Email Settings GuideQuick answer: So-net Mail reads over POP on pop.so-net.ne.jp port 995 with SSL and sends over mail.so-net.ne.jp port 587 with STARTTLS. IMAP on imap.so-net.ne.jp port 993 needs the paid IMAP service. Your username is the full address and the mail address password lets you in. If mail stopped on a set date, So-net retired APOP and CRAM-MD5.
What Changed Recently#
A host changes how you sign in more often than it changes the server names. Here is the current status for So-net and what it means for your setup.
Worth knowing
IMAP is a paid service. Standard So-net mail is POP on pop.so-net.ne.jp. Reading over IMAP on imap.so-net.ne.jp needs the paid IMAP service turned on first.
Worth knowing
Sending is on port 587. The outgoing server is mail.so-net.ne.jp on 587 with STARTTLS and authentication. Set the outgoing server to sign in with your address and mail password.
Worth knowing
Use the mail address password. A client wants your mail address password. The So-net member ID that signs you in to My Page is a different credential.
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. Know your mail address password
A client wants the mail address password, not the So-net member ID. Reset it from your member pages if you are unsure.
Note: the full address includes the subdomain, such as aa2
2. Decide POP or paid IMAP
POP on pop.so-net.ne.jp is standard. For IMAP on imap.so-net.ne.jp, add the paid IMAP service first.
Where: Find your settings →
About So-net Mail#
So-net is a Japanese internet provider from Sony Network Communications. Mail comes with a So-net plan and an address takes the form you@aa2.so-net.ne.jp, with a subdomain such as aa2. It reads in Outlook, Apple Mail or Thunderbird over POP or over IMAP with the paid IMAP service.
Standard mail is POP on pop.so-net.ne.jp and sending is SMTP on mail.so-net.ne.jp over port 587. To read the same mailbox over IMAP on more than one device, add the paid IMAP service, which turns on imap.so-net.ne.jp. The username is your full address and the password is your mail address password, not the So-net member ID. Mail sits on the server for about two months.
| Protocol | Server | Port |
|---|---|---|
| POP | pop.so-net.ne.jp | 995 SSL |
| IMAP (paid service) | imap.so-net.ne.jp | 993 SSL |
| SMTP | mail.so-net.ne.jp | 587 STARTTLS |
So-net Webmail Login#
You can always read your mail in a browser. The official sign in pages are:
IMAP Needs a Paid Service#
So-net gives you POP for free with the account. IMAP is a separate paid service you apply for. Until it is on, imap.so-net.ne.jp will not answer, so a client set to IMAP cannot connect. POP and sending work either way.
| Mailbox | Read over | Server |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (free) | POP | pop.so-net.ne.jp 995 |
| With paid IMAP service | POP or IMAP | imap.so-net.ne.jp 993 |
| Sending (either) | SMTP | mail.so-net.ne.jp 587 |
So-net IMAP Settings#
IMAP is the incoming choice So-net points most people to. Mail stays put on the server, so a laptop and a phone read one shared inbox. The servers are pop.so-net.ne.jp, imap.so-net.ne.jp and mail.so-net.ne.jp.
| IMAP Server | imap.so-net.ne.jp | |
| Port | 993 | |
| Encryption | SSL/TLS (required) | |
| Username | Your full email address, including @so-net.ne.jp | |
| Password | Your mailbox password | |
| Authentication | Required |
So-net 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.so-net.ne.jp | |
| Port | 995 | |
| Encryption | SSL/TLS (required) | |
| Username | Your full email address | |
| Password | Your mailbox password |
So-net SMTP Settings#
SMTP handles outgoing mail. If you can read mail but not send it, the problem is here.
| SMTP Server | mail.so-net.ne.jp | |
| Port (SSL) | 587 | |
| 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. |
587 with SSL. Many home connections block port 25. So-net also supports 587 and 26 if 587 is blocked. Confirm outgoing authentication is on.
Check So-net IMAP Settings Online#
You don't need to download anything to check So-net IMAP settings online. This page is the lookup: every value is verified, current and copyable straight from your browser. Not sure your address uses So-net servers? Type it below and find out instantly.
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 So-net webmail, which confirms your address and password work, then confirm an app password exists. If both pass, any email app connects with the tables above.
Look Up IMAP Settings for Any Email Domain#
This page covers So-net. 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#
The username is your whole So-net address, including the subdomain, such as you@aa2.so-net.ne.jp. The password is your mail address password. So-net also has a member ID for My Page and the member app, which a mail client does not use.
Username is the full address
Type the whole address with the subdomain, such as you@aa2.so-net.ne.jp. Put the same address on reading and sending.
Leaving out the subdomain is turned down.
Use the mail address password
This is the mail address password, the one that also opens So-net Webmail. You can reset it from your member pages.
The So-net member ID for My Page is a different credential. It does not work here.
