Email Settings GuideQuick answer: NetZero sets up email with POP3. Use pop.netzero.com on 995 for incoming and smtp.netzero.com on 465 for outgoing, each over SSL. Many apps also connect over imap.netzero.com on 993. Sign in with your full netzero.net or netzero.com address and your NetZero password. See why NetZero picks POP3 to keep mail on every device.
What Changed Recently#
NetZero sets email up a little differently from most providers. Here is what a netzero.net or netzero.com address needs in an email app.
Worth knowing
NetZero sets up email over POP3. Its own instructions choose pop.netzero.com and skip IMAP. Most apps still connect over imap.netzero.com if you prefer mail kept on the server.
Worth knowing
Keep SSL on every server. POP3 is 995 and IMAP is 993 for incoming. Outgoing is 465. The plain ports send your password in the open.
Worth knowing
Sign in with the whole address. Use you@netzero.net or you@netzero.com in full, not the part before the at sign. The password is your NetZero account password.
Before You Begin#
Handle these two basics before anything else. Skip them and your email app will reject the connection even when every server value is correct.
1. Create the mailbox
NetZero's own guide chooses POP3 on pop.netzero.com. Pick POP3 in your app. Choose IMAP on imap.netzero.com if you want mail kept on the server.
Where: NetZero account at netzero.net
2. Know your NetZero password
The login is your full netzero.net or netzero.com address. The password is your NetZero account password.
Where: Find your settings →
About NetZero#
NetZero is a US internet service known for free and budget dial-up since 1998. It is part of United Online, alongside Juno. A netzero.net mailbox reaches an email app over POP3 or IMAP.
NetZero launched as free ad supported dial-up in the late 1990s and still sells budget internet and email. It runs under United Online next to Juno. NetZero configures email as POP3 on pop.netzero.com, though imap.netzero.com works for people who want mail to stay on the server. Sending always goes through smtp.netzero.com.
| Service Name | NetZero Email |
| Email Domains | netzero.net, netzero.com |
| Owned By | United Online |
| Since | 1998 |
| Based In | United States |
| Email Type | netzero.net or netzero.com, such as you@netzero.net |
| Webmail | netzero.net |
| Setup Protocol | POP3 (IMAP also works) |
| Protocols Supported | IMAP, POP3, SMTP |
| App Password Needed | No, mailbox password |
| Username | Full email address |
NetZero Webmail Login#
You can always read your mail in a browser. The official NetZero pages are:
Find Your Settings#
NetZero settings are the same for every netzero.net and netzero.com address. NetZero's own guide sets email up as POP3, so that is the path this page follows.
- Open your email app and add a new account.
- Pick POP3 or IMAP if you prefer.
- Set incoming to pop.netzero.com on 995 or imap.netzero.com on 993.
- Set outgoing to smtp.netzero.com on 465 over SSL.
NetZero IMAP Settings#
IMAP works on NetZero even though its own guide uses POP3. With IMAP mail stays on the server, so a laptop and a phone stay in sync. The host is imap.netzero.com on 993.
| IMAP Server | imap.netzero.com | |
| Port | 993 | |
| Encryption | SSL/TLS (required) | |
| Username | Your full address, ending @netzero.net or @netzero.com | |
| Password | Your mailbox password | |
| Authentication | Required |
NetZero POP3 Settings#
POP3 downloads mail to 1 device. Pick it only if you want a local copy on a single computer. Not sure? See the comparison below.
| POP3 Server | pop.netzero.com | |
| Port | 995 | |
| Encryption | SSL/TLS (required) | |
| Username | Your full email address | |
| Password | Your mailbox password |
NetZero SMTP Settings#
SMTP handles outgoing mail. If you can read mail but not send it, the problem is here.
| SMTP Server | smtp.netzero.com | |
| Port (SSL) | 465 | |
| Port (STARTTLS) | 587 | |
| Encryption | SSL or STARTTLS (required) | |
| Username | Your full email address | |
| Password | Same as incoming mail | |
| Authentication | Required. Switch on outgoing server authentication in the client. |
465 with SSL. Many home connections block port 25. NetZero also accepts 587 with STARTTLS if 465 is blocked. Confirm outgoing authentication is on.
Check NetZero Settings Online#
You don't need to download anything to check NetZero settings online. This page is the lookup: every value is verified, current and copyable straight from your browser. Not sure your address is a NetZero one? Enter it below to check in a moment.
Does my email address use these settings?
Runs in your browser only. Your address is never sent anywhere or stored.
Want to verify the account itself before configuring an app? Sign in at NetZero webmail, which confirms your address and password work. If webmail opens, any email app connects with the tables above.
