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 pre-installed on every common Android and iOS smartphone or tablet and allows synchronization of emails, calendars, tasks, and contacts with an ActiveSync-capable server, such as Microsoft Exchange. To connect the client, simply enter the server, user name, and password.

A matter of trust

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

ActiveSync

Exchange ActiveSync does not synchronize old emails.

By design, ActiveSync only synchronizes recent emails and calendar events. If you use ActiveSync to synchronize your mobile device, only messages and appointments from the last few days will be available. However, mailbox allows synchronization of emails from the last 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 it. You can test this yourself: when setting up a new account, the option Exchange ActiveSync must be available. Also check for a manual setup option or consult your device manufacturer.

Use your main mailbox account credentials to connect. In the Exchange account settings, you can define how far back emails should be synchronized. Adding an Exchange account will also synchronize your calendar and contacts.
Setup is simple: just enter your full primary mailbox address and password — the rest is detected automatically.

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 configured via ActiveSync on your device.

Synchronizing tasks

To synchronize tasks with your Android device, you need an additional app such as "Tasks & Notes" from the Google Play Store. Simply enter your mailbox login credentials there as well.

Issues with CyanogenMod

Using the Privacy Guard feature of CyanogenMod may lead to duplicate calendars or incorrectly synchronized events. We therefore do not recommend using ActiveSync with CyanogenMod.

Setting up Exchange ActiveSync on iOS devices

Automatic setup via the mailbox website

You can automatically configure your iPhone or iPad for Exchange ActiveSync using your desktop computer and iOS device.

Steps for automatic setup

1. Log in to mailbox from your desktop computer.
2. In the Connect your device widget, click the Connect button.

   
   Figure 1: Setup via QR code.

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.

   
   Figure 2: Manual setup on iOS devices.

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).

   
   Figure 3: Manual setup on iOS devices.

9. Confirm the synchronization.

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