How to add an email account to an iPhone
2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026
Open Settings, tap Apps, Mail, then Mail Accounts and Add Account. Type your email address, choose your provider if asked, sign in and tap Save. Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo and iCloud are set up automatically.
The Mail app can collect messages from several addresses in one place, for example a private Gmail address and a work account. Each one is added once in Settings.
Menu names are from iOS 26. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the screen, not screenshots.
Step by step
Open Settings and tap Apps, then Mail
On iOS 17 and earlier, Mail is in the main Settings list.
Tap Mail Accounts, then Add Account
Accounts you already have are listed above.
Enter your email address
Mail recognises the common providers. If it asks, choose yours from the list.
Sign in
The provider's own sign-in page opens. Type your password there and confirm any code they send you.
Choose what to sync and tap Save
Besides Mail you can switch on Contacts, Calendars and Notes from that account.
Good to know
For a smaller provider, choose Add Other Account, then Mail Account, and enter name, address and password. If Mail cannot find the settings by itself, ask the provider for the incoming and outgoing server names and whether to use IMAP or POP. IMAP keeps mail in step on all your devices.
A work account may need settings from your IT department, or the Outlook app instead.
Some providers require a separate "app password" when two-step verification is on. You create it on their website.
To remove an account later, tap it under Mail Accounts and choose Delete Account. Messages stay on the provider's server.
In short: Settings, Apps, Mail, Mail Accounts, Add Account, sign in, Save.
- Apple Support: Add an email account to your iPhone or iPad
Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.