Setup an alias for iOS
Using an Alias on iOS – Important Setup Information
This article explains how to use alias addresses on iPhone and iPad, including the specific limitations depending on the chosen setup method. On iOS, there are two fundamentally different ways to configure a mail account — and only one of them supports alias addresses.
Limitations Depending on the Setup Method
On iOS, alias functionality depends on whether the account was configured using a profile (ActiveSync) or manually (IMAP/SMTP).
Alias with iOS Profile (ActiveSync)
When the mailbox profile is installed on an iOS device, the account is automatically configured using ActiveSync. This technology does not support alias addresses on iOS. As a result, when composing a message, the “From:” field does not offer any selection for alias addresses.
If you want to use an alias, you must remove the iOS profile and set up the account manually via IMAP/SMTP instead.
Alias with Manual Setup (IMAP/SMTP)
Alias addresses can only be used when the mail account has been configured manually as an IMAP/SMTP account. In this case, the alias address can be added directly in the iOS Mail settings.
Setting Up an Alias on iOS 18 (IMAP/SMTP)
The following steps apply only to accounts configured for IMAP retrieval. Alias addresses cannot be configured for accounts using ActiveSync.
- Open Settings and navigate to Apps | Mail | [Your IMAP Account] | Account Settings (iOS 18).
- Tap Email (on iOS 17 and earlier: Settings | Mail | Accounts | Your IMAP Account | Account | Email).
- Select Add Another Email Address.
- Enter the existing alias address and confirm using the Return key.
- The alias will then appear in the list of email addresses. Tap Account, then Done to save the changes.
- When composing a new message, tap the From: field twice to open the selection menu. You can then choose between the primary address and the alias.
Your alias is now set up and can be used when sending mail on your iOS device.
