Add WEB.de Freemail Account to Mail on the iPhone

Here you can find the instructions for the Adding a WEB.de account to Apple Mail on the iPhone. Since you cannot select the mail provider from a standard list, but have to add it manually, you can also use this guide for many other providers; GMX, Posteo and the like, for example. So if you want to set up a new mail account on the iPhone, just follow the steps outlined in this guide. 

A note on this: The procedure shown currently works in the iOS versions around iOS 14. In other (older) versions, the procedure may be slightly different.

Add WEB.de mail account on the iPhone

If you want to use the pre-installed mail app to access, store and write e-mails on the Apple iPhone, you can add various mail accounts there - regardless of the provider. If you want to set up your WEB.de Freemail account on the iPhone (currently under iOS 14), then do the following:

1. Open the Settings
2. Tap on the menu item Email
3. Now choose the point Showcase from
4. Then tap on Add account
5. At the bottom of the list you choose "Other"

You don't have to tap on “Other” if you want to set up synchronization with an iCloud, Microsoft Exchange, Google, Yahoo, AOL or Outlook account. Because these providers are displayed directly as options (see screenshot below). If you have tapped on the last menu item in the list, then you have to enter the necessary data for login and server access.

Set up the WEB.de Freemail account on the iPhone

Whether freemail or paid WEB account, following the step-by-step instructions above, you now have to enter the necessary data for calling up and sending e-mails. This is your name, your WEB.de e-mail address, the password of your account and the like. That's how it works:

1. Tap on on the page reached via the above path Add mail account
2. Enter your name, email address, password and, if necessary, a description
3. Then choose between POP3 (fewer management options) and IMAP (local administration options)

With both options, the necessary server names should already be entered correctly. Now tap on "Next" in the top right corner to add the WEB.de mail account to Apple Mail and, if necessary, to Notes / Calendar on the iPhone. You can then use the corresponding app to view and manage your inbox, the emails you have sent, your drafts and other folders (when using IMAP). If there is an error message because "SSL is impossible", you will find the solution below;)

Step-by-step instructions as a screenshot version

Are you more of the optical type? To add to the WEB.de Freemail account on the iPhone, you will find the appropriate screenshots as step-by-step instructions:

Cannot connect via SSL: error message on the iPhone

If the message “Connection via SSL impossible” appears when setting up a mail account from WEB, GMX, Posteo or others, then a few additional steps are necessary. If this error is displayed to you under iOS in the above procedure, then you probably already have an email in your WEB inbox with the subject "Failed access via mail program". There you will find this important note:

The POP3 / IMAP / SMTP protocols required for e-mail programs are deactivated by default for your security. This is to prevent unauthorized persons from accessing your mailbox unnoticed via POP3 / IMAP / SMTP.
Even if you have already integrated your WEB‌.‌DE mailbox into an e-mail program, but have not used it for a long time, the protocols will be deactivated.

The solution: Set up a WEB.de account despite the SSL error

If you haven't received this email, but are still struggling with the SSL error, then you will find it with this link the official solution from the provider. It provides the information you need to switch on POP3 / IMAP. And this is how it works (according to the official instructions):

1. Log in to the provider's website
2. In the “E-Mail” tab, click or tap on “Settings”
3. Now select the item "POP3 / IMAP retrieval"
4. Under “WEB.DE Mail via POP3 & IMAP”, check the box next to “Allow POP3 and IMAP access”
5. Save the settings (this may require filling in a CAPTCHA)

Johannes Domke

[On vacation] After graduating from high school, Johannes completed training as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which led to his independence. He has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others, for several years now. His articles include product introductions, news, instructions, video games, consoles and much more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.