Setting Up Comcast/Xfinity Email on Your Phone or Computer

Applies to: comcast.net addresses, new device or app setup

Setting up comcast.net for the first time on a new phone or in a desktop app is usually quick, but there's one setting people miss more than any other, which I'll flag right up front below.

1. Before anything else: enable third-party access

Comcast restricts third-party app access by default on some accounts. Before setting up Outlook, Thunderbird, or any app besides Xfinity Connect itself:

1. Sign in to Xfinity Connect on the web.
2. Go to Settings → Security → "Third Party Access Security."
3. Make sure it's set to allow access, not blocked.

Skipping this step is the single most common reason a correctly-configured app still won't connect.

2. Server settings

• Incoming (IMAP): imap.comcast.net, port 993, SSL/TLS
• Outgoing (SMTP): smtp.comcast.net, port 587, SSL/TLS with authentication required
• Username: your full @comcast.net address
• Password: your Xfinity account password (the same one used for billing and account management)

3. Setting up on Outlook (Windows/Mac)

1. File → Add Account → enter your full comcast.net address.
2. If Outlook doesn't auto-detect the settings, choose manual setup and enter the IMAP/SMTP details above.
3. Under Outgoing Server settings, confirm "My outgoing server requires authentication" is checked.

4. Setting up on Thunderbird

1. Account Settings → Account Actions → Add Mail Account.
2. Enter your name, comcast.net address, and password.
3. Let Thunderbird attempt auto-detection first; if it fails, choose Manual Config and enter the settings above.

5. Setting up on iPhone (Mail app)

1. Settings → Mail → Accounts → Add Account → Other → Add Mail Account.
2. Enter your name, comcast.net address, and password.
3. When prompted for server info, enter the IMAP and SMTP settings above.

6. Setting up on Android

1. Open your mail app → Add Account → Other (or "IMAP").
2. Enter your comcast.net address and password.
3. Enter the server settings above when prompted; most Android mail apps auto-fill the port numbers once you select SSL/TLS.