How to Configure Zimbra Mail in Outlook: A Complete Guide

Read time: 11 minutes

There is no single method to configure Zimbra Mail in Outlook that works for every account. Its configuration primarily depends on the Zimbra editions (Professional & Standard) you have, Outlook version, operating system, and enabled features by the admins. You can connect Zimbra in Outlook using:

• IMAP Configurations
• POP3 Configurations
• Exchange ActiveSync (EAS)
• Exchange Web Services (EWS)
• Zimbra Connector for Outlook (ZCO)

This guide explains the applicability of each method along with related settings for Zimbra Mail configuration in Outlook for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

Which Method Should You Use For Zimbra Mail Outlook Configuration? – An Overview

Check out the table below to get a quick overview of each method & select the applicable one for yourself.

Check These First, Before You Configure Zimbra Mail

Keep the following details ready before you start configuring Zimbra Mail in Outlook.

• Enable IMAP or POP access.
• Admin permission to install ZCO.
• Encryption method, if applicable.
• Zimbra Mail credentials (Emails & Password).
• Required incoming and outgoing server hostname.
• Identify which one to use: ZCO, ActiveSync, or EWS.
• Figure out your current Outlook version (New or Classic Outlook).
• Make sure to connect to Zimbra Server before you configure your Zimbra Account.

Different Ways to Configure Zimbra Mail In Outlook

Go through the following section to get the detailed steps to configure Zimbra Mail using different methods based on the Outlook version and subscription editions you have.

Method 1. Zimbra Mail Outlook Configuration Using ZCO

Here are the detailed steps to configure Zimbra Mail using ZCO in the Classic Outlook version.

Step 1. Download the Zimbra Connector for Outlook (ZCO)

• Official Zimbra ZCO add-on with the appropriate Windows installer.
• Your organization’s Zimbra Server: https:///downloads/index.html or ask your IT admin for the installer.

Step 2: Install the Connector

1. Close Outlook if it is running.
2. Double-click the downloaded ZCO installer (.msi file).
3. Click Next and Accept the license agreement.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
5. Click Close when the installation finishes.

Step 3: Create or Select a Zimbra Profile

1. Open Outlook.
2. Select the Zimbra profile if the installer created one automatically.
3. If you need to create a new profile, open Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles > Add.
4. Enter a profile name, select manual configuration, and choose Zimbra Collaboration Server.

Step 4: Enter Your Zimbra Account Details

In the Zimbra Server Configuration Settings window:

1. Enter your Zimbra server name.
2. Keep Use Secure selected unless your administrator instructs otherwise.
3. Enter your Zimbra email address and password.
4. Review any additional settings if required.
5. Click OK to start Outlook.

Step 5: Wait for Initial Synchronization

1. Outlook will connect to the Zimbra server and download your mailbox data to a local Zimbra database (ZDB).
2. Keep your computer connected to a reliable network.
3. Wait for the initial synchronization to finish.
4. Check progress from the Zimbra Ribbon > Show Zimbra Progress.

Method 2. Use Exchange ActiveSync to Configure Zimbra Mail In Outlook

Follow the given steps for Zimbra Mail Outlook configuration in the supported versions.

Step 1. Close the Outlook application first.

Step 2. Go to Control Panel and select Mail (Microsoft Outlook).

Step 3. Click on Email Accounts under the Mail Setup wizard.

Step 4. Navigate to Email tab and select the New option.

Step 5. Choose the Manual setup or additional server types and click Next.

Step 6. Select Exchange ActiveSync and tap Next.

Step 7. Enter your Server Settings and click Next.

Step 8. Outlook will test the connection.

Step 9. Click the Finish option once it is connected.

Method 3. Configure Zimbra Mail In Outlook for Mac Using Exchange Web Services

Below, we have mentioned the detailed steps for Zimbra Mail Outlook configuration on a Mac system.

Step 1. Locate the Tools section and go to Accounts.

Step 2. Click on the Exchange or Office 365 option.

Step 3. Enter your Exchange account information to Add Account.

Step 4. Wait for the synchronization to complete.

Step 5. Your Zimbra Mail is added to Outlook for Mac.

Method 4. Zimbra Mail Outlook Configuration With IMAP Or POP3

Here are the detailed steps to configure Zimbra Mail (with Outlook settings) using IMAP or POP3 protocols.

Step 1. Open Outlook and go to File > Account info.

Step 2. Navigate to Accounts > Your accounts > Add account.

Step 3. Enter your email address and click Continue.

Step 4. Type your Passwordand Select provider.

Step 5. Choose IMAP as your email provider.

Step 6. Then, switch on the Show more toggle to enter the required IMAP server details and tap Continue.

Step 7. Sync your IMAP account and tap Continue.

Step 8. Click the Done option after the synchronization is completed.

Bonus Tip: You can remove the added email account in New Outlook using these steps:

Step 1. Go to Accounts > Your accounts > Manage.

Step 2. Scroll down and click the Remove option.

Step 3. Confirm your choice to Remove Account and proceed to OK.

Step 4. It will remove the added account from New Outlook.

Ending Notes

The blog has discussed different ways to configure Zimbra Mail in Outlook. You can use them to set up your account using Zimbra Connector for Outlook (ZCO), Exchange ActiveSync (EAS), Exchange Web Services (EWS), IMAP, and POP3 settings.

If you want to configure your Zimbra Mail account using POP3 for email backups, that may not be the most reliable option. So, try the Kernel Zimbra Mailbox Backup tool to back up your mailboxes from Zimbra account. The software allows you to back up your complete mailbox data, including emails, contacts, calendar, etc into PST and other formats.

FAQs: Resolve Your Zimbra Mail Configuration Doubts