Exchange ActiveSync

Note

If you have activated two-factor authentication and set up app passwords, you must use the server address app.mailbox.org to synchronize your calendars and contacts. Logging in via the main address mailbox.org is not possible in this case.

Exchange ActiveSync (EAS) is a protocol developed by Microsoft with a proprietary implementation. An EAS client is installed on every common Android and iOS smartphone or tablet and allows synchronization of emails, calendars, tasks, and contacts with an ActiveSync-compatible server such as Microsoft Exchange.
To connect a client, you only need to enter the server address, username, and password.

A matter of trust

The EAS protocol is developed, patented, and licensed by Microsoft. mailbox recommends that customers who prefer more trustworthy and open-source software use CalDAV and CardDAV clients.
These allow synchronization of calendar and contact data also on desktop computers with applications such as Thunderbird, Evolution, or Kontact.

ActiveSync

Exchange ActiveSync does not synchronize old emails.

By design, ActiveSync only allows synchronization of recent events and emails. When you use ActiveSync to connect your mobile device, only emails and calendar entries from the last few days are available for synchronization.
mailbox allows synchronization of emails from the past 18 months. If you wish to synchronize older messages, set the synchronization period on your mobile device to 1 month. Longer periods may cause issues on some devices.

Android

To use EAS on Android, your email app must support the Exchange ActiveSync protocol. You can verify this by checking whether Exchange ActiveSync is listed as an account type when setting up a new account. If necessary, look for a manual setup option or contact your device manufacturer for clarification.

Use your primary mailbox email address and password to establish the connection.
Within the Exchange account settings, you can specify how far back in time emails should be synchronized (see note above). Adding an Exchange account will also connect your calendar and contacts automatically.

Setup is straightforward: simply enter your full primary mailbox address and password. All other connection details are detected automatically by the device.

Note

If you are using your own domain, you may need to set the server to app.mailbox.org.

After selecting your synchronization preferences, your mailbox account will be connected via ActiveSync, and synchronization of mail, calendar, and contacts will begin.

Synchronizing tasks

To synchronize tasks with your Android device, you will need an additional app, such as “Tasks & Notes” from the Google Play Store. Simply enter your mailbox login credentials in the app, and your tasks will be synchronized with your mailbox account via ActiveSync.

Issues with CyanogenMod

Using the Privacy Guard feature in CyanogenMod may lead to duplicate calendars and incorrectly synchronized appointments. We do not recommend using Exchange ActiveSync with CyanogenMod due to these inconsistencies.

Setting up Exchange ActiveSync on iOS devices

Automatic setup via the mailbox website

You can automatically configure your iPhone or iPad for Exchange ActiveSync. To do so, you need a desktop computer and your iOS device.

1. Log in to mailbox from your desktop computer.
2. In the Connect your device widget, click the Connect button.
3. Select iPhone or iPad > Exchange ActiveSync.
4. On your iOS device, open the camera app and scan the QR code displayed on your desktop screen.
5. Tap the Safari notification that appears at the top of your camera view.
6. Approve the download and installation of the configuration profile.

Once installed, your device is configured for Exchange ActiveSync.

Manual setup on iOS devices

Alternatively, you can configure the connection manually.

1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings.
2. Navigate to Mail > Accounts > Add account.
3. Select the account type Microsoft Exchange.
4. Enter the following access data:
   • Email: Your main mailbox address (e.g., firstname.lastname@mailbox.org)
   • Description: Any name you prefer (e.g., mailbox)
5. Tap Next.
6. If more information is required, enter the following:
   • Email address: You full mailbox address
   • User name: Part before the @ in your email address
   • Password: Your mailbox password
   • Domain: mailbox.org
   • Server: app.mailbox.org
7. Tap Next.
8. Choose which data to synchronize (e.g., Mail, Contacts, Calendar).
9. Confirm the synchronization.

Your account is now configured and will synchronize the selected data with mailbox via Exchange ActiveSync.