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FairEmail/FAQ.md

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# FairEmail support
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F)
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&#x1F1EC;&#x1F1E7; If you have a question, please check the following frequently asked questions first.
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[At the bottom](#get-support),
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you can find out how to ask other questions, request features, and report bugs.
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You will receive an answer in your own language.
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&#x1F1E9;&#x1F1EA; Wenn Sie eine Frage haben, überprüfen Sie bitte zuerst die folgenden häufig gestellten Fragen.
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[Unten](#get-support) erfahren Sie, wie Sie andere Fragen stellen, Funktionen anfordern und Fehler melden können.
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Sie erhalten eine Antwort in Ihrer eigenen Sprache.
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&#x1F1EB;&#x1F1F7; Si vous avez une question, veuillez d'abord vérifier les questions fréquemment posées suivantes.
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[En bas](#get-support), vous pouvez découvrir comment poser d'autres questions, demander des fonctionnalités et signaler des bogues.
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Vous recevrez une réponse dans votre propre langue.
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<br>
**Important**
There is a lot of technical information in this FAQ, mostly for specific problems or specific use cases.
For other, more common questions, please see the tutorials below or contact me via *Get support* below.
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<br />
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## Tutorials
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Please [see here](https://github.com/M66B/FairEmail/tree/master/tutorials) for tutorials &#x1F4D6;.
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<br />
## Index
* [Authorizing accounts](#authorizing-accounts)
* [How to ...?](#howto)
* [Known problems](#known-problems)
* [Planned features](#planned-features)
* [Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions) (FAQ)
* [Get support](#get-support)
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<br />
<h2><a name="authorizing-accounts"></a>Authorizing accounts</h2>
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&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23authorizing-accounts)
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In most cases, the quick setup wizard will be able to automatically identify the correct configuration.
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If the quick setup wizard fails, you'll need to manually set up an account (to receive email) and an identity (to send email).
For this you'll need the IMAP and SMTP server addresses and port numbers, whether SSL/TLS or STARTTLS should be used
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and your username (mostly, but not always, your email address) and your password.
Searching for *IMAP* and the name of the provider is mostly sufficient to find the right documentation.
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In some cases, you'll need to enable external access to your account and/or to use a special (app) password,
for instance when two-factor authentication is enabled.
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For authorizing:
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* Gmail / G suite, see [question 6](#faq6)
* Outlook / Live / Hotmail, see [question 14](#faq14)
* Office 365, see [question 156](#faq156)
* Microsoft Exchange, see [question 8](#faq8)
* Yahoo, AOL and Sky, see [question 88](#faq88)
* Apple iCloud, see [question 148](#faq148) ([German](https://support.apple.com/de-de/HT204397))
* Free.fr, see [question 157](#faq157)
3 years ago
* Posteo: please check if [additional email account protection](https://posteo.de/en/help/activating-additional-email-account-protection) ([German](https://posteo.de/hilfe/zusaetzlichen-postfachschutz-deaktivieren)) isn't enabled
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* Posteo: not that there is [no spam folder](https://posteo.de/en/help/how-does-the-posteo-spam-filter-work) ([German](https://posteo.de/hilfe/wie-funktioniert-der-posteo-spamfilter))
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* Web.de: please check if [IMAP is enabled](https://hilfe.web.de/pop-imap/imap/imap-serverdaten.html)
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* Web.de: with two factor authentication you'll need to use [an app password](https://web.de/email/sicherheit/zwei-faktor-authentifizierung/)
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* Web.de: if you are missing the spam messages folder, you should enable spam filtering via the website of web.de again
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* GMX: please check if [IMAP is enabled](https://support.gmx.com/pop-imap/toggle.html) ([German](https://hilfe.gmx.net/pop-imap/einschalten.html)). Reportedly, you need to do this on a desktop computer.
* GMX: with two factor authentication you'll need to use [an app password](https://support.gmx.com/security/2fa/application-specific-passwords.html) ([German](https://hilfe.gmx.net/sicherheit/2fa/anwendungsspezifisches-passwort.html)). Not that enabling two-factor authentication does not automatically enable IMAP.
3 years ago
* T-online.de: please make sure you use [an email password](https://www.telekom.de/hilfe/festnetz-internet-tv/e-mail/e-mail-adresse-passwoerter-und-sicherheit/passwort-fuer-e-mail-programme-einrichten) (German) and not your account password
* Ionos (1und1): please make sure you use [an email password](https://www.ionos.de/hilfe/e-mail/problemloesungen-mail-basicmail-business/passwort-fuer-e-mail-konto-bei-11-ionos-aendern/) (German) and not your account password
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* Yandex: please check if [IMAP is enabled](https://yandex.com/support/mail/mail-clients/others.html)
* Comcast/Xfinity: please check if [third party email access](https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/third-party-email-access) is enabled
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Please see [here](#faq22) for common error messages and solutions.
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Related questions:
* [Is OAuth supported?](#faq111)
* [Why is ActiveSync &trade; not supported?](#faq133)
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<br />
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<a name="howto">
## How to ...?
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23howto)
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* Change the account name: (Main) Settings, tap Manual setup, tap Accounts, tap account
* Change the swipe left/right target: (Main) Settings, tab page Behavior, Set swipe actions (*)
* Change password: (Main) Settings, tap Manual setup, tap Accounts, tap account, change password
* Set a signature: (Main) Settings, tap Manual setup, tap Identities, tap identity, Edit signature.
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* Set a default CC or BCC address: (Main) Settings, tap Manual setup, tap Identities, tap identity, tap Advanced.
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* Add CC and BCC addresses: tap the people's icon at the end of the subject
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* Go to the next/previous message on archive/delete: in the behavior settings disable *Automatically close conversations* and select *Go to next/previous conversation* for *On closing a conversation*
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* Add a folder to the unified inbox: long press the folder in the folder list and tick *Show in unified inbox*
* Add a folder to the navigation menu: long press the folder in the folder list and tick *Show in navigation menu*
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* Load more messages: long press a folder in the folder list, select *Fetch more messages*
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* Delete a message, skipping trash: long press the trash icon
* Delete an account/identity: (Main) Settings, tap Manual setup, tap Accounts/Identities, tap the account/identity, tap the trash icon in the top right corner
* Delete a folder: long press the folder in the folder list, Edit properties, tap the trash icon in the top right corner
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* Undo send: Outbox, swipe the message in the list left or right
* Delete a contact: please [see this FAQ](#faq171)
* Store sent messages in the inbox: please [see this FAQ](#faq142)
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* Change system folders: (Main) Settings, tap Manual setup, tap Accounts, tap account, at the bottom
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* Export/import settings: via the backup settings tab page (last tab page)
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(*) Swipe actions for individual and POP3 accounts can be configured in the account setting: (Main) Settings, tap Manual setup, tap Accounts, tap account
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<br />
<h2><a name="known-problems"></a>Known problems</h2>
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&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23known-problems)
3 years ago
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* ~~A [bug in Android 5.1 and 6](https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/37054851) causes apps to sometimes show a wrong time format. Toggling the Android setting *Use 24-hour format* might temporarily solve the issue. A workaround was added.~~
* ~~A [bug in Google Drive](https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/126362828) causes files exported to Google Drive to be empty. Google has fixed this.~~
4 years ago
* ~~A [bug in AndroidX](https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/78495471) causes FairEmail to occasionally crash on long pressing or swiping. Google has fixed this.~~
5 years ago
* ~~A [bug in AndroidX ROOM](https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/138441698) causes sometimes a crash with "*... Exception while computing database live data ... Couldn't read row ...*". A workaround was added.~~
4 years ago
* A [bug in Android](https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/119872129) causes FairEmail to crash with "*... Bad notification posted ...*" on some devices once after updating FairEmail and tapping on a notification.
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* A [bug in Android](https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/62427912) sometimes causes a crash with "*... ActivityRecord not found for ...*" after updating FairEmail. Reinstalling ([source](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/46309428/android-activitythread-reportsizeconfigurations-causes-app-to-freeze-with-black)) might fix the problem.
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* A [bug in Android](https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/37018931) sometimes causes a crash with *... InputChannel is not initialized ...* on some devices.