Look Up IMAP Settings for Any Email Domain#
This page covers NetZero. For every other address, work email on a company domain included, we run a free online lookup database: imapsettings.com.
imapsettings.com
Complete email settings database, by Univik
Enter any email address and get the incoming and outgoing server settings for that domain in 1 step:
Your address is used only to find the settings for that domain. Nothing is stored or shared.
Username and Password#
Both come from your NetZero account. The username is your whole netzero.net or netzero.com address and the password is your NetZero account password. There is no separate app password.
Username is the full address
Type you@netzero.net or you@netzero.com in full, with the part after the at sign. NetZero turns down a bare mailbox name.
Put that same address on both incoming and outgoing.
Password is the mailbox one
This is your NetZero account password, the same one that opens NetZero webmail. Reset it from your NetZero account if an app keeps refusing it.
NetZero uses one password for webmail and for an email app, so there is nothing extra to generate.
Set Up NetZero in Email Clients#
The servers and ports are always the same. Only the menus differ. Jump to your app:
Outlook (Windows and Mac)
- In Outlook select Add Account, then turn on manual setup under Advanced options.
- Choose POP or IMAP and set incoming to
pop.netzero.comon 995 orimap.netzero.comon 993 with SSL. - Set outgoing to
smtp.netzero.comon 465 with SSL. - Enter the full address and mailbox password when Outlook prompts you.
- Send a test message to yourself to prove both paths.
Apple Mail (macOS)
- In Mail select Add Account, then pick Other Mail Account.
- Give your name, netzero.net address and NetZero password, then continue.
- Enter pop.netzero.com for incoming and smtp.netzero.com for outgoing, both with SSL.
- Keep the SSL ports so nothing sends in plain text.
- Save and wait for the mailbox to load.
iPhone and iPad
- In Settings open Mail, then tap Mail Accounts and Add Account.
- Tap Other then Add Mail Account and fill your details.
- Pick POP and put pop.netzero.com for incoming and smtp.netzero.com for outgoing.
- Leave the secure ports iOS fills, since NetZero expects SSL.
- Tap Save and let iOS run its check.
Android
- Open your mail app and tap Add account, then Other or IMAP.
- Put in your address and password. Switch to manual setup if it stalls.
- For incoming use pop.netzero.com on 995 over SSL.
- For outgoing use smtp.netzero.com on 465 over SSL.
- Save and swipe down to fetch your mail.
Thunderbird
- In Thunderbird pick Account Actions, then Add Mail Account.
- Type your name, netzero.net address and NetZero password, then Continue.
- Wait for detection, then make sure IMAP with SSL is picked.
- If detection fails, type pop.netzero.com for incoming and smtp.netzero.com for outgoing.
- Hit Done and the folders fill in on the first sync.
NetZero Webmail Settings#
Server settings connect your apps. These controls decide how the mailbox behaves on the server. They live in NetZero webmail, which opens from your account at netzero.net.
Signature
Set one in NetZero webmail preferences. It rides on mail sent from the browser. A desktop app carries its own signature.
Vacation Auto Reply
Turn on a vacation reply in NetZero webmail. The NetZero server sends it, so it goes out even when your computer is off.
Filters and Folders
Build filters in NetZero webmail. A server side rule sorts a message before any device downloads it. An in app rule only runs while that app is open.
Spam and Blocked Senders
NetZero screens incoming mail for spam. Block unwanted senders from NetZero webmail. Flagged mail drops into the spam folder for review.
POP3 vs IMAP#
| Feature | IMAP | POP3 |
|---|---|---|
| Where mail lives | On the NetZero server | Downloaded to 1 device |
| Multiple devices | ✅ Everything stays in sync | ❌ Each device sees different mail |
| Sent and deleted mail | ✅ Synced everywhere | ⚠️ Stays only on that device |
| Offline reading | ⚠️ Cached mail only | ✅ Full local copy |
| Server storage used | Yes, counts against your quota | Can be freed after download |
| Best for | Phone + computer, everyday use | Single PC, local archives |
NetZero Sending and Storage Limits#
A few details are worth knowing before you move a mailbox or read it on several devices. Here is how NetZero mail is set up:
| Setup protocol | POP3 (IMAP also works) |
| Username | Full netzero.net or netzero.com address |
| Incoming host | pop.netzero.com or imap.netzero.com |
| Outgoing host | smtp.netzero.com |
| SMTP ports | 465 SSL or 587 STARTTLS |
| Mailbox storage | Set by your NetZero plan |
Troubleshooting NetZero Connections#
Find the exact error your email app shows, then apply the fix:
| Error you see | What it means | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Username or password rejected | Short username or wrong password | Use your full netzero.net or netzero.com address with your NetZero password, not a shortened name. |
| Cannot send on port 25 | ISP blocks the default SMTP port | Switch outgoing to 465 with SSL on smtp.netzero.com. Port 587 with STARTTLS works if 465 is blocked. |
| Mail shows on one device only | POP3 downloads to a single machine | POP3 pulls mail to one computer. Switch that account to IMAP on imap.netzero.com to read it everywhere. You can also turn on leave a copy on the server in the POP3 options. |
| Old mail gone after setup | POP3 removed the server copies | Some apps delete the server copy once POP3 downloads it. Turn on leave a copy on the server. IMAP on imap.netzero.com avoids this by keeping mail on the server. |
| Cannot connect to server | Wrong port or encryption | Set 993 with SSL incoming and 465 with SSL outgoing. A firewall on your own machine can block it as well. |
| Repeated password prompt | Short username or a typo | Clear the saved login, then put in the full address with the mailbox password. |
| Messages stuck in Outbox | SMTP authentication is off | Enable "outgoing server requires authentication" with the same login as incoming mail. |
| Mail vanished from the server | POP3 removed it after download | POP3 deletes server copies unless told otherwise. Turn on leave a copy of messages on the server. IMAP on imap.netzero.com avoids this by keeping mail on the server. |
| Phone app shows no POP option | App offers IMAP only | Some apps like Outlook on a phone hide the POP fields. Use imap.netzero.com on 993 with SSL there, which keeps every message on the server. |
Reader Reported Fixes
Match the protocol to your devices. POP3 suits one computer. If you read mail on a phone and a laptop, choose IMAP on imap.netzero.com so both stay in sync.
