How to Use Apple Mail (iOS) with ImprovMX SMTP

If you’re forwarding mail to a Gmail inbox and want to send from your custom domain (user@yourdomain.com) using ImprovMX SMTP, iOS Mail doesn’t make it easy — but it is possible.

This guide walks you through manually configuring iOS Mail to:

• Use Gmail IMAP to receive forwarded mail
• Use ImprovMX SMTP to send from your custom domain

Prerequisites

Make sure you have the following before starting:

• Your domain is set up in ImprovMX and forwards to Gmail
• Your ImprovMX SMTP credentials
• 2-Step Verification is enabled on your Gmail account
• A Gmail App Password is created for use with IMAP - Generate one here

Step-by-step setup on iOS

Step 1: Add a new mail account

• Open Settings >Apps > Mail > Mail Accounts > Add Account
• Tap Other
• Tap Add Mail Account

Step 2: Enter account information

• Name: Your display name
• Email: user@yourdomain.com (your ImprovMX alias)
• Password: Your Gmail App Password
• Description: e.g. “Custom Domain Email”

Tap Next. iOS will now prompt for incoming and outgoing server settings.

Step 3: Enter incoming & outgoing mail server (Gmail IMAP / ImprovMX SMTP)

• Incoming Mail Server
• Host Name: imap.gmail.com
• Username: Your full Gmail address (e.g. you@gmail.com)
• Password: Your Gmail App Password

• Outgoing Mail Server
• Host Name: smtp.improvmx.com
• Username: user@yourdomain.com
• Password: Your ImprovMX SMTP password

Tap Next and wait while the account verifies. Then tap Save.

Step 4: Final adjustments

• After saving, you’ll be asked what to sync. Turn Notes off unless needed.
• Tap Save again.

Step 5: Send a test message

• Open the Mail app
• Tap the compose icon
• Ensure the From address is set to user@yourdomain.com
• Send an email to any destination and check it arrives correctly

You’re done!

You’re now able to send mail from your custom domain on iOS Mail using ImprovMX SMTP — all while receiving replies through your Gmail inbox.