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* ~~A [bug in LineageOS](https://review.lineageos.org/c/LineageOS/android_frameworks_base/+/265273) sometimes causes a crash with *... java.lang.ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException: length=...; index=... ...*.~~
4 years ago
* A bug in Nova Launcher on Android 5.x causes FairEmail to crash with a *java.lang.StackOverflowError* when Nova Launcher has access to the accessibility service.
5 years ago
* ~~The folder selector sometimes shows no folders for yet unknown reasons. This seems to be fixed.~~
* ~~A [bug in AndroidX](https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/64729576) makes it hard to grap the fast scroller. A workaround was added.~~
* ~~Encryption with YubiKey results into an infinite loop. This seems to be caused by a [bug in OpenKeychain](https://github.com/open-keychain/open-keychain/issues/2507).~~
1 year ago
* A preview of a message text doesn't (always) appear on Samsung watches because [setLocalOnly](https://developer.android.com/reference/androidx/core/app/NotificationCompat.Builder.html#setLocalOnly(boolean)) seem to be ignored. Message preview texts are known to be displayed correctly on Pebble 2, Fitbit Charge 3, Mi band 3, and Xiaomi Amazfit BIP smartwatches. See also [this FAQ](#faq126).
* A [bug in Android 6.0](https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/37068143) causes a crash with *... Invalid offset: ... Valid range is ...* when text is selected and tapping outside of the selected text. This bug has been fixed in Android 6.0.1.
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* Internal (anchor) links will not work because original messages are shown in an embedded WebView in a scrolling view (the conversation list). This is an Android limitation which cannot be fixed or worked around.
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* Language detection [is not working anymore](https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/173337263) on Pixel devices with (upgraded to?) Android 11
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* A [bug in OpenKeychain](https://github.com/open-keychain/open-keychain/issues/2688) causes invalid PGP signatures when using a hardware token.
* Search suggestions causes the keyboard losing focus on Android 12L.
* [A bug](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/outlook/outlook-office-365-imap-idle-is-broken/m-p/3616242) in the Outlook IMAP server causes delayed new message notifications.
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<a name="redmi"></a>
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<a name="realme"></a>
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<a name="oneplus"></a>
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<a name="oppo"></a>
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<br />
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**Xiaomi Redmi / Realme / OnePlus / Oppo**
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&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23redmi)
2 years ago
5 months ago
On some Xiaomi Redmi (Note) devices, some Realme devices, some OnePlus devices running Android 12 and some Oppo devices running Android 12 the database occasionally gets corrupted, especially after an update,
resulting in total data loss (on the device only, unless you are using a POP3 account with the option *Leave messages on server* disabled).
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The cause of this problem are disk I/O errors due to an Android bug (more likely) or maybe a hardware issue (less likely),
please [see here](https://www.sqlite.org/rescode.html#ioerr_write).
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"*This error might result from a hardware malfunction or because a filesystem came unmounted while the file was open.*"
This can't be fixed by the app and should be fixed by the device manufacturer.
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**Please do not blame the app for this!**
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For the record, the stack trace:
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```
android.database.sqlite.SQLiteDiskIOException: disk I/O error (code 778)
at io.requery.android.database.sqlite.SQLiteConnection.nativeExecute(SourceFile:-2)
at io.requery.android.database.sqlite.SQLiteConnection.execute(SQLiteConnection:595)
at io.requery.android.database.sqlite.SQLiteSession.endTransactionUnchecked(SQLiteSession:447)
at io.requery.android.database.sqlite.SQLiteSession.endTransaction(SQLiteSession:411)
at io.requery.android.database.sqlite.SQLiteDatabase.endTransaction(SQLiteDatabase:551)
at androidx.room.RoomDatabase.internalEndTransaction(RoomDatabase:594)
at androidx.room.RoomDatabase.endTransaction(RoomDatabase:584)
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```
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The cause might be [changes in Android 7 Nougat](https://ericsink.com/entries/sqlite_android_n.html), which is why sqlite isn't bundled anymore since version 1.1970.
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<br />
<h2><a name="planned-features"></a>Planned features</h2>
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23planned-features)
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* &#x2714; ~~Synchronize on demand (manual)~~
* &#x2714; ~~Semi-automatic encryption~~
* &#x2714; ~~Copy message~~
* &#x2714; ~~Colored stars~~
* &#x2714; ~~Notification settings per folder~~
* &#x2714; ~~Select local images for signatures~~
* &#x2714; ~~Show messages matched by a rule~~
10 months ago
* &#x274C; ~~[ManageSieve](https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc5804)~~ (there are no maintained Java libraries with a suitable license and without dependencies and besides that, FairEmail has its own rules)
* &#x2714; ~~Search for messages with/without attachments~~ (on-device only because IMAP doesn't support searching for attachments)
* &#x2714; ~~Search for a folder~~
* &#x2714; ~~Search suggestions~~
* &#x274C; ~~[Autocrypt Setup Message](https://autocrypt.org/autocrypt-spec-1.0.0.pdf) (section 4.4)~~ (IMO it is not a good idea to let an email client handle sensitive encryption keys for an exceptional use case while OpenKeychain can export keys, too)
* &#x2714; ~~Generic unified folders~~
* &#x2714; ~~New per-account message notification schedules~~ (implemented by adding a time condition to rules, so that messages can be snoozed during selected periods)
* &#x2714; ~~Copy accounts and identities~~
* &#x2714; ~~Pinch to zoom~~
* &#x2714; ~~More compact folder view~~
* &#x2714; ~~Compose lists~~
2 years ago
* &#x274C; ~~Compose tables~~ (the Android editor doesn't support tables)
* &#x2714; ~~Pinch to zoom text size~~
* &#x2714; ~~Display GIFs~~
* &#x2714; ~~Themes~~
* &#x274C; ~~Any day time condition~~ (any day doesn't really fit into the from/to date/time condition)
* &#x2714; ~~Send as attachment~~
* &#x2714; ~~Widget for selected account~~
* &#x2714; ~~Remind to attach files~~
* &#x2714; ~~Select domains to show images for~~
* &#x2714; ~~Unified starred messages view~~ (implemented as saved search)
* &#x2714; ~~Move notification action~~
* &#x2714; ~~S/MIME support~~
* &#x2714; ~~Search for settings~~
2 weeks ago
* &#x274C; ~~POP3 folders~~
* &#x2714; ~~Bottom action bar~~
6 years ago
Anything on this list is in random order and *might* be added in the near future.
