{"id":17143,"date":"2026-02-10T15:15:46","date_gmt":"2026-02-10T09:45:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.youstable.com\/blog\/?p=17143"},"modified":"2026-02-10T15:15:48","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T09:45:48","slug":"incoming-and-outgoing-mail-servers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.youstable.com\/blog\/incoming-and-outgoing-mail-servers","title":{"rendered":"What is Incoming and Outgoing Mail Servers in 2026, Apr &#8211; Complete Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Incoming and outgoing mail servers<\/strong> are the systems that receive, store, and send your email. Incoming servers use IMAP or POP3 to deliver messages from the server to your device, while outgoing servers use SMTP to send messages from your device to recipients. Correct server names, ports, and encryption ensure reliable, secure email.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve ever configured email on Outlook, Apple Mail, or your phone, you\u2019ve used an incoming and outgoing mail servers. In this guide, I\u2019ll explain what each server does, which ports and encryption to use, <strong>how IMAP vs POP3 affects your workflow,<\/strong> and how to configure, secure, and troubleshoot mail like a pro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-are-incoming-and-outgoing-mail-servers\">What Are Incoming and Outgoing Mail Servers?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Email relies on two distinct roles: <\/strong>receiving and sending. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right settings and fix issues faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youstable.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/What-Are-Incoming-and-Outgoing-Mail-Servers.jpg\" alt=\"Incoming and Outgoing Mail Server\" class=\"wp-image-17333\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.youstable.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/What-Are-Incoming-and-Outgoing-Mail-Servers.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.youstable.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/What-Are-Incoming-and-Outgoing-Mail-Servers-150x84.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"incoming-mail-server-imap-or-pop3\">Incoming Mail Server (IMAP or POP3)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Incoming servers deliver messages from your mailbox to <strong>your email app:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol): <\/strong>Syncs mail across devices. Emails stay on the server; actions (read, delete, folders) mirror everywhere.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>POP3 (Post Office Protocol v3):<\/strong> Downloads email to one device by default. Often removes it from the server unless you check \u201cleave a copy on server.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Typical incoming server names are<\/strong> imap.yourdomain.com or mail.yourdomain.com for IMAP, and pop.yourdomain.com for POP3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"outgoing-mail-server-smtp\">Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Outgoing servers send messages from<\/strong> your device to the recipient using SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol). SMTP handles submitting mail, relaying it to the recipient\u2019s mail exchange (MX), and ensuring delivery. Modern SMTP requires authentication and encryption to prevent abuse and protect data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-email-flows-end-to-end\">How Email Flows End to End<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Knowing the path improves<\/strong> troubleshooting and security:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Your client connects to<\/strong> the SMTP server (e.g., smtp.yourdomain.com) to send a message.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The SMTP server checks SPF, DKIM signing, rate limits, and queues the message.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>DNS MX records for the recipient\u2019s domain point to their mail server.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The recipient\u2019s server accepts and stores the email.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The recipient\u2019s client connects <strong>via IMAP\/POP3<\/strong> to retrieve it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"dns-records-that-make-email-work\">DNS Records That Make Email Work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>MX:<\/strong> Tells the world which server receives email for your domain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>SPF:<\/strong> Authorizes which servers can send mail for your domain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>DKIM:<\/strong> Cryptographically signs outbound mail to verify authenticity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>DMARC:<\/strong> Instructs receivers how to handle mail that<strong> fails SPF\/DKIM<\/strong> and provides reporting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ports-encryption-and-the-best-settings\">Ports, Encryption, and the Best Settings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Always prefer encrypted connections<\/strong>. Here are the standard ports and when to use them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>IMAP over SSL\/TLS:<\/strong> Port 993 (recommended)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>POP3 over SSL\/TLS:<\/strong> Port 995<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>SMTP Submission with STARTTLS:<\/strong> Port 587 (recommended for sending)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>SMTP over SSL\/TLS:<\/strong> Port 465 (legacy but widely supported)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>SMTP (no encryption):<\/strong> Port 25 (server to server only; ISPs often block it; not for client submission)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Choose TLS\/SSL<\/strong> whenever possible. <strong>For most users:<\/strong> IMAP 993 + SMTP 587 with STARTTLS is the most compatible and secure combination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"imap-vs-pop3-which-should-you-use\">IMAP vs POP3: Which Should You Use?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"imap-best-for-multi-device-teams-and-backups\">IMAP: Best for Multi Device, Teams, and Backups<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pros:<\/strong> Real time sync; server side folders; easy device changes; better for shared mailboxes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cons:<\/strong> Uses more server storage; offline access depends on local caching.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pop3-best-for-single-device-and-archiving-locally\">POP3: Best for Single Device and Archiving Locally<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pros:<\/strong> Light on server storage; simple for one primary device.