IMAP/POP and SMTP server settings for CenturyLink email

When you set up your CenturyLink email on another email program or on multiple devices, you will need the IMAP or POP and SMTP settings.

See step-by-step email setup instructions for:

For all other programs and devices, as you follow the instructions for your specific device or program, use the server settings on this page.

Do you already have CenturyLink email set up on your device? Learn about updates related to the email system change.

Notes about setting up your CenturyLink email

When you set up your email program, you may be prompted to leave a copy of your emails on the server. We recommend you accept this option.
Email Size Limit refers to the size of a single email, and Send To Limits include the To, CC and Bcc fields in emails. These limits are the same whether you're using webmail or SMTP.

Incoming and outgoing server settings for CenturyLink email

SMTP, POP and IMAP are different ways your email program (say, Outlook) communicates with your email provider (CenturyLink).

CenturyLink email server settings

Incoming Server (IMAP recommended)

IMAP: mail.centurylink.net, Port: 993, Security: SSL

POP: pop.centurylink.net, Port: 995, Security: SSL

Outgoing Server

SMTP: smtp.centurylink.net, Port: 587, Security: TLS if available

Incoming server settings

With CenturyLink.net email, you can choose between a POP or IMAP account type. We recommend IMAP.

IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol)

We recommend you choose IMAP for your incoming email setting. IMAP is the newer and better version of email service. With IMAP, you can keep your email on the server, something you can't do with POP. This allows you to access and sync your email on multiple devices.

POP (Post Office Protocol)

Like its name implies, POP is the equivalent of the post office. It's for storing your email. When you set up your email as a POP account, you can see your messages only on the device you set up. This is an older email technology.

Outgoing server settings

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) gets your email from one place to the next, routing it between servers and eventually to your computer desktop. An SMTP port sends an email through a network and to its recipient. If you were sending snail mail, it would be the mail carrier. CenturyLink filters port 25 for increased security.

Server settings for other email programs and devices

Centurylink.net and the domains listed here all have the same settings.

centurytel.net
clds.net
coastalnow.net
cochill.net
cswnet.com
elpasotel.net
embarqmail.com
emadisonriver.com

emadisonriver.net
gallatinriver.net
grics.net
gulftel.com
madisonriver.biz
mebtel.net
qwest.net
q.com

Incoming Server (choose POP or IMAP)	POP: pop.centurylink.net, Port: 995, Security: SSL IMAP: mail.centurylink.net, Port: 993, Security: SSL
Outgoing Server	SMTP: smtp.centurylink.net, Port 587 TLS if available
Username	Full email address
Server Limits	Email box storage limit: 700MB Email send size limit: 10MB

Domains	qwestoffice.net
Incoming Server	POP: pop.qwestoffice.net, Port: 110, Security: N/A
Outgoing Server	SMTP: smtp.qwestoffice.net, Port: 465, Security: SSL
Username	Full email address
Server Limits	Email box storage limit: 700MB Email send size limit: 10MB

CenturyLink Email Support

Visit our dedicated email support site.

Get Help with Email

Keep your CenturyLink email active

Like many free web-based email services, unused CenturyLink email accounts are deactivated after a certain amount of time. To keep your CenturyLink email active, be sure to log in at least once a year. Accounts with no activity for more than a year will be deactivated and all contents deleted.