Email on Your Phone

Many of our clients at CharlesWorks reach out about checking their email on mobile devices. Recently, a client asked me if there was an app or shortcut to use for his email system on his phone. I initially thought he had Hosted Exchange email, so I recommended the Microsoft Outlook app.

TIP: If you are like most people – not an expert at such installs – you may find it helpful to load this page on a desktop and your phone at the same time if you need to load an app on your phone.

As it turns out, he didn’t have Hosted Exchange at all. He simply had standard IMAP-based email service—which is actually one of the most common types of email we host at CharlesWorks.

Even though my assumption was off, I still stand by my recommendation. In fact, I use the Outlook app myself.

Why I Recommend Microsoft Outlook for IMAP Email

When it comes to Email on Your Phone, I use the Microsoft Outlook app on my Android phone—specifically, a Samsung device—and I’ve found it to be one of the most stable and user-friendly apps for checking email. It works beautifully for both IMAP and Exchange-based accounts. In fact, most people don’t realize that you don’t need a Microsoft-based email to use the Outlook app.

If you’re using CharlesWorks for your email and you have a standard IMAP account (most of our clients do), this app still works great. You can download it directly from:
TIP: Load this page in a browser on your phone and click on the appropriate link for your type of phone below.

• • Google Play (Android):
    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.microsoft.office.outlook
  • Apple App Store (iPhone/iPad):
    https://apps.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-outlook/id951937596

It’s free, secure, and pretty intuitive. Once installed, it handles email syncing, folder management, and even attachments seamlessly.

Setting Up IMAP Email on Your Phone in the Outlook App

To set up your CharlesWorks-hosted email account (or any other IMAP account) in Microsoft Outlook:

• • Open the Outlook App.
  • Tap “Add Account.”
  • Enter your full email address and tap Continue.
  • On the setup screen, choose IMAP.
  • Enter your email settings:
    • IMAP incoming server: as provided by us
    • IMAP port: 993 with SSL
    • SMTP outgoing server: as provided by us
    • SMTP port: 465 with SSL
    • Your full email address as the username
    • The password you were provided (or set)
  • Tap Done and your mailbox should start syncing.

For iPhone and iPad Users

If you prefer not to use the Outlook app, Apple Mail (the default iPhone/iPad mail app) also works fine with IMAP.

To configure your email on Apple Mail:

• • Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts > Add Account.
  • Choose Other > Add Mail Account.
  • Fill in your name, email address, password, and description.
  • Select IMAP as the account type.
  • Enter the same server info mentioned above.
  • Tap Save, and your email should sync within a few minutes.

Still, I personally find the Outlook app easier to manage, especially when dealing with multiple mailboxes.

Why This Matters

Whether you’re checking emails from a phone or tablet, using the right app makes the experience smoother. Your emails should sync correctly, stay organized, and allow for quick replies—without you having to fiddle with confusing settings.

That’s why I recommend Microsoft Outlook even for IMAP accounts. It just works.

Final Thoughts and More Info

At CharlesWorks, we know technology can be confusing. That’s why we work to make things easier—from your website to your email setup.

And as always, feel free to reach out to us for help.

Want to really get lost in the weeds? Check these out:
https://charlesworks.com/tag/outlook/
https://charlesworks.com/tag/outlook-2010/