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<br />
<h2><a name="frequently-asked-questions"></a>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23frequently-asked-questions)
* [(1) Which permissions are needed and why?](#faq1)
* [(2) Why is there a permanent notification shown?](#faq2)
* [(3) What are operations and why are they pending?](#faq3)
* [(4) How can I use an invalid security certificate / empty password / plain text connection?](#faq4)
* [(5) How can I customize the message view?](#faq5)
* [(6) How can I login to Gmail / G suite?](#faq6)
* [(7) Why are sent messages not appearing (immediately) in the sent folder?](#faq7)
* [(8) Can I use a Microsoft Exchange account?](#faq8)
* [(9) What are identities / how do I add an alias / configure a default CC or BCC address?](#faq9)
* [~~(11) Why is POP not supported?~~](#faq11)
* [~~(10) What does 'UIDPLUS not supported' mean?~~](#faq10)
* [(12) How does encryption/decryption work?](#faq12)
* [(13) How does search on device/server work?](#faq13)
* [(14) How can I set up an Outlook / Live / Hotmail account?](#faq14)
* [(15) Why does the message text keep loading?](#faq15)
* [(16) Why are messages not being synchronized?](#faq16)
* [~~(17) Why does manual synchronize not work?~~](#faq17)
* [(18) Why is the message preview not always shown?](#faq18)
* [(19) Why are the pro features so expensive?](#faq19)
* [(20) Can I get a refund?](#faq20)
* [(21) How do I enable the notification light?](#faq21)
* [(22) What does account/folder error ... mean?](#faq22)
* [(23) Why do I get alert ...?](#faq23)
* [(24) What is browse messages on the server?](#faq24)
* [(25) Why can't I select/open/save an image, attachment or a file?](#faq25)
* [(26) Can I help to translate FairEmail in my own language?](#faq26)
* [(27) How can I distinguish between embedded and external images?](#faq27)
* [(28) How can I manage status bar notifications?](#faq28)
* [(29) How can I get new message notifications for other folders?](#faq29)
* [(30) How can I use the provided quick settings?](#faq30)
* [(31) How can I use the provided shortcuts?](#faq31)
* [(32) How can I check if reading email is really safe?](#faq32)
* [(33) Why are edited sender addresses not working?](#faq33)
* [(34) How are identities matched?](#faq34)
* [(35) Why should I be careful with viewing images, attachments, the original message, and opening links?](#faq35)
* [(36) How are settings files encrypted?](#faq36)
* [(37) How are passwords stored?](#faq37)
* [(39) How can I reduce the battery usage of FairEmail?](#faq39)
* [(40) How can I reduce the data usage of FairEmail?](#faq40)
* [(41) How can I fix the error 'Handshake failed'?](#faq41)
* [(42) Can you add a new provider to the list of providers?](#faq42)
* [(43) Can you show the original ...?](#faq43)
* [(44) Can you show contact photos / identicons in the sent folder?](#faq44)
* [(45) How can I fix 'This key is not available. To use it, you must import it as one of your own!'?](#faq45)
* [(46) Why does the message list keep refreshing?](#faq46)
* [(47) How do I solve the error 'No primary account or no drafts folder'?](#faq47)
* [~~(48) How do I solve the error 'No primary account or no archive folder'?~~](#faq48)
* [(49) How do I fix 'An outdated app sent a file path instead of a file stream'?](#faq49)
* [(50) Can you add an option to synchronize all messages?](#faq50)
* [(51) How are folders sorted?](#faq51)
* [(52) Why does it take some time to reconnect to an account?](#faq52)
* [(53) Can you stick the message action bar to the top/bottom?](#faq53)
* [~~(54) How do I use a namespace prefix?~~](#faq54)
* [(55) How can I mark all messages as read / move or delete all messages?](#faq55)
* [(56) Can you add support for JMAP?](#faq56)
* [(57) Can I use HTML in signatures?](#faq57)
* [(58) What does an open/closed email icon mean?](#faq58)
* [(59) Can original messages be opened in the browser?](#faq59)
* [(60) Did you know ...?](#faq60)
* [(61) Why are some messages shown dimmed?](#faq61)
* [(62) Which authentication methods are supported?](#faq62)
* [(63) How are images resized for displaying on screens?](#faq63)
* [~~(64) Can you add custom actions for swipe left/right?~~](#faq64)
* [(65) Why are some attachments shown dimmed?](#faq65)
* [(66) Is FairEmail available in the Google Play Family Library?](#faq66)
* [(67) How can I snooze conversations?](#faq67)
* [~~(68) Why can Adobe Acrobat reader not open PDF attachments / Microsoft apps not open attached documents?~~](#faq68)
* [(69) Can you add auto scroll up on new message?](#faq69)
* [(70) When will messages be auto expanded?](#faq70)
10 months ago
* [(71) How do I use rules?](#faq71)
* [(72) What are primary accounts/identities?](#faq72)
* [(73) Is moving messages across accounts safe/efficient?](#faq73)
* [(74) Why do I see duplicate messages?](#faq74)
* [(75) Can you make an iOS, Windows, Linux, etc version?](#faq75)
* [(76) What does 'Clear local messages' do?](#faq76)
* [(77) Why are messages sometimes shown with a small delay?](#faq77)
* [(78) How do I use schedules?](#faq78)
* [(79) How do I use synchronize on demand (manual)?](#faq79)
* [~~(80) How do I fix the error 'Unable to load BODYSTRUCTURE'?~~](#faq80)
* [(81) Can you make the background of the original message view dark in dark themes?](#faq81)
* [(82) What is a tracking image?](#faq82)
* [(84) What are local contacts for?](#faq84)
* [(85) Why is an identity not available?](#faq85)
* [~~(86) What are 'extra privacy features'?~~](#faq86)
* [(87) What does 'invalid credentials' mean?](#faq87)
* [(88) How can I use a Yahoo/AT&T, AOL or Sky account?](#faq88)
* [(89) How can I send plain text only messages?](#faq89)
* [(90) Why are some texts linked while not being a link?](#faq90)
* [~~(91) Can you add periodical synchronization to save battery power?~~](#faq91)
* [(92) Can you add spam filtering, verification of the DKIM signature and SPF authorization?](#faq92)
* [(93) Can you allow installation/data storage on external storage media (sdcard)?](#faq93)
* [(94) What does the red/orange stripe at the end of the header mean?](#faq94)
* [(95) Why are not all apps shown when selecting an attachment or image?](#faq95)
* [(96) Where can I find the IMAP and SMTP settings?](#faq96)
* [(97) What is 'cleanup'?](#faq97)
* [(98) Why can I still pick contacts after revoking contacts permissions?](#faq98)
* [(99) Can you add a rich text or markdown editor?](#faq99)
* [(100) How can I synchronize Gmail categories?](#faq100)
* [(101) What does the blue/orange dot at the bottom of the conversations mean?](#faq101)
* [(102) How can I enable auto rotation of images?](#faq102)
* [(103) How can I record audio?](#faq158)
* [(104) What do I need to know about error reporting?](#faq104)
* [(105) How does the roam-like-at-home option work?](#faq105)
* [(106) Which launchers can show a badge count with the number of unread messages?](#faq106)
* [(107) How do I use colored stars?](#faq107)
* [~~(108) Can you add permanently delete messages from any folder?~~](#faq108)
* [~~(109) Why is 'select account' available in official versions only?~~](#faq109)
* [(110) Why are (some) messages empty and/or attachments corrupted?](#faq110)
* [(111) Is OAuth supported?](#faq111)
* [(112) Which email provider do you recommend?](#faq112)
* [(113) How does biometric authentication work?](#faq113)
* [(114) Can you add an import for the settings of other email apps?](#faq114)
* [~~(115) Can you add email address chips?~~](#faq115)
* [~~(116) How can I show images in messages from trusted senders by default?~~](#faq116)
* [(117) How can I restore a purchase (on another device) ?](#faq117)
* [(118) What does 'Remove tracking parameters' exactly?](#faq118)
* [~~(119) Can you add colors to the unified inbox widget?~~](#faq119)
* [(120) Why are new message notifications not removed on opening the app?](#faq120)
* [(121) How are messages grouped into a conversation?](#faq121)
* [~~(122) Why is the recipient name/email address show with a warning color?~~](#faq122)
* [(123) What will happen when FairEmail cannot connect to an email server?](#faq123)
* [(124) Why do I get 'Message too large or too complex to display'?](#faq124)
* [(125) What are the current experimental features?](#faq125)
1 year ago
* [(126) Can message previews be sent to my smartwatch?](#faq126)
* [(127) How can I fix 'Syntactically invalid HELO argument(s)'?](#faq127)
* [(128) How can I reset asked questions, for example to show images?](#faq128)
* [(129) Are ProtonMail, Tutanota, etc supported?](#faq129)
* [(130) What does message error ... mean?](#faq130)
* [(131) Can you change the direction for swiping to previous/next message?](#faq131)
* [(132) Why are new message notifications silent?](#faq132)
* [(133) Why is ActiveSync &trade; not supported?](#faq133)