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cons:<\/strong> No multi device sync; risk of split archives; must enable \u201cleave a copy on server\u201d to avoid losing mail on other devices.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>My recommendation for<\/strong> most modern setups is IMAP. Use POP3 only for special cases like dedicated archive machines or intermittent connections where local storage is preferred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-configure-any-email-client-outlook-apple-mail-thunderbird-mobile\">How to Configure Any Email Client (Outlook, Apple Mail, Thunderbird, Mobile)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"universal-settings-to-keep-handy\">Universal Settings to Keep Handy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Incoming server (IMAP):<\/strong> imap.yourdomain.com, port 993, SSL\/TLS, authentication: normal password<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Incoming server (POP3):<\/strong> pop.yourdomain.com, port 995, SSL\/TLS, authentication: normal password<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Outgoing server (SMTP):<\/strong> smtp.yourdomain.com, port 587, STARTTLS, authentication required<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Username:<\/strong> full email address (e.g., name@yourdomain.com)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Password:<\/strong> your email account password or app specific password<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"quick-setup-checklist\">Quick Setup Checklist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Create the mailbox in your hosting control panel or server.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Update DNS <strong>(MX, SPF, DKIM, DMARC)<\/strong> and allow propagation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In the client, choose IMAP (recommended) and enter server names, ports, and TLS.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enable <strong>\u201cauthentication\u201d<\/strong> for SMTP; use the same username\/password as incoming.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Send a test email to an external address and reply back to verify both directions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code># Example client configuration (IMAP + SMTP)\nIncoming Server (IMAP): imap.yourdomain.com\nPort: 993\nSecurity: SSL\/TLS\nAuthentication: Password\nUsername: name@yourdomain.com\n\nOutgoing Server (SMTP): smtp.yourdomain.com\nPort: 587\nSecurity: STARTTLS\nAuthentication: Required (same credentials)\nUsername: name@yourdomain.com<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"basic-server-side-setup-for-vps-dedicated-admins\">Basic Server Side Setup (For VPS\/Dedicated Admins)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you manage your own mail stack<\/strong> (e.g., Postfix + Dovecot), these snippets illustrate common, secure defaults. Always test in staging and consult your distro\u2019s documentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"postfix-smtp-essentials\">Postfix (SMTP) Essentials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code># \/etc\/postfix\/main.cf (high-level example)\nmyhostname = mail.yourdomain.com\nmydomain = yourdomain.com\nmyorigin = $mydomain\nmydestination = $myhostname, localhost.$mydomain, localhost, $mydomain\nmynetworks = 127.0.0.0\/8\ninet_interfaces = all\nsmtpd_tls_cert_file = \/etc\/ssl\/certs\/fullchain.pem\nsmtpd_tls_key_file = \/etc\/ssl\/private\/privkey.pem\nsmtpd_use_tls = yes\nsmtpd_tls_security_level = may\nsmtp_tls_security_level = may\nsmtpd_sasl_type = dovecot\nsmtpd_sasl_path = private\/auth\nsmtpd_sasl_auth_enable = yes\nsmtpd_recipient_restrictions = permit_sasl_authenticated, reject_unauth_destination\nsubmission inet n       -       n       -       -       smtpd\n  -o smtpd_tls_security_level=encrypt\n  -o smtpd_sasl_auth_enable=yes\n  -o smtpd_recipient_restrictions=permit_sasl_authenticated,reject<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"dovecot-imap-pop3-essentials\">Dovecot (IMAP\/POP3) Essentials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code># \/etc\/dovecot\/dovecot.conf (example)\nprotocols = imap pop3\nssl = required\nssl_cert = &lt;\/etc\/ssl\/certs\/fullchain.pem\nssl_key = &lt;\/etc\/ssl\/private\/privkey.pem\nauth_mechanisms = plain login\nmail_location = maildir:~\/Maildir\nservice auth {\n  unix_listener \/var\/spool\/postfix\/private\/auth {\n    mode = 0660\n    user = postfix\n    group = postfix\n  }\n}<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"dns-records-examples\">DNS Records Examples<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code>; MX record\nyourdomain.com.  3600  IN MX 10 mail.yourdomain.com.\n\n; SPF\nyourdomain.com.  3600  IN TXT \"v=spf1 a mx ip4:203.0.113.10 include:_spf.yourprovider.com ~all\"\n\n; DKIM (selector: mail2026)\nmail2026._domainkey.yourdomain.com. 3600 IN TXT \"v=DKIM1; k=rsa; p=YOUR_PUBLIC_KEY\"\n\n; DMARC (monitoring)\n_dmarc.yourdomain.com. 3600 IN TXT \"v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:dmarc@yourdomain.com; fo=1\"<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>Replace sample IPs, hostnames, and keys with your actual values. Rotate keys periodically and enforce DMARC quarantine\/reject after monitoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"troubleshooting-common-email-issues\">Troubleshooting Common Email Issues<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"can-receive-but-cant-send\">Can Receive but Can\u2019t Send<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Check<\/strong> SMTP port 587 or 465 with TLS\/STARTTLS enabled.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ensure<\/strong> \u201cOutgoing server requires authentication\u201d is enabled.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Confirm<\/strong> password and full email as username.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Verify<\/strong> your IP isn\u2019t blocked and your provider allows outbound SMTP.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"can-send-but-dont-receive\">Can Send but Don\u2019t Receive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>MX records<\/strong> not pointing to the right server or not propagated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mailbox <\/strong>quota exceeded; free up server storage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spam filtering<\/strong> or forwarding rules misconfigured.