at first, but it’s actually a straightforward process. Whether you’re using a Mac, an iPhone, or a Windows computer, adding your DreamHost email to the native mail app can improve productivity and help manage your messages more efficiently. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process and provide helpful tips to ensure a smooth setup.
Why Use the Default Mail App?
The default Mail app on devices like macOS, iOS, and Windows offers streamlined functionality and tight integration with other system features. By adding your DreamHost email to it:
- Notifications come in real time.
- Search becomes faster and more effective.
- Unified inboxes allow you to manage multiple accounts from one place.
Before beginning the setup, you’ll need a few key details handy: your full DreamHost email address, password, and the incoming and outgoing mail server information.
Step-by-Step Guide for macOS Mail App
On a Mac, the Mail app is robust and supports both IMAP and POP account types. DreamHost recommends using IMAP for better syncing across devices.
- Open the Mail app on your Mac.
- Select Mail > Add Account from the top menu.
- Choose Other Mail Account… and click Continue.
- Enter your name, DreamHost email address, and password.
- Click Sign In. The system may attempt to auto-configure the account. If it fails, continue with manual setup.
- For manual configuration, use the following settings:
- Incoming Mail Server: imap.dreamhost.com
- Port: 993 (with SSL)
- Outgoing Mail Server: smtp.dreamhost.com
- Port: 465 or 587 (with SSL/TLS)
- Click Sign In again and choose the apps you want to use with the account (Mail, Notes, etc.).

Adding DreamHost Email to iPhone Mail App
iOS makes it almost effortless to manage emails on the go. To integrate your DreamHost email with the iPhone Mail app:
- Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts.
- Tap Add Account and choose Other as your account type.
- Tap Add Mail Account.
- Input your name, DreamHost email address, password, and a description (e.g., “Work Mail”).
- Tap Next. Choose IMAP at the top.
- Enter the incoming and outgoing mail server settings as follows:
- Hostname: imap.dreamhost.com
- Username: Your full DreamHost email address
- Password: Your email password
- SMTP Hostname: smtp.dreamhost.com
- Use SSL: Enabled
- Tap Save. Your account will now appear under Mail.

Setting Up DreamHost on Windows Mail App
Windows users also enjoy a familiar and integrated email experience. To set up DreamHost email in the Windows Mail app:
- Open the Mail app from the Start menu.
- Click the Settings gear icon on the lower-left corner.
- Select Accounts > Add Account.
- Choose Other account (POP, IMAP).
- Enter your DreamHost email address, name, and password.
- Choose Sign In. If manual configuration is required, proceed with:
- Incoming Mail Server: imap.dreamhost.com
- Port: 993 (SSL)
- Outgoing Mail Server: smtp.dreamhost.com
- Port: 587 or 465 (SSL)
- Click Done when finished.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
If your DreamHost email account doesn’t work as expected after setup, consider the following checks:
- Ensure that SSL is enabled for both incoming and outgoing servers.
- Double-check your username — it should be your full email address.
- Firewall or Antivirus software may interfere with ports. Try disabling them temporarily.
- Try a different port. For SMTP, switching between 465 and 587 sometimes resolves issues.

Final Thoughts
Adding your DreamHost email to the Mail app on any device improves your workflow and keeps your communication centralized. By following the steps above, you can confidently access and manage your DreamHost emails on your favorite platforms. Once set up, all that’s left is to focus on what matters most—staying connected and productive.