* [(134) Can you add leave messages on the server?](#faq134)
* [(135) Why are trashed messages and drafts shown in conversations?](#faq135)
* [(136) How can I delete an account/identity/folder?](#faq136)
* [(137) How can I reset 'Don't ask again'?](#faq137)
* [(138) Can you add calendar/contact/tasks/notes management?](#faq138)
* [(139) How do I fix 'User is authenticated but not connected'?](#faq139)
* [(140) Why does the message text contain strange characters?](#faq140)
* [(141) How can I fix 'A drafts folder is required to send messages'?](#faq141)
* [(142) How can I store sent messages in the inbox?](#faq142)
* [~~(143) Can you add a trash folder for POP3 accounts?~~](#faq143)
* [(144) How can I record voice notes?](#faq144)
* [(145) How can I set a notification sound for an account, folder, sender or condition?](#faq145)
* [(146) How can I fix incorrect message times?](#faq146)
* [(147) What should I know about third party versions?](#faq147)
* [(148) How can I use an Apple iCloud account?](#faq148)
* [(149) How does the unread message count widget work?](#faq149)
* [(150) Can you add cancelling calendar invites?](#faq150)
* [(151) Can you add backup/restore of messages?](#faq151)
* [(152) How can I insert a contact group?](#faq152)
* [(153) Why does permanently deleting Gmail message not work?](#faq153)
4 months ago
* [(154) Is there support for favicons as contact photos?](#faq154)
* [(155) What is a winmail.dat file?](#faq155)
* [(156) How can I set up an Office 365 account?](#faq156)
* [(157) How can I set up an Free.fr account?](#faq157)
* [(158) Which camera / audio recorder do you recommend?](#faq158)
* [(159) What are Disconnect's tracker protection lists?](#faq159)
* [(160) Can you add permanent deletion of messages without confirmation?](#faq160)
* [(161) Can you add a setting to change the primary and accent color?](#faq161)
* [(162) Is IMAP NOTIFY supported?](#faq162)
* [(163) What is message classification?](#faq163)
* [(164) Can you add customizable themes?](#faq164)
* [(165) Is Android Auto supported?](#faq165)
* [(166) Can I snooze a message across multiple devices?](#faq166)
* [(167) How can I use DeepL?](#faq167)
* [(168) What is a spam block list?](#faq168)
* [(169) Why does the app not start automatically?](#faq169)
* [(170) Why can't folders be created with POP3?](#faq170)
* [(171) How can I delete a contact?](#faq171)
* [(172) How can I import contacts?](#faq172)
* [(173) What is the difference between Play store / GitHub / F-Droid version?](#faq173)
* [(174) Is auto discovery supported?](#faq174)
* [(175) Why should battery optimizations be disabled?](#faq175)
* [(176) When will a message be considered safely transported?](#faq176)
* [(177) What does 'Sensitivity' mean?](#faq177)
* [(178) Why are widgets not updating?](#faq178)
* [(179) What are reply templates?](#faq179)
* [(180) How do I use LanguageTool?](#faq180)
* [(181) How do I use VirusTotal?](#faq181)
* [(182) How can I select how a link should be opened?](#faq182)
* [(183) How do I use Send?](#faq183)
* [(184) How do I password protect content?](#faq184)
* [(185) Can I install FairEmail on Windows?](#faq185)
* [(186) How can I let the app auto store iCalendar invitations?](#faq186)
* [(187) Are colored stars synchronized across devices?](#faq187)
5 months ago
* [~~(188) Why is Google backup disabled?~~](#faq188)
* [(189) What is cloud sync?](#faq189)
* [(190) How do I use OpenAI (ChatGPT)?](#faq190)
* [(191) How do I download and keep older messages on my device?](#faq191)
* [(192) How can I resolve 'Couldn't connect to host, port: ...; timeout ...;' ?](#faq192)
* [(193) How can I import Outlook contacts?](#faq193)
* [(194) How can I set up automatic deletion of old messages?](#faq194)
1 year ago
* [(195) Why are all messages in the archive folder of Gmail?](#faq195)
1 year ago
* [(196) Can you add empty trash on leaving the app?](#faq196)
12 months ago
* [(197) How can I print a message?](#faq197)
12 months ago
* [(198) Can you add spell checking?](#faq198)
11 months ago
* [(199) Can you add proxy support?](#faq199)
* [(200) How can I use Adguard to remove tracking parameters?](#faq200)
* [(201) What is certificate transparency?](#faq201)
10 months ago
* [(202) What is DNSSEC and what is DANE?](#faq202)
8 months ago
* [(203) Where is my sent message?](#faq203)
* [(204) How do I use Gemini?](#faq204)
* [(205) How do I check the integrity of an APK file?](#faq205)
[I have another question.](#get-support)
6 years ago
<a name="faq1"></a>
6 years ago
**(1) Which permissions are needed and why?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq1)
3 years ago
3 years ago
The following Android permissions are **required**:
6 years ago
3 years ago
* *have full network access* (INTERNET): to send and receive via the internet
3 years ago
* *view network connections* (ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE): to monitor connectivity changes (mobile data, WiFi)
3 years ago
* *run at startup* (RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED): to start sending and receiving on device start
2 months ago
* *run foreground service* (FOREGROUND_SERVICE/DATA_SYNC/SPECIAL_USE): to run a foreground service on Android 9 Pie and later, see also the next question
2 months ago
* *run foreground service* (FOREGROUND_SERVICE_MEDIA_PLAYBACK): for text-to-speech
3 years ago
* *schedule exact alarm* (SCHEDULE_EXACT_ALARM): to use exact alarm scheduling (Android 12 and later), for example to snooze messages
3 years ago
* *prevent device from sleeping* (WAKE_LOCK): to keep the device awake while performing actions, like synchronization of messages
* *use fingerprint hardware* (USE_FINGERPRINT) and *use biometric hardware* (USE_BIOMETRIC): to use biometric authentication (fingerprint, face unlock, etc.)
* *ask to ignore battery optimizations* (REQUEST_IGNORE_BATTERY_OPTIMIZATIONS): to disable battery optimizations, please see [this FAQ](#faq175) for more information
* *allow the app to show notifications* (POST_NOTIFICATIONS): to show new message notifications and (account) warnings and errors (Android 13 and later only)
3 years ago
* *Google Play (in-app) billing service* (BILLING): for in-app purchases
3 years ago
3 years ago
<br />
The following Android permissions are **optional**:
3 years ago
* *read your contacts* (READ_CONTACTS): to auto-complete addresses, to show contact photos and [to select contacts](https://developer.android.com/guide/components/intents-common#PickContactDat)
3 years ago
* *find accounts on the device* (GET_ACCOUNTS): to select an account when using the Gmail quick setup
* *read the contents of your shared storage (SD card)* (READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE): to accept files from other, outdated apps, see also [this FAQ](#faq49)
* Android 5.1 Lollipop and before: *use accounts on the device* (USE_CREDENTIALS): to select an account when using the Gmail quick setup (not requested on later Android versions)
* Android 5.1 Lollipop and before: *Read profile* (READ_PROFILE): to read your name when using the Gmail quick setup (not requested on later Android versions)
* GitHub version only: *read and write calendar data* (READ_CALENDAR/WRITE_CALENDAR): to [auto-store invitations](#faq186)
5 years ago
[Optional permissions](https://developer.android.com/training/permissions/requesting) are supported on Android 6 Marshmallow and later only.
On earlier Android versions, you will be asked to grant the permissions on installing FairEmail.
3 years ago
<br />
The following permissions are needed to show the count of unread messages as a badge (see also [this FAQ](#faq106)):
6 years ago
* *com.sec.android.provider.badge.permission.READ*
* *com.sec.android.provider.badge.permission.WRITE*
* *com.htc.launcher.permission.READ_SETTINGS*
* *com.htc.launcher.permission.UPDATE_SHORTCUT*
* *com.sonyericsson.home.permission.BROADCAST_BADGE*
* *com.sonymobile.home.permission.PROVIDER_INSERT_BADGE*
* *com.anddoes.launcher.permission.UPDATE_COUNT*
* *com.majeur.launcher.permission.UPDATE_BADGE*
* *com.huawei.android.launcher.permission.CHANGE_BADGE*
* *com.huawei.android.launcher.permission.READ_SETTINGS*
* *com.huawei.android.launcher.permission.WRITE_SETTINGS*
* *android.permission.READ_APP_BADGE*
* *com.oppo.launcher.permission.READ_SETTINGS*
* *com.oppo.launcher.permission.WRITE_SETTINGS*
* *me.everything.badger.permission.BADGE_COUNT_READ*
* *me.everything.badger.permission.BADGE_COUNT_WRITE*
* *com.vivo.notification.permission.BADGE_ICON*
6 years ago
3 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
FairEmail will keep a list of addresses you receive messages from and send messages to
and will use this list for contact suggestions when no contacts permission is granted to FairEmail.
