Resolved Email configuration (@me.com) without iCloud

[Faloude]

I've logged all my devices out of iCloud since I don't want to use it anymore for privacy concerns but I have an @me (shoutout to early adopters) email account (and thus also automatically an @iCloud.com) which I'm trying to configure into Mac Mail. I retrieved the IMAP / SMTP data from this page on the Apple website but I'm getting authentication errors.

Anyone else had trouble logging in and / or has solved this? Is it possible at all?

 

[Weaselboy]

I think if you want to use Mail you will need to access that email using iCloud.

Try using those IMAP settings you linked with a third party email client.

 

[Faloude]

I think if you want to use Mail you will need to access that email using iCloud.

I find that strange. Once you log into iCloud you agree to a whole set of conditions that are maybe unnecessary for mail. Ugh

 

[BrianBaughn]

Well it is hosted by Apple.

When you send an email from any email account you're agreeing to a whole set of conditions that probably can't even be defined.

Is there another email service that has less onerous conditions than iCloud? If so…use it!

 

[Faloude]

@BrianBaughn logging into iCloud comes with a lot of conditions that are unnecessary for e-mail use. For example linking a device with IMEI and serial number to my account. I find it strange to be forced to use iCloud for email access.

 

[BigBlur]

I'm guessing you probably have 2FA enabled on your Apple ID. If so, you need to use an app-specific password instead. I just tried this out myself, and it worked.

Using app-specific passwords - Apple Support

App-specific passwords allow you to sign in to your account securely when you use third-party apps with your Apple ID.

support.apple.com

 

[BrianBaughn]

I can do it also…even though the Apple webpage states that the app-specific passwords are for non-Apple applications.

 

[fastbagger]

Fastmail.com

 

[Faloude]

I'm guessing you probably have 2FA enabled on your Apple ID. If so, you need to use an app-specific password instead. I just tried this out myself, and it worked.

Using app-specific passwords - Apple Support

App-specific passwords allow you to sign in to your account securely when you use third-party apps with your Apple ID.

support.apple.com

Holy smokes, this worked. How did you even come up with the idea?

 

[BigBlur]

Holy smokes, this worked. How did you even come up with the idea?

Glad you got it working. This is just typical procedure for when apps don't support 2FA...need to generate a password to use instead. I've had to do this in the past for my Microsoft/Outlook account as well. Yes, the Mail app is built by Apple, but adding accounts manually by using the 'Other' option does not support 2FA.