Email setup in DirectAdmin: accounts and config

DirectAdmin email accounts are created from your hosting control panel. Once set up, users can access email via webmail or configure their email client (Outlook, Gmail, etc.).

Create email account

1. Log in to DirectAdmin control panel
2. Click Email Accounts
3. Click Add Email Account
4. Enter the email address (format: user@yourdomain.com)
5. Enter a password (at least 8 characters recommended)
6. Set quota (storage limit per account, typically 500 MB - 5 GB)
7. Click Create

The account is created immediately and ready to use.

Access webmail

Users can access email directly from a web browser:

• Visit: yourdomain.com:2095 or yourdomain.com/webmail
• Login with full email address: user@yourdomain.com
• Password: as set in DirectAdmin

Webmail includes a browser-based email client (typically Roundcube). Users can check email from any device without configuring software.

Connect email client (Outlook, Gmail, Apple Mail)

IMAP Settings (recommended - syncs with webmail):

POP3 Settings (if IMAP unavailable):

• Incoming: POP3 on port 110 (or 995 for SSL)
• Outgoing: SMTP on port 587 (secure)
• Delete emails from server after download (recommended)

SPF and security records

To prevent email spoofing and improve deliverability:

Create SPF record in DNS:

v=spf1 mx ~all

Add this as a TXT record for your domain. It tells mail servers that your mail server (MX record) is allowed to send emails for your domain.

Enable DKIM (if available in DirectAdmin):

• Digitally signs outgoing emails
• Improves deliverability
• Often enabled automatically

Email limits and quotas

• Per-account quota: Set when creating account (default 1 GB)
• Storage warning: User gets warning when quota is 90% full
• Email sending limits: Typically 100-500 emails per hour (prevents spam abuse)
• Attachment limits: Usually 20-50 MB per message

Check your DirectAdmin interface or contact support for your specific limits.

Troubleshooting

Email not sending:

• Check SMTP server settings (port 587 usually works)
• Verify account password is correct
• Check sending limit hasn't been exceeded

Email not receiving:

• Verify MX records point to your mail server
• Check spam filter (may flag incoming emails)
• Verify account quota hasn't been exceeded

Can't access webmail:

• Verify port 2095 is open in firewall
• Try alternate URL: yourdomain.com/webmail
• Clear browser cache and cookies

Related: DirectAdmin overview | cPanel email accounts | Email setup guide