6 years ago
This means you can use FairEmail without the Android contacts provider (address book).
Note that you can still select contacts without granting the contacts permission to FairEmail,
only suggesting contacts won't work without contacts permission.
6 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq2"></a>
**(2) Why is there a permanent notification shown?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq2)
3 years ago
3 years ago
*If you came here by clicking on the "monitoring" notification, you should know that the next click will open the unified inbox.*
3 years ago
To reliably receive messages in the background, the app needs to start a service,
3 years ago
which will let Android display a status bar notification notifying you about potential battery usage.
5 years ago
3 years ago
The service can't be started without a notification and the app can't disable the notification either.
However, you can disable the notification yourself, without side effects, via the notification settings of FairEmail:
5 years ago
* Android 8 Oreo and later: tap the *Monitoring channel* button and disable the channel via the Android settings (this won't disable new message notifications)
3 years ago
* Android 7 Nougat and before: enabled *Use background service to synchronize messages*, but be sure to read the remark below the setting first
5 years ago
You can also switch to periodical synchronization of messages in the receive settings, in order to remove the notification, but be aware that this might use more battery power.
See [here](#faq39) for more details about battery usage.
6 years ago
4 years ago
Android 8 Oreo might also show a status bar notification with the text *Apps are running in the background*.
5 years ago
Please see [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/7vw7l4/psa_turn_off_background_apps_notification/) about how you can disable this notification.
3 years ago
*Background*
The service is a [foreground service](https://developer.android.com/reference/android/app/Service.html#startForeground(int,%20android.app.Notification))
and is needed to prevent Android from stopping the service when the device is sleeping
([doze mode](https://developer.android.com/training/monitoring-device-state/doze-standby)).
Most, if not all, other email apps dont show a notification,
which leads to new messages often not being shown or reported later and messages not being sent at all or sent later.
5 years ago
3 years ago
Some other email apps download all your messages to their servers first and push messages via
[Firebase Cloud Messaging](https://firebase.google.com/docs/cloud-messaging/) to your device.
For your privacy this is not a nice solution ...
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq3"></a>
6 years ago
**(3) What are operations and why are they pending?**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq3)
3 years ago
6 years ago
The low priority status bar notification shows the number of pending operations, which can be:
6 years ago
* *add*: add message to remote folder
* *move*: move message to another remote folder
* *copy*: copy message to another remote folder
5 years ago
* *fetch*: fetch changed (pushed) message
6 years ago
* *delete*: delete message from remote folder
* *seen*: mark message as read/unread in remote folder
* *answered*: mark message as answered in remote folder
* *flag*: add/remove star in remote folder
* *keyword*: add/remove IMAP flag in remote folder
* *label*: set/reset Gmail label in remote folder
6 years ago
* *headers*: download message headers
* *raw*: download raw message
6 years ago
* *body*: download message text
* *attachment*: download attachment
1 year ago
* *detach*: delete attachment
6 years ago
* *sync*: synchronize local and remote messages
* *subscribe*: subscribe to remote folder
* *purge*: delete all messages from remote folder
* *send*: send message
* *exists*: check if message exists
* *rule*: execute rule on body text
* *expunge*: permanently delete messages
* *report*: process delivery or read receipt (experimental)
6 months ago
* *download*: async download of text and attachments (experimental)
* *subject*: update subject
6 years ago
6 years ago
Operations are processed only when there is a connection to the email server or when manually synchronizing.
See also [this FAQ](#faq16).
6 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq4"></a>
**(4) How can I use an invalid security certificate / empty password / plain text connection?**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq4)
3 years ago
11 months ago
**Since version 1.2137:
Due to [Google's Play Store policies](https://support.google.com/faqs/answer/6346016),
it is no longer possible to support insecure connections to email servers with certificate issues
for the version of FairEmail distributed in the Play Store.
Therefore, this issue can only be resolved by your email provider,
or by installing the GitHub version of the app (as an update) and enabling insecure connections in the account/identity settings.**
3 years ago
*... Untrusted ... not in certificate ...*<br />
*... Invalid security certificate (Can't verify identity of server) ...*<br />
*... Chain validation failed ... timestamp check failed ... Certificate expired at ...*<br />
This can be caused by using an incorrect host name, so first double-check the host name in the advanced identity/account settings (tap *Manual setup and account options*).
4 years ago
Please see the documentation of the email provider about the right host name.
3 years ago
Sometimes the right host name is in the error message.
4 years ago
You should try to fix this by contacting your provider or by getting a valid security certificate
6 years ago
because invalid security certificates are insecure and allow [man-in-the-middle attacks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man-in-the-middle_attack).
If money is an obstacle, you can get free security certificates from [Lets Encrypt](https://letsencrypt.org).
4 years ago
The quick, but unsafe solution (not advised), is to enable *Insecure connections* in the advanced identity settings
4 years ago
(navigation menu, tap *Settings*, tap *Manual setup*, tap *Identities*, tap the identity, tap *Advanced*).
4 years ago
4 years ago
Alternatively, you can accept the fingerprint of invalid server certificates like this:
1. Make sure you are using a trusted internet connection (no public Wi-Fi networks, etc.)
4 years ago
1. Go to the setup screen via the navigation menu (swipe from the left side inwards)
4 years ago
1. Tap Manual setup, tap Accounts/Identities and tap the faulty account and identity
4 years ago
1. Check/save the account and identity
1. Tick the checkbox below the error message and save again
4 years ago
This will "pin" the server certificate to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks.
5 years ago
5 years ago
Note that older Android versions might not recognize newer certification authorities like Lets Encrypt causing connections to be considered insecure,
see also [here](https://developer.android.com/training/articles/security-ssl).
4 years ago
<br />
5 years ago
*Trust anchor for certification path not found*
*... java.security.cert.CertPathValidatorException: Trust anchor for certification path not found ...*
means that the default Android trust manager was not able to verify the server certificate chain.
4 years ago
This could be due to the root certificate not being installed on your device
or because intermediate certificates are missing, for example because the email server didn't send them.
You can fix the first problem by downloading and installing the root certificate from the website of the provider of the certificate.
5 years ago
4 years ago
The second problem should be fixed by changing the server configuration or by importing the intermediate certificates on your device.
You can pin the certificate, too, see above.
4 years ago
<br />
5 years ago
*Empty password*
6 years ago
Your username is likely easily guessed, so this is pretty insecure, unless the SMTP server is available via a restricted local network or a VPN only.
6 years ago
*Plain text connection*
6 years ago
Your username and password and all messages will be sent and received unencrypted, which is **very insecure**
5 years ago
because a [man-in-the-middle attack](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man-in-the-middle_attack) is very simple on an unencrypted connection.
If you still want to use an invalid security certificate, an empty password or a plain text connection,
you'll need to enable insecure connections in the account and/or identity settings.
STARTTLS should be selected for plain text connections.
If you enable insecure connections, you should connect via private, trusted networks only and never via public networks, such as are offered in hotels, airports, etc.
6 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq5"></a>
6 years ago
**(5) How can I customize the message view?**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq5)
3 years ago
6 years ago
In the three dot overflow menu you can enable or disable or select:
* *text size*: for three different font sizes
* *compact view*: for more condensed message items and a smaller message text font
4 years ago
In the display section of the settings you can enable or disable for example:
6 years ago
* *Unified inbox*: to disable the unified inbox and to list the folders selected for the unified inbox instead
4 years ago
* *Tabular style*: to show a linear list instead of cards
* *Group by date*: show date header above messages with the same date
* *Conversation threading*: to disable conversation threading and to show individual messages instead
4 years ago
* *Conversation action bar*: to disable the bottom navigation bar
* *Highlight color*: to select a color for the sender of unread messages
* *Show contact photos*: to hide contact photos
* *Show names and email addresses*: to show names or to show names and email addresses
* *Show subject italic*: to show the message subject as normal text
* *Show stars*: to hide stars (favorites)
4 years ago
* *Show message preview*: to show 1-4 lines of the message text
6 years ago
* *Show address details by default*: to expand the addresses section by default
* *Automatically show original message for known contacts*: to automatically show original messages for contacts on your device, please read [this FAQ](#faq35)
* *Automatically show images for known contacts*: to automatically show images for contacts on your device, please read [this FAQ](#faq35)
6 years ago
6 years ago
Note that messages can be previewed only when the message text was downloaded.
