SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) handles sending emails. IMAP handles receiving. Together, they let you connect virtually any email provider to Hunter Email Sequences.
Not sure which connection type to use?
SMTP/IMAP is for users who already have an email account with an external provider (e.g., Titan Mail or Zoho Mail Pro). If you don't have one set up yet, managed email accounts let you buy a domain and create a sending-ready account directly in Hunter — no DNS or technical configuration required.
When to use SMTP/IMAP
Use SMTP/IMAP if:
Your email provider is not Gmail or Outlook
You want to connect a custom or private email server
Do not use SMTP/IMAP for:
Gmail or Google Workspace
Outlook or Microsoft 365
→ Use the native connection buttons for those providers instead.
Step-by-step: connect an SMTP/IMAP account
Step 1: Open the Email Account Center
Go to Sequences
Open the Email Accounts Center section
Click + Add email account
Select Connect via SMTP/IMAP
Step 2: Enter your credentials
Fill in:
Full name — visible to recipients
Email address
Password
Leave the username field empty unless your provider requires it
Click Start the configuration
Step 3: Enter your server details
If the server details can't be automatically retrieved, you will be prompted to add them manually.
We'll need:
Email address
Password
Username (if your set-up requires it)
SMTP server details
Server address
Port
Encryption method: SSL or STARTTLS
IMAP server details
Server address
Port
💡You can find this information in your email provider’s help center. If you’re experiencing server connection issues or need links to support articles for common email providers, you can refer to this article.
Step 4: Verify and adjust settings for your connected email account
After connecting, click View on your account in the Email Account Center.
Here you have the chance to make some edits to your email account connection, such as:
Change the sender name
Set a signature
Set a daily sending limit for this account
Set as the default sender (this sender will be selected by default for your sequences, but you can always change it for each sequence).
💡 SMTP/IMAP connections are available on all paid plans.
What to expect
Once set up, your account becomes available for use in Sequences
Emails will be sent using your provider’s infrastructure
Requirements and compatibility
To successfully connect:
Your provider must support both SMTP and IMAP
The account must be a full mailbox (not send-only)
Make sure IMAP or SMTP access is enabled in your provider settings.
If 2FA is enabled you might probably have to generate an application specific password.
Make sure you are using IMAP, not POP.
Some providers, including Zoho Mail, may require a paid plan for SMTP/IMAP access.
Proton Mail addresses are not currently supported.
iCloud mailboxes are not recommended.
Common issues
Connection fails
Check your email and password
Confirm SMTP/IMAP is enabled in your provider settings
Authentication errors with 2FA
Use an app-specific password (if required by your provider)
Emails not sending
Check the provider sending limits
Verify SMTP settings in the Server Settings tab