Test the login in webmail first. Sign in at netzero.net with your address and NetZero password. If webmail opens, the credentials are right and the fix is in the app settings.
Why NetZero Uses POP3 and How to Keep Your Mail #
NetZero is one of the few providers whose own setup guide picks POP3 and tells you to skip IMAP. On pop.netzero.com your app pulls mail down to the device you are on. That is fine on a single computer, though it needs one extra step so you do not lose messages.
POP3 can remove a message from the server once it downloads. NetZero's own instructions tell you to check leave a copy of messages on the server. On a phone they set delete from server to Never. With that box ticked, a second device can still fetch the same mail.
Some modern apps make this simpler by offering only IMAP. Outlook on a phone is one example, since it hides the POP fields. There you use imap.netzero.com on 993, which keeps every message on the server for all your devices.
| Choice | What to use |
|---|---|
| POP3 (NetZero's guide) | pop.netzero.com on 995, tick leave a copy on the server |
| IMAP (works too) | imap.netzero.com on 993, mail stays on the server for many devices |
| Outgoing (both) | smtp.netzero.com on 465 with SSL, sign-in required |
Moving Mail In or Out?#
NetZero mail speaks plain POP3 and IMAP, so a mailbox moves in or out like any standard account. With IMAP each folder stays on the server until the copy finishes.
Take a copy first. Back up the mailbox before a move. A note that arrives mid switch can sit on either side. A copy keeps you safe.
Carrying mail across? The Univik Email Migration Tool moves each folder over an IMAP link. Give it imap.netzero.com with your NetZero password on this side and the other account opposite.
Rather hand it off? Our Email Migration Services team runs the whole move and verifies each folder arrived.
Use These Settings in Univik Email Backup#
The same server settings above let you download your complete NetZero mailbox to your computer. Univik Email Backup saves everything as PST, MBOX, EML or PDF files you keep forever, even if the account closes.
- Download Univik Email Backup and install it on Windows.
- Select NetZero from the source list. If NetZero is not listed, pick a plain POP3 or IMAP account.
- Give the complete email address with your mailbox password. The login name is always the whole email address.
- When the backup tool wants server details, hand it imap.netzero.com on port 993 with SSL. You can also use pop.netzero.com on 995. Take those values straight from the IMAP table above, with SSL kept on.
- Pick a saving format and folder, then start the backup. Large mailboxes download in the background.
Univik Tools That Use These Settings#
Many people land here while migrating or archiving a mailbox. All 3 tools use the same IMAP settings from this page:
Email Backup
Download your complete NetZero mailbox to PST, MBOX, EML or PDF before switching or closing the account.
Email Backup Tool →
Email Migration Tool
Copy every folder from NetZero straight into Gmail, Microsoft 365 or any other account. No manual export needed.
Email Migration Tool →
Email Converter Tool
Already have MBOX, EML or OST files from an old export? Convert them to PST, PDF or any format your new app opens.
Email Converter Tool →Prefer to hand the whole migration to experts?
If the hostnames and passwords feel like busywork, you can let the tool handle it. Univik's migration team handles the complete project: planning, transfer, verification and a report showing every folder made it. Since 2013, for single mailboxes up to full company moves.
Email Settings Glossary#
IMAP
Internet Message Access Protocol. Reads mail that stays on the server, so all your devices see the same inbox, folders and read status.