Larger message texts are not downloaded by default on metered (generally mobile) networks.
4 years ago
You can change this in the connection settings.
6 years ago
6 years ago
Some people ask:
* to show the subject text in bold font, but that is already being used as an indicator for unread messages
* to move the star to the left, but it is much easier to toggle the star on the right side
6 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq6"></a>
**(6) How can I login to Gmail / G suite?**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq6)
3 years ago
2 years ago
**FairEmail fully supports OAuth through the quick setup wizard and will continue to work after May 30, please see below what to do if you used your account password to set up an account.**
3 years ago
>
2 years ago
> **Important: using your *account* password [won't be possible anymore from May 30, 2022](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/6010255).**
3 years ago
>
> "*To help keep your account secure, starting May 30, 2022, Google will no longer support the use of third-party apps or devices which ask you to sign in to your Google Account using only your username and password.*"
>
5 months ago
> &#x2705; If you authorized your Gmail account with the quick setup wizard or manually with an app password, your account will keep being synchronized after May 30, 2022.
3 years ago
>
2 years ago
> &#x274C; If you enabled *Less secure apps* in the Google account settings and authorized your Gmail account manually with your normal account password, your account can't be synchronized from May 30, 2022 anymore. The app will show the error **Invalid credentials (Failure)**.
3 years ago
>
> How to check:
>
> * Go to the *Settings* via the navigation menu (left side menu)
> * Tap on *Manual setup and account options*
> * Tap on *Accounts*
> * Find the account in the list
> * If there is a shield icon before the account name (=OAuth), the account will keep working
>
> How to fix:
>
> * Go to the *Settings* via the navigation menu (left side menu)
> * Tap on the *Wizard* button and select *Gmail (OAuth)*
> * Tick the checkbox to authenticate an existing account (else you'll create a new account!)
> * Fill in the fields and follow the steps
3 years ago
> * Repeat for each account
3 years ago
>
3 years ago
> **Note that other email apps, possibly on other devices, which still use your account password could cause your account to be blocked!**
>
3 years ago
4 years ago
If you use the Play store or GitHub version of FairEmail,
you can use the quick setup wizard to easily setup a Gmail account and identity.
The Gmail quick setup wizard is not available for third party builds, such as the F-Droid build,
4 years ago
because Google approved the use of OAuth for official builds only.
6 months ago
When using OAuth with multiple Google accounts, other Google accounts probably need to be logged out first.
The "*Gmail (Android)*" quick setup wizard won't work if the Android account manager doesn't work or doesn't support Google accounts,
3 years ago
which is typically the case if the account selection is being *canceled* right away.
6 months ago
If you don't want to use or can't use OAuth or an on-device Google account, for example on recent Huawei devices,
you can ~~either enable access for "less secure apps" and use your account password (not advised) or~~
enable two factor authentication and use an app specific password.
To use a password, you can use the quick setup wizard and select *Other provider*.
4 years ago
4 years ago
**Important**: sometimes Google issues this alert:
*[ALERT] Please log in via your web browser: https://support.google.com/mail/accounts/answer/78754 (Failure)*
This Google security check is triggered more often with *less secure apps* enabled, even less with an app password, and hardly ever when using an on-device account (OAuth).
3 years ago
You might see the error *OAUTH2 asked for more*, which basically says the connection is temporarily blocked, until you confirm it is you.
4 years ago
Note that an app specific password is required when two factor authentication is enabled.
4 years ago
After enabling two factor authentication there will be this error message:
*[ALERT] Application-specific password required: https://support.google.com/mail/accounts/answer/185833 (Failure)*
3 years ago
The error message "*Authentication failed - Invalid credentials*" or *Token refresh required* means that the Android account manager was not able to refresh the access token,
3 years ago
or that getting an access token was not allowed,
for example when the account is a [Family Link](https://support.google.com/families/answer/7101025) account, in which case you can use the Gmail app only.
3 years ago
A common cause for this problem is using a VPN, a firewall app or an ad blocker which blocks internet access for the Android account manager.
2 years ago
Please make sure permissions were granted to the app via setup step 2.
You can try to work around this issue by using the quick setup wizard *Gmail (Oauth)* or by using an app password.
3 years ago
2 months ago
*[ALERT] IMAP access is not allowed for this account.*
This means that it is a [Google Family Link](https://families.google.com/familylink/) account for a child under the age of 13.
Please see [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/ios/comments/x0dklz/i_give_up_adding_google_email_account_to_my/) for a solution.
5 years ago
<br />
3 years ago
<a name="faq6-app"></a>
5 years ago
*App specific password*
See [here](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/185833) about how to generate an app specific password.
3 years ago
To configure a new Gmail account with an app password, please tap on the wizard button in the main settings screen
and select *Other provider* (not Gmail!) and follow the steps (paste the app password in the password field).
To configure an existing Gmail account with an app password, please tap on *Manual setup and account options* in the main settings screen,
tap on *Accounts*, tap on the account and tap on the pencil icon after the password and select *Switch to password authentication* and paste the app password.
5 years ago
<br />
3 years ago
~~*Enable "Less secure apps"*~~
5 years ago
2 years ago
~~**Important**: using this method is not recommended because it is less reliable.~~
5 years ago
2 years ago
~~**Important**: Gsuite accounts authorized with a username/password will stop working [in the near future](https://gsuiteupdates.googleblog.com/2019/12/less-secure-apps-oauth-google-username-password-incorrect.html).~~
2 years ago
~~See [here](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/6010255) about how to enable "less secure apps"~~
~~or go [directy to the setting](https://www.google.com/settings/security/lesssecureapps).~~
2 years ago
~~If you use multiple Gmail accounts, make sure you change the "less secure apps" setting of the right account(s).~~
2 years ago
~~Be aware that you need to leave the "less secure apps" settings screen by using the back arrow to apply the setting.~~
2 years ago
~~If you use this method, you should use a [strong password](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Password_strength) for your Gmail account, which is a good idea anyway.~~
~~Note that using the [standard](https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc3501) IMAP protocol in itself is not less secure.~~
5 years ago
2 years ago
~~When "less secure apps" is not enabled,~~
~~you'll get the error *Authentication failed - invalid credentials* for accounts (IMAP)~~
~~and *Username and Password not accepted* for identities (SMTP).~~
5 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
5 years ago
*General*
5 years ago
5 years ago
You might get the alert "*Please log in via your web browser*".
5 years ago
This happens when Google considers the network that connects you to the internet (this could be a VPN) to be unsafe.
This can be prevented by using the Gmail quick setup wizard or an app specific password.
6 years ago
See [here](https://support.google.com/mail/answer/7126229) for Google's instructions
and [here](https://support.google.com/mail/accounts/answer/78754) for troubleshooting.
6 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq7"></a>
**(7) Why are sent messages not appearing (immediately) in the sent folder?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq7)
3 years ago
5 years ago
Sent messages are normally moved from the outbox to the sent folder as soon as your provider adds sent messages to the sent folder.
6 years ago
This requires a sent folder to be selected in the account settings and the sent folder to be set to synchronizing.
Some providers do not keep track of sent messages, or the used SMTP server might not be related to the provider.
In these cases, FairEmail, will automatically add sent messages to the sent folder on synchronizing the sent folder, which will happen after a message has been sent.
Note that this will result in extra internet traffic.
~~If this doesn't happen, your provider might not keep track of sent messages or you might be using an SMTP server not related to the provider.~~
~~In these cases, you can enable the advanced identity setting *Store sent messages* to let FairEmail add sent messages to the sent folder right after sending a message.~~
~~Note that enabling this setting might result in duplicate messages if your provider adds sent messages to the sent folder, too.~~
~~Also beware of enabling this setting since it will result in extra data usage, especially when sending messages with large attachments.~~
~~If sent messages in the outbox are not found in the sent folder on a full synchronize, they will be moved from the outbox to the sent folder too.~~
~~A full synchronize happens when reconnecting to the server or when synchronizing periodically or manually.~~
~~You'll likely want to enable the advanced setting *Store sent messages* instead to move messages to the sent folder sooner.~~
6 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq8"></a>
**(8) Can I use a Microsoft Exchange account?**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq8)
3 years ago
2 years ago
Firstly, Exchange *protocol* (EWS) is not the same as Exchange *server* or Exchange *account*.
