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Answers for private customers

The Knowledge Base for private customers is already largely up to date. A few individual articles are currently being revised and will be updated shortly. We thank you for your understanding and look forward to providing you with the latest information on using mailbox.

Please note: The Knowledge Base has changed slightly. Categories have been adjusted and any URLs stored in the old Knowledge Base are no longer valid.

Exchange ActiveSync

Exchange ActiveSync (EAS) is a protocol developed by Microsoft with a proprietary implementation. An EAS client is preinstalled on all major Android and iOS smartphones and tablets and enables the synchronization of emails, calendars, tasks, and contacts with an ActiveSync-compatible server, such as Microsoft Exchange. To connect the client, it is sufficient to enter the server address, username, and password.

A Matter of Trust​

The EAS protocol was developed, patented, and licensed by Microsoft. mailbox recommends that all customers who prefer more trustworthy open-source solutions use CalDAV and CardDAV clients. These clients also allow you to synchronize desktop computers using mail applications such as Thunderbird, Evolution, or Kontact.

ActiveSync​

Note: Exchange ActiveSync does not synchronize old emails!

By design, ActiveSync only synchronizes recent emails and calendar events. If you're using ActiveSync to sync your mobile device, only emails and events from the past few days will be available. However, mailbox allows synchronization of emails from the last 18 months. If you want to sync older emails, please set the sync period on your mobile device to "1 month". Longer time frames may cause issues on some devices.

ActiveSync on Android and iOS Devices​

ActiveSync Behavior​

Exchange ActiveSync does not synchronize old emails.

By design, ActiveSync only syncs recent messages and events. When using ActiveSync on your mobile device, only emails and calendar entries from the last few days will be available. However, mailbox allows synchronization of emails up to 18 months old. If you want to sync older messages, set the sync period on your device to "1 month". Longer periods may cause problems on some devices.

Android​

To use EAS (Exchange ActiveSync) on Android, your email app must support it.

How to Check​

  1. When setting up your email account, the option "Exchange ActiveSync" should be visible.
  2. Look for options like "manual setup" or check with your device manufacturer.

Use the credentials of your main mailbox email account. In the account settings, you can configure how far back emails should be synced. Adding an Exchange account also syncs your calendar and contacts. Setup is simple: just enter your full mailbox email address and password. The rest is detected automatically.


Figure 1: Android can automatically detect some of the necessary login details.


Figure 2: Android can automatically detect some of the necessary login details.

Note: If you're using a custom domain, you may need to manually set the server to office.mailbox.org.


Figure 3: Define sync periods and default behavior in the settings.


Figure 4: Define sync periods and default behavior in the settings.

After setting the synchronization options, your mailbox account is ready on the device:


Figure 5: Your account is ready and the first email is on its way.

Syncing Tasks​

To sync tasks with your Android device, you need an additional app such as "Tasks & Notes" (available in the Google Play Store). Enter your mailbox credentials within the app.


Figure 6:


Figure 7:


Figures 6, 7, and 8: Task & Notes is an Android app that allows you to sync tasks with **mailbox** using ActiveSync.

Issues with CyanogenMod​

Using the Privacy Guard in CyanogenMod can cause duplicate calendars and incorrect synchronization. We do not recommend using CyanogenMod with ActiveSync.

Setting Up Exchange ActiveSync on iOS Devices​

Automatic Setup via the mailbox Website​

You can configure your iPhone or iPad automatically using the mailbox website and a QR code.

Steps required:​

  1. Log in at https://mailbox.org from a desktop browser.
  2. Go to:
    All Settings → Connect Your Device
  3. Choose:
    • Platform: iPhone or iPad
    • App: Exchange ActiveSync
  4. Open the Camera app on your iOS device and scan the QR code displayed on your desktop screen.


Figure 9: Setup using QR code.

  1. Tap the Safari notification at the top of the screen.
  2. Confirm installation of the configuration profile.

Your device is now configured for Exchange ActiveSync.

Manual Setup on iOS​

You can also configure ActiveSync manually, in the following Step-by-Step description we will introduce you to the manual setup in iOS.

Steps:​

  1. On your iPhone or iPad, go to:
    Settings → Apps → Mail → Accounts → Add Account
  2. Select the account type:
    Microsoft Exchange


Figure 10: Manual setup on iOS devices.

  1. Enter the following details:

    • Email: Your primary mailbox address
    • Description: Any name you like (e.g., "mailbox")

  2. Tap "Next". If more details are requested, enter:

    • Username: Your primary mailbox email address
    • Password: Your mailbox password
    • Domain: mailbox.org
    • Server: office.mailbox.org

  3. Choose which content to synchronize (e.g., Mail, Contacts, Calendar).


Figure 11: Select Microsoft Exchange and choose which data to sync.

  1. Complete the setup.

Your account is now configured and syncing via Exchange ActiveSync.

Note: Missing Screenshots will be added shortly. We thank you for your patience.

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