POP3
Post Office Protocol version 3. Downloads mail to 1 device and can remove it from the server. Older method, still useful for local archives.
SMTP
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. Sends your outgoing mail. Every account needs it next to IMAP or POP3, which only receive.
SSL / TLS / STARTTLS
Encryption for the connection. SSL/TLS encrypts from the start (ports 993, 995, 465). STARTTLS upgrades a plain connection (port 587).
NetZero Password
Your NetZero account password, the same one that opens NetZero webmail. Your email app uses this. There is no separate app password.
pop.netzero.com
The NetZero POP3 incoming server, on 995 over SSL. NetZero's own setup uses POP3.
imap.netzero.com
The NetZero IMAP incoming server, on 993 over SSL. IMAP keeps mail on the server across devices.
smtp.netzero.com
The NetZero outgoing server, on 465 with SSL or 587 with STARTTLS. It needs authentication with your NetZero login.
United Online
The company behind NetZero and Juno. Both run on the same email platform.
NetZero Webmail
The browser inbox at netzero.net. It opens with your address and NetZero password.
Leave a Copy on Server
A POP3 option that keeps a server copy after a download. It lets a second device still fetch the same mail.
Juno
NetZero's sister service under United Online. It uses the matching juno.com hosts.
POP3 Port 995
The secure POP3 port NetZero uses on pop.netzero.com. It wraps the download in SSL so the login never travels in the open.
Delete from Server
A POP3 setting NetZero tells phone users to set to Never. It stops an app removing mail that other devices still need.
Outlook Mobile
A phone app that offers only IMAP for many providers. For NetZero it means using imap.netzero.com on 993 rather than POP3.
How We Verify These Settings#
Univik builds email backup, migration and converter software since 2013. Our tools sign in to NetZero over POP3, IMAP and SMTP every day for thousands of users, so a changed server, port or login rule shows up in our connection logs before most guides notice it.
Every value on this page is confirmed with three checks: a live IMAP and SMTP connection from Univik Email Backup, a comparison against the NetZero guides and a sign in with a real mailbox using the full address. We re verify after any provider announcement and at least once a quarter.
Found something that no longer matches what NetZero shows you? Tell us and we will retest and update the page, with the change logged in what changed recently.
Help & Support
Frequently Asked Questions
NetZero sets up email with POP3. Use pop.netzero.com on 995 for incoming and smtp.netzero.com on 465 for outgoing, each over SSL. Many apps also connect over imap.netzero.com on 993. Sign in with your full netzero.net or netzero.com address and your NetZero password. The POP3 settings section holds the full table.
Check the username first. It must be the complete address rather than the part before the at sign. Use your whole netzero.net or netzero.com address, not a shortened name. The password is your NetZero account password. There is no separate app password to make.
NetZero's own guide uses POP3, which downloads mail to one device. Pick IMAP on imap.netzero.com if you read the same mailbox on a phone and a computer. Full comparison here.
Yes. The server, ports and encryption match on iPhone, Android and Windows. Only the path to the settings screen shifts by app, which the client setup guides spell out.
NetZero's own setup instructions use POP3 on pop.netzero.com and tell you to skip IMAP. IMAP on imap.netzero.com still works in most apps if you want mail kept on the server across devices.
Yes. Keep SSL on each server so your sign in never travels in the open. NetZero uses 995 for POP3 or 993 for IMAP and 465 for outgoing.
An email client with IMAP downloads mail as it syncs, but a dedicated backup tool is faster and saves standard files you can open anywhere. See how to back up your NetZero mailbox. If you already exported files in another format, an email converter changes them to PST, PDF or whatever your new app opens.
With NetZero this often traces to POP3. If an app downloaded your mail and removed the server copy, older messages sit on that one device. Turn on leave a copy on the server. Moving the account to IMAP on imap.netzero.com keeps mail available on every device.
A migration tool copies mail across the two accounts on an IMAP link. Give the NetZero IMAP settings with imap.netzero.com and your NetZero password on this side and the destination details on the other. Each folder lands with its dates intact.
If setting this up feels risky or you have many accounts to move, our managed email migration service does the entire job for you.
Use imap.netzero.com on 993 with SSL. Some apps like Outlook on a phone hide the POP fields, so IMAP is the path there. NetZero's own guide prefers POP3 on pop.netzero.com, but imap.netzero.com works and keeps mail on the server. The POP3 section explains the trade-off.
Other Email Provider Settings
Summary: NetZero Settings at a Glance
- POP3: pop.netzero.com, port 995, SSL/TLS
- IMAP: imap.netzero.com, port 993, SSL/TLS
- SMTP: smtp.netzero.com, port 465 or 587
- Username is always your full email address
- NetZero sets up email with POP3
- Pick IMAP for phone + computer sync
- Full address as the username
- Username is always the full email address