Webmail is email accessed through a website instead of an installed program. The server stores the messages and the browser interface displays them, so there is nothing to configure beyond signing in.
Why it matters
It works on any device with a browser and keeps the mailbox consistent, like IMAP. It is also a handy diagnostic: if mail works in webmail but not in a desktop email client, the problem is client settings. Hosting packages often include open-source webmail such as Roundcube. Security depends on the site: it should use HTTPS and multi-factor authentication, because a compromised webmail login gives access to password-reset emails for many other accounts.
Example
A hosting provider offers https://webmail.example.com. Jane logs in with her full address and password, and sees the same folders as on her phone. When her phone cannot send, she tries sending from webmail; since that works, the account is fine and the phone's SMTP settings are the culprit.
Common mistakes
- Using webmail on a shared computer without logging out.
- Leaving a webmail site on a domain with an expired or mismatched certificate.
- Skipping two-factor authentication on the mail account.
Related
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This page is general information written by our editorial team and updated when documentation changes. Servers and providers differ, so test changes safely first. See our editorial policy and disclaimer.