Apple Mail (iOS) with ImprovMX SMTP

If you're forwarding mail to a Gmail inbox and want to send from your custom domain ([email protected]) 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
• Created an SMTP Credential in the ImprovMX Dashboard
• Added DKIM and DMARC records in DNS
• 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: [email protected] (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. [email protected])
  • Password: Your Gmail App Password
• Outgoing Mail Server
  • Host Name: smtp.improvmx.com
  • Username: [email protected]
  • 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 [email protected]
• Send an email to any destination and check it arrives correctly

Setup Google Account Syncing

This will help you send emails while syncing Google Contacts and Calendar.

There are two ways to configure your accounts. Here's what each does:

Option A: Sync Contacts & Calendar (Recommended)

• Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts > Add Account > Google
• Sign in with your Google account
• Disable Mail, Enable Contacts and Calendar
• This keeps your Google services synced without interfering with your custom email setup

Option B: Isolate Mail Only

• Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts > Add Account > Other
• Use your ImprovMX alias and SMTP credentials
• Contacts and Calendar won't sync this way
• Use this only if you want to keep Mail separate

Use Option A for syncing Contacts and Calendar. Use Option B for sending/receiving mail via ImprovMX.

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.