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"messages-land-in-spam\">Messages Land in Spam<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Publish<\/strong> SPF, DKIM, and DMARC and ensure alignment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use<\/strong> a consistent sending IP with a clean reputation and rDNS (PTR) set.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Avoid<\/strong> spammy content, misleading subjects, and excessive links.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"timeouts-or-sync-problems\">Timeouts or Sync Problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Firewall <\/strong>blocking ports 993\/995\/587\/465.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Antivirus<\/strong> scanning SSL traffic causing handshake failures; add exceptions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Too many simultaneous connections; <\/strong>reduce concurrent connections in client settings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"security-best-practices-for-mail-servers\">Security Best Practices for Mail Servers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Enforce TLS for<\/strong> IMAP\/POP3\/SMTP; disable plaintext logins.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use strong,<\/strong> unique passwords or OAuth\/app passwords.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Enable<\/strong> rate limiting and fail2ban style protection against brute force.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sign outbound mail with<\/strong> DKIM and monitor DMARC reports.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Keep your MTA, IMAP server, <\/strong>and libraries patched; automate updates where safe.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Consider MTA-STS and TLS-RPT for<\/strong> stronger transport security visibility.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"hosted-email-vs-self-hosted-whats-right-for-you\">Hosted Email vs Self Hosted &#8211; What\u2019s Right for You?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hosted email offloads deliverability,<\/strong> spam filtering, uptime, and compliance to a provider. Self hosted offers full control and lower recurring costs but requires time, expertise, and continuous maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Choose hosted if you need<\/strong> simplicity, guaranteed deliverability, and <strong>24\/7 support<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Choose self hosted if you need full control,<\/strong> custom routing, or strict data boundaries and have admin skills.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>At <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youstable.com\/\">YouStable<\/a><\/strong>, our hosting plans support secure email with guided setup for incoming and outgoing mail servers. If you\u2019re migrating or optimizing deliverability (SPF, DKIM, DMARC, rDNS), our team can help you implement best practices without the guesswork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Read Also:- <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youstable.com\/blog\/how-to-self-host-an-email-server\/\">How to Self Host an Email Server in 2026 &#8211; Expert Guide<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"real-world-scenarios-and-tips\">Real World Scenarios and Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Shared mailbox:<\/strong> Use IMAP with distinct user accounts and server side folders for transparency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Traveling frequently:<\/strong> Enable IMAP IDLE\/Push if available; throttle sync on metered connections.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Compliance needs:<\/strong> Archive via journaling on the server; avoid POP3 only workflows.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Website contact forms: <\/strong>Route through authenticated SMTP on port 587 with a domain owned mailbox; avoid PHP mail() with no authentication.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1767939893638\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \" class=\"rank-math-question \" id=\"what-is-the-difference-between-incoming-and-outgoing-mail-servers\">What is the difference between incoming and outgoing mail servers?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p><strong>Incoming mail servers<\/strong> (IMAP\/POP3) download and sync messages to your device. Outgoing mail servers (SMTP) send your messages to recipients. Use IMAP 993 for incoming and SMTP 587 for sending with TLS for security.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1767939901706\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \" class=\"rank-math-question \" id=\"which-ports-should-i-use-for-email\">Which ports should I use for email?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p><strong>Recommended:<\/strong> IMAP 993 (SSL\/TLS), POP3 995 (SSL\/TLS), SMTP 587 (STARTTLS). Avoid port 25 for client submission; it\u2019s for server to server traffic and is often blocked by ISPs.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1767939908493\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \" class=\"rank-math-question \" id=\"is-imap-better-than-pop3\">Is IMAP better than POP3?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p><strong>For most users, yes.<\/strong> IMAP keeps email on the server and syncs across devices, preserving folders and statuses. POP3 is suitable for a single device and local archiving but lacks multi device sync.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1767939915908\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \" class=\"rank-math-question \" id=\"how-do-i-find-my-mail-server-settings\">How do I find my mail server settings?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p><strong>Check your hosting control panel <\/strong>or provider\u2019s documentation for server names, ports, and encryption. Often, they\u2019re imap.yourdomain.com and smtp.yourdomain.com with IMAP 993 and SMTP 587. If you\u2019re on <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youstable.com\/\">YouStable<\/a><\/strong>, your onboarding email includes these details.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1767939921715\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \" class=\"rank-math-question \" id=\"why-do-my-emails-go-to-spam-and-how-can-i-fix-it\">Why do my emails go to spam, and how can I fix it?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p><strong>Spam placement<\/strong> occurs when SPF\/DKIM\/DMARC are missing or misaligned, your IP lacks reputation, or content looks spammy. Publish and align SPF, DKIM sign all mail, enforce DMARC after monitoring, set rDNS, and keep content clear and relevant.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Incoming and outgoing mail servers are the systems that receive, store, and send your email. 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