2 years ago
2 years ago
The Microsoft Exchange Web Services &trade; (EWS) protocol [is being phased out](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/Exchange-Team-Blog/Upcoming-changes-to-Exchange-Web-Services-EWS-API-for-Office-365/ba-p/608055).
2 years ago
Microsoft stopped updating the EWS libraries [in 2016](https://github.com/OfficeDev/ews-java-api).
4 years ago
So, it makes little sense to add this protocol anymore.
1 year ago
Moreover, Microsoft announced that [EWS will be retired on October 1, 2026](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/exchange-team-blog/retirement-of-exchange-web-services-in-exchange-online/ba-p/3924440).
11 months ago
Please don't leave a bad review for this. This cannot be added because Microsoft no longer provides the tools for this!
4 years ago
2 years ago
You can use a Microsoft Exchange account if it is accessible via IMAP, which is almost always the case because all Exchange servers support the standard IMAP protocol.
See [here](https://support.office.com/en-us/article/what-is-a-microsoft-exchange-account-47f000aa-c2bf-48ac-9bc2-83e5c6036793) for more information.
6 years ago
4 years ago
Note that the desciption of FairEmail starts with the remark
2 years ago
that non-standard protocols, like Microsoft Exchange Web Services &trade; and Microsoft ActiveSync &trade; are not supported.
4 years ago
5 years ago
Please see [here](https://support.office.com/en-us/article/pop-imap-and-smtp-settings-for-outlook-com-d088b986-291d-42b8-9564-9c414e2aa040)
for the Microsoft documentation about configuring an email client.
There is also a section about common connection errors and solutions.
Some older Exchange server versions have a bug causing empty message and corrupt attachments.
Please see [this FAQ](#faq110) for a workaround.
5 years ago
Please see [this FAQ](#faq133) about ActiveSync &trade; support.
6 years ago
Please see [this FAQ](#faq111) about OAuth support.
5 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq9"></a>
2 years ago
**(9) What are identities / how do I add an alias / configure a default CC or BCC address?**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq9)
3 years ago
Identities represent email addresses you are sending *from* via an email (SMTP) server.
6 years ago
3 months ago
Some providers allow you to have multiple aliases addresses.
The easiest way to create an alias address is to use the mini *Create alias* wizard.
For this, please go to the settings via the navigation menu (left side menu),
tap on *Manual setup and account options*, tap on *Identities*, long press the main identity, and select *Create alias*.
For more options, you can copy the main identity by long pressing on it, and change the email address and perhaps the (display) name.
1 year ago
You should not change the username!
5 years ago
5 months ago
**Important**: In the case of an Outlook account, you should first authenticate the account again with the "Office 365" wizard. You don't need to remove the account for this.
**In many cases, an alias address must first be verified via the website of the mail provider**
5 years ago
Alternatively, you can enable *Allow editing sender address* in the advanced settings of an existing identity to edit the username when composing a new message,
3 years ago
if your provider allows this. Considering the email address test@example.org you can use these special username formats:
2 years ago
* "*+extra*" will result in the email address "*test+extra@example.org*"
* "*@extra*" will result in the email address "*test@extra.example.org*"
* "*Some name, username*" will result in the email address "*Some name, &lt;username@example.org&gt;*" (since version 1.2032)
5 years ago
3 months ago
You can configure a default CC, BCC and/or reply-to address in the advanced identity settings.
2 years ago
5 years ago
FairEmail will automatically update the passwords of related identities when you update the password of the associated account or a related identity.
6 years ago
See [this FAQ](#faq33) on editing the username of email addresses.
5 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq10"></a>
6 years ago
**~~(10) What does 'UIDPLUS not supported' mean?~~**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq10)
3 years ago
6 years ago
~~The error message *UIDPLUS not supported* means that your email provider does not provide the IMAP [UIDPLUS extension](https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc4315).
This IMAP extension is required to implement two way synchronization, which is not an optional feature.
So, unless your provider can enable this extension, you cannot use FairEmail for this provider.~~
6 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq11"></a>
5 years ago
**~~(11) Why is POP not supported?~~**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq11)
3 years ago
POP3 is supported!
5 years ago
~~Besides that any decent email provider supports [IMAP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_Message_Access_Protocol) these days,~~
~~using [POP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post_Office_Protocol) will result in unnecessary extra battery usage and delayed new message notifications.~~
~~Moreover, POP is unsuitable for two way synchronization and more often than not people read and write messages on different devices these days.~~
6 years ago
5 years ago
~~Basically, POP supports only downloading and deleting messages from the inbox.~~
~~So, common operations like setting message attributes (read, starred, answered, etc), adding (backing up) and moving messages is not possible.~~
6 years ago
5 years ago
~~See also [what Google writes about it](https://support.google.com/mail/answer/7104828).~~
6 years ago
5 years ago
~~For example [Gmail can import messages](https://support.google.com/mail/answer/21289) from another POP account,~~
~~which can be used as a workaround for when your provider doesn't support IMAP.~~
6 years ago
5 years ago
~~tl;dr; consider to switch to IMAP.~~
6 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq12"></a>
6 years ago
**(12) How does encryption/decryption work?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq12)
3 years ago
4 years ago
Communication with email servers is always encrypted, unless you explicitly turned this off.
This question is about optional end-to-end encryption with PGP or S/MIME.
6 months ago
4 years ago
The sender and recipient should first agree on this and exchange signed messages to transfer their public key to be able to send encrypted messages.
6 months ago
There is a gesture icon button just above the text of a received message on the right to verify a signature and store the public key.
4 years ago
4 years ago
<br />
5 years ago
*General*
5 years ago
Please [see here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public-key_cryptography) about how public/private key encryption works.
5 years ago
5 years ago
Encryption in short:
* **Outgoing** messages are encrypted with the **public key** of the recipient
* **Incoming** messages are decrypted with the **private key** of the recipient
Signing in short:
* **Outgoing** messages are signed with the **private key** of the sender
* **Incoming** messages are verified with the **public key** of the sender
5 years ago
5 years ago
To sign/encrypt a message, just select the appropriate method in the send dialog.
2 years ago
The simplest way to show the send dialog (again) is to long press the *Send* button in the bottom action bar.
It might be necessary to disable signing/encryption with the padlock icon in the top action bar first, to prevent the select key dialog, etc. from being in the way.
The encryption method will be remembered for the selected identity (at the top of the message editor).
5 years ago
To verify a signature or to decrypt a received message, open the message and just tap the gesture or padlock icon just below the message action bar.
6 years ago
2 years ago
The first time you send a signed/encrypted message, you might be asked for a sign key.
5 years ago
FairEmail will automatically store the selected sign key in the used identity for the next time.
If you need to reset the sign key, just save the identity or long press the identity in the list of identities and select *Reset sign key*.
The selected sign key is visible in the list of identities.
4 days ago
If you need to select a key on a case by case basis, you can create multiple identities for the same account with the same email address.
2 years ago
In the encryption settings, you can select the default encryption method (PGP or S/MIME),
5 years ago
enable *Sign by default*, *Encrypt by default* and *Automatically decrypt messages*,
but be aware that automatic decryption is not possible if user interaction is required, like selecting a key or reading a security token.
6 years ago
5 years ago
The to be encrypted message text/attachments and the decrypted message text/attachments are stored locally only and will never be added to the remote server.
2 years ago
If you want to undo decryption, you can tap on the "close" padlock icon.
6 years ago
4 years ago
<br />
5 years ago
*PGP*
5 years ago
You'll need to install and configure [OpenKeychain](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.sufficientlysecure.keychain/) first.
5 years ago
FairEmail was tested with OpenKeychain version 5.4. Later versions will most likely be compatible, but earlier versions might not be.
