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POP and SMTP server settings

You can set up your CenturyLink email to work with other email programs and on multiple devices. We provide step-by-step instructions for Mac OS, iOS, Android and Windows. For all other programs and devices, you will need the POP/SMTP server settings on this page as you follow the instructions for your specific device or program.

Choose your email address domain from the dropdown below to see the POP/SMTP settings: centurylink.net or qwestoffice.net, or other: 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

Reminder: You must create your email address before you can set it up on your device.  

  • 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.

More about POP/SMTP and IMAP

SMTP, POP3 and IMAP are different ways your email program (say, Outlook) communicates with your email provider (CenturyLink). Here are some simplified explanations:

  • POP3 (Post Office Protocol)—Like its name implies, POP3 is the equivalent of the post office. It's for storing your email. 
  • SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)—SMTP 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 mailman. CenturyLink filters port 25 for increased security. Learn more about port 25 filtering.
  • IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol)—IMAP is a fancier version of POP3. For instance, with IMAP, you can keep your email on the server, something you can't do with POP3. IMAP requires more server space and computing power to operate. We don't currently support IMAP.
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