Set Up So-net 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 IMAP and set incoming to
mail.so-net.ne.jpon 993 with SSL. - Set outgoing to the same server on 587 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, So-net address and password, then continue.
- Enter mail.so-net.ne.jp with SSL on incoming and outgoing.
- 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.
- Keep IMAP chosen and put mail.so-net.ne.jp in both server boxes.
- Leave the secure ports iOS fills, since So-net 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 mail.so-net.ne.jp on 993 over SSL.
- For outgoing use mail.so-net.ne.jp on 587 over SSL.
- Save and swipe down to fetch your mail.
Thunderbird
- In Thunderbird pick Account Actions, then Add Mail Account.
- Type your name, So-net address and password, then Continue.
- Wait for detection, then make sure IMAP with SSL is picked.
- If detection fails, type mail.so-net.ne.jp in yourself.
- Hit Done and the folders fill in on the first sync.
So-net Webmail Settings#
Server settings connect your apps. The controls here shape how the mailbox acts on its own. They live in So-net Webmail at webmail.so-net.ne.jp.
Signature
Add one in the webmail preferences. It rides on mail sent from webmail. A desktop app keeps a signature of its own.
Vacation Auto Reply
Set an autoresponder in So-net Webmail and give it start and end dates. The So-net server delivers it, so it fires even when your machine is off.
Filters and Folders
Create filters in So-net Webmail. A server side rule sorts a message ahead of any device fetching it. A rule set inside an app only works while that app is running.
Spam and Blocked Senders
So-net filters spam on incoming mail. Set the level and block unwanted senders in So-net Webmail. Flagged mail lands in the junk folder for a look.
POP3 vs IMAP#
| Feature | IMAP | POP3 |
|---|---|---|
| Where mail lives | On the So-net 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 |
So-net Sending and Storage Limits#
A few limits are worth knowing before you bulk forward or move a mailbox. On shared plans So-net caps outbound mail to protect the server reputation:
| Outbound cap | Applies on shared plans |
| Username | Full email address |
| SMTP ports | 587, 587 or 26 |
| Mailbox storage | Set by your hosting plan |
| Over the outbound cap | Sending pauses for a while |
Troubleshooting So-net 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 the full email address with the mail address password, not the So-net member ID. |
| Cannot send on port 25 | ISP blocks the default SMTP port | Switch outgoing to 587 with SSL. So-net sends only on 587 with STARTTLS. |
| IMAP will not connect | Paid IMAP service is off | imap.so-net.ne.jp answers only with the paid IMAP service. Apply for it in your member pages. Otherwise set the client to POP on pop.so-net.ne.jp. |
| Password keeps being rejected | Member ID used, not mail password | A client wants the mail address password, not the So-net member ID. Confirm the address and mail password in So-net Webmail first. |
| Cannot connect to server | Wrong port or encryption | Set 993 with SSL incoming and 587 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. |
| Send and receive stopped on a set date | APOP or CRAM-MD5 retired | Untick APOP on receiving and CRAM-MD5 on sending, then use pop.so-net.ne.jp on 995 with SSL. See Auth Methods Retired. |
| Old pop.aa2 host no longer answers | Per-subdomain host retired | Change the receiving server from pop.aa2.so-net.ne.jp on 110 to pop.so-net.ne.jp on 995 with SSL. |
Reader Reported Fixes
Copy from Set Up Mail Client. When a manual setup will not connect, the So-net settings page lists pop.so-net.ne.jp, imap.so-net.ne.jp and mail.so-net.ne.jp with the ports. Pasting those in clears the guesswork behind most failed setups.
Test the login in webmail first. Sign in at webmail.so-net.ne.jp with the full address and mailbox password. If webmail works, the credentials are right and the issue sits in the app settings.
So-net Retired APOP, CRAM-MD5 and the Old POP Host#
If a So-net client that ran for years stopped sending or receiving on a set date, the cause is a security change, not a broken password. So-net retired the older MD5 sign-in methods and the old per-subdomain POP host. A client still set the old way is turned away.
So-net dropped three older settings for security. APOP handled sign-in on receiving and CRAM-MD5, also shown as MD5 challenge response, handled sign-in on sending. Both used MD5 and are gone. The old receiving host looked like pop.aa2.so-net.ne.jp on port 110 with no SSL, where aa2 is your subdomain. So-net gave each affected address a dated deadline. Past it, send and receive stop until the client is updated.
The fix takes a minute. Open the account in your mail app, untick APOP on the receiving side and CRAM-MD5 on the sending side, then set the receiving server to pop.so-net.ne.jp on port 995 with SSL. Sending stays on mail.so-net.ne.jp on port 587. While you are there, put your full address in as the username. The old setup used only the part before the at sign.
| Old setting | What to do |
|---|---|
| APOP on receiving | Untick it in the account settings |
| CRAM-MD5 on sending | Untick it, keep SMTP authentication on |
| pop.aa2.so-net.ne.jp, port 110 | Change to pop.so-net.ne.jp port 995 with SSL |
Moving Mail In or Out?#
So-net mail speaks plain IMAP, so a mailbox moves in or out like any So-net account. Each folder stays on the server until the move 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 the So-net server name and mailbox 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 IMAP settings above let you download your complete So-net 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 So-net from the source list. If it isn't listed by name, choose IMAP.
