Secure IMAP for Apple Mail

NSIT requires that all access to common University servers use secure authentication methods. The following article explains how to configure Apple Mail to securely access common NSIT email servers using the IMAP protocol.

Please note that we are unable to support email clients configured in this manner; the recommended and supported solution for accessing your NSIT email account is Mozilla Thunderbird, as configured by the NSIT Connectivity Package. You can pick up the Connectivity Package free of charge from the ID & Privileges Office or the NSIT Solution Center.

Configuration Instructions

Older versions of Apple mail do not include SSL support; correspondingly, you'll need to be running Mac OS X 10.2 or later to connect to NSIT email servers. These instructions are for the version of Apple Mail included with Mac OS X 10.4. To get started, open Apple Mail.

  1. If you have never run Apple Mail before, you will be prompted to create a new account. Click Continue.
  2. In the "General Information" window, fill in the appropriate data as requested. The account type is IMAP, while your email address is your cnetid@uchicago.edu. Click Continue.

    What's New
  3. In the "Incoming Mail Server" window, put imap.uchicago.edu for the server, then enter your CNetID and password in the blanks. Click Continue.

    What's New
  4. Mail will test your connectivity, then prompt you to confirm security settings. "Use Secure Sockets Layer" should be checked, and the Authentication should be "Password." Click Continue.
  5. In the "Outgoing Mail Server" window, put authsmtp.uchicago.edu, then enter your CNetID and password into the blanks. Click Continue.

    What's New
  6. Mail will test your connectivity, then prompt you to confirm security settings. "Use Secure Sockets Layer" should be checked, and the Authentication should be "Password." Click Continue.
  7. On the "Conclusion" window, click Done. These instructions do not cover importing additional mailboxes.
  8. Apple Mail may ask you if you want to see what's new with Apple Mail. Click No.

Apple Mail is now configured to check email securely on NSIT email servers!

Last updated: 10/03/06