- 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 mail.so-net.ne.jp on port 993 with SSL for So-net. Take those values straight from the IMAP table above, with port
993over SSL. - 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 So-net mailbox to PST, MBOX, EML or PDF before switching or closing the account.
Email Backup Tool →
Email Migration Tool
Copy every folder from So-net 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#
POP
Post Office Protocol. Downloads mail from pop.so-net.ne.jp to one device on port 995 with SSL. Standard on every So-net account.
IMAP
Internet Message Access Protocol. Reads mail kept on imap.so-net.ne.jp so more than one device shows the same inbox, port 993 with SSL. Needs the paid IMAP service.
SMTP
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. Sends your outgoing mail on mail.so-net.ne.jp, port 587 with STARTTLS and authentication on.
pop.so-net.ne.jp
The standard incoming server for So-net mail over POP, on port 995 with SSL. It works on any So-net account.
imap.so-net.ne.jp
The incoming server for So-net mail over IMAP, on port 993. It answers only once the paid IMAP service is on.
mail.so-net.ne.jp
The outgoing server for every So-net address, on port 587 with STARTTLS and authentication.
IMAP Service
The paid So-net add-on that turns IMAP on. Apply for it in your member pages before you set a client to IMAP.
Mail Address Password
The password for mail and So-net Webmail. A mail client signs in with this, not the member ID.
So-net Member ID
The ID that opens My Page and the So-net member app. A mail client does not use it.
Subdomain Address
Your address carries a subdomain, such as you@aa2.so-net.ne.jp. Type it in full on reading and sending.
STARTTLS and SSL
Encryption for the connection. SSL secures reading on 995 and 993. STARTTLS secures sending on 587.
So-net
A Japanese internet provider from Sony Network Communications. Addresses end in a subdomain of so-net.ne.jp.
APOP
An older POP sign-in method built on MD5. So-net retired it, so untick APOP on the receiving side and sign in the standard way.
CRAM-MD5
An older sending sign-in method, also shown as MD5 challenge response. So-net retired it, so untick it and keep plain SMTP authentication on.
Old POP Host
The old per-subdomain receiving server pop.aa2.so-net.ne.jp on port 110 with no SSL. It is gone, so use pop.so-net.ne.jp on 995 with SSL.
How We Verify These Settings#
Univik builds email backup, migration and converter software since 2013. Our tools sign in to So-net over 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 So-net 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 So-net 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
POP is pop.so-net.ne.jp on 995 with SSL and sending is mail.so-net.ne.jp on 587 with STARTTLS. IMAP is imap.so-net.ne.jp on 993 and needs the paid IMAP service. The username is your full address and the password is your mail address password.
Use the mail address password, not the So-net member ID for My Page. The username must be the full address including the subdomain, such as you@aa2.so-net.ne.jp. Confirm both in So-net Webmail first.
IMAP is a paid So-net service. imap.so-net.ne.jp answers only after you apply for the IMAP service in your member pages. Until then, set the client to POP on pop.so-net.ne.jp.
POP downloads to one device and is standard on So-net. IMAP keeps mail on the server so a phone and a computer show the same inbox, but it needs the paid IMAP service. Pick POP unless you want cross-device sync.
Yes. The same hosts and ports on every device, reading with SSL and sending with STARTTLS. Only the menus differ between apps.
Yes. Keep SSL on for reading and STARTTLS on for sending so the sign in never travels in the open. Set the outgoing server to require authentication.
Mail sits on the server for about two months from when it arrives. Move older mail to your device with POP or add the paid IMAP service to hold more on the server.
Sign in at webmail.so-net.ne.jp with your address and mail address password. The webmail reads the mailbox without a client.
A migration tool copies mail over IMAP, so you need the paid IMAP service on imap.so-net.ne.jp. Without it, download over POP from pop.so-net.ne.jp first, then import to the other account.
So-net retired the older APOP and CRAM-MD5 sign-in methods and the old per-subdomain POP host, each on a dated deadline. A client still set the old way is turned away. Untick APOP and CRAM-MD5 and set the receiving server to pop.so-net.ne.jp on 995 with SSL.
Other Email Provider Settings
Summary: So-net Settings at a Glance
- IMAP: mail.so-net.ne.jp, port 993, SSL/TLS
- POP3: mail.so-net.ne.jp, port 995, SSL/TLS
- SMTP: mail.so-net.ne.jp, port 587 or 587
- Username is always your full email address
- So-net mailbox on pop.so-net.ne.jp
- Pick IMAP for phone + computer sync
- Full address as the username
- Username is always the full email address