5 years ago
4 years ago
**Important**: the OpenKeychain app is known to (silently) crash when the calling app (FairEmail) is not authorized yet and is getting an existing public key.
5 years ago
You can workaround this by trying to send a signed/encrypted message to a sender with an unknown public key.
5 years ago
4 years ago
**Important**: if the OpenKeychain app cannot find a key (anymore), you might need to reset a previously selected key.
4 years ago
This can be done by long pressing an identity in the list of identities (Settings, tap Manual setup, tap Identities).
5 years ago
4 years ago
**Important**: to let apps like FairEmail reliably connect to the OpenKeychain service to encrypt/decrypt messages,
it might be necessary to disable battery optimizations for the OpenKeychain app.
4 years ago
4 years ago
**Important**: the OpenKeychain app reportedly needs contacts permission to work correctly.
4 years ago
**Important**: on some Android versions / devices it is necessary to enable *Show popups while running in background*
5 years ago
in the additional permissions of the Android app settings of the OpenKeychain app.
4 years ago
Without this permission the draft will be saved, but the OpenKeychain popup to confirm/select might not appear.
4 years ago
FairEmail will send the [Autocrypt](https://autocrypt.org/) header for use by other email clients,
but only for signed and encrypted messages because too many email servers have problems with the often long Autocrypt header.
Note that the most secure way to start an encrypted email exchange is by sending signed messages first.
3 years ago
There is an encryption option to send signed messages by default.
Alternatively, this can enabled for a specific identity in the advanced identity settings.
4 years ago
Received Autocrypt headers will be sent to the OpenKeychain app for storage on verifying a signature or decrypting a message.
5 years ago
4 years ago
Although this shouldn't be necessary for most email clients, you can attach your public key to a message
and if you use *.key* as extension, the mime type will correctly be *application/pgp-keys*.
5 years ago
All key handling is delegated to the OpenKey chain app for security reasons. This also means that FairEmail does not store PGP keys.
5 years ago
5 years ago
Inline encrypted PGP in received messages is supported, but inline PGP signatures and inline PGP in outgoing messages is not supported,
6 years ago
see [here](https://josefsson.org/inline-openpgp-considered-harmful.html) about why not.
6 years ago
2 years ago
If you wish to verify a signature manually, check *Show inline attachments* and save the files *content.asc* (the signed content) and *signature.asc* (the digital signature).
Install [GnuPG](https://www.gnupg.org/) on your preferred operating system and execute this command:
```gpg --verify signature.asc.pgp content.asc```
5 years ago
Signed-only or encrypted-only messages are not a good idea, please see here about why not:
6 years ago
2 years ago
* [OpenPGP Considerations Part I](https://www.openkeychain.org/openpgp-considerations-part-i)
* [OpenPGP Considerations Part II](https://www.openkeychain.org/openpgp-considerations-part-ii)
* [OpenPGP Considerations Part III Autocrypt](https://www.openkeychain.org/openpgp-considerations-part-iii-autocrypt)
6 years ago
2 years ago
Signed-only messages are supported, and encrypted-only messages are supported since version 1.2053.
5 years ago
4 years ago
Common errors:
4 years ago
* *No key*: there is no PGP key available for one of the listed email addresses
3 years ago
* *No key found!*: the PGP key stored in the identity probably doesn't exist anymore. Resetting the key (see above) will probably fix this problem.
4 years ago
* *Missing key for encryption*: there is probably a key selected in FairEmail that does not exist in the OpenKeychain app anymore. Resetting the key (see above) will probably fix this problem.
4 years ago
* *Key for signature verification is missing*: the public key for the sender is not available in the OpenKeychain app. This can also be caused by Autocrypt being disabled in the encryption settings or by the Autocrypt header not being sent.
3 years ago
* *OpenPgp error 0: null* / *OpenPgp error 0: General error*: please check the key in the OpenKeychain app and make sure there are no conflicting identities for the key and make sure the email address exactly matches the key, including lower/upper case. Also, make sure the key can be used to sign/encrypt and isn't for encrypting/signing only.
11 months ago
* *OpenPgp error 0: Encountered an error reading input data!*: your public key has the [AEAD](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Authenticated_encryption) flag set, but the message was encrypted in the older MDC (Modification Detection Code) mode by the sender. For example the Posteo email server does this erroneously. Workaround: [remove the AEAD flag](https://github.com/keybase/keybase-issues/issues/4025#issuecomment-853933127) from the key.
4 years ago
3 years ago
**Important**: if *Don't keep activities* is enabled in the Android developer options,
FairEmail and the OpenKeychain app cannot run at the same time, causing PGP operations to fail.
If needed, please [see here](https://developer.android.com/studio/debug/dev-options#enable) about how to enable the developer options.
3 years ago
**Important**: Android 8.1.0 on Tecno CF8 Camon 11 Pro devices blocks communication between apps
with the message "*AutoStart limited*" in the system logcat.
So, FairEmail (or any other app) can't communicate with the OpenKeychain app.
4 years ago
<br />
5 years ago
*S/MIME*
Encrypting a message requires the public key(s) of the recipient(s). Signing a message requires your private key.
3 years ago
Private keys are stored by Android and can be imported via the Android advanced security settings
(Encryption & credentials, Install a certificate, VPN & app user certificate).
3 years ago
There is a shortcut (button) for this in the encryption settings for Android version 10 and before.
5 years ago
Android will ask you to set a PIN, pattern, or password if you didn't before.
If you have a Nokia device with Android 9, please [read this first](https://nokiamob.net/2019/08/10/a-bug-prevents-nokia-1-owners-from-unlocking-their-screen-even-with-right-pin-pattern/).
2 years ago
**Important**: If Android doesn't accept the password of a certificate, it probably means it doesn't support the certificate's encryption method.
The solution is to convert the certificate like this:
```
openssl pkcs12 -nodes <your.p12 >certbag.pem
openssl pkcs12 -export -legacy -in certbag.pem >legacy.p12
```
Note that .p12 and .pfx are interchangeable.
You can find more information about this issue [here](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/71872900/installing-pcks12-certificate-in-android-wrong-password-bug)
<br>
5 years ago
Note that certificates can contains multiple keys for multiple purposes, for example for authentication, encryption and signing.
Android only imports the first key, so to import all the keys, the certificate must first be split.
This is not very trivial and you are advised to ask the certificate supplier for support.
3 years ago
If you renewed a certificate, you should import the renewed certificate and reset the key.
This can be done by long pressing an identity in the list of identities (Settings, tap Manual setup, tap Identities).
4 years ago
Note that S/MIME signing with other algorithms than RSA is supported, but be aware that other email clients might not support this.
4 years ago
S/MIME encryption is possible with asymmetric algorithms only, which means in practice using RSA.
4 years ago
4 years ago
The default encryption method is PGP, but the last used encryption method will be remembered for the selected identity for the next time.
4 years ago
You can long press on the send button to change the encryption method for an identity.
If you use both PGP and S/MIME encryption for the same email address, it might be useful to copy the identity,
so you can change the encryption method by selecting one of the two identities.
You can long press an identity in the list of identities (via manual setup in the main setup screen) to copy an identity.
4 years ago
5 years ago
To allow different private keys for the same email address, FairEmail will always let you select a key when there are multiple identities with the same email address for the same account.
4 years ago
Public keys are stored by FairEmail and can be imported when verifying a signature for the first time or via the encryption settings (PEM or DER format).
5 years ago
FairEmail verifies both the signature and the complete certificate chain.
Common errors:
* *No certificate found matching targetContraints*: this likely means you are using an old version of FairEmail
* *unable to find valid certification path to requested target*: basically this means one or more intermediate or root certificates were not found
4 years ago
* *Private key does not match any encryption keys*: the selected key cannot be used to decrypt the message, probably because it is the incorrect key
4 years ago
* *No private key*: no certificate was selected or no certificate was available in the Android keystore
3 years ago
* *Memory allocation failed*: Android supports keys up to 4096 bits only (Android [issue 199605614](https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/199605614))
1 year ago
* *message-digest attribute value does not match calculated value*: the signature doesn't match the message, possibly because the message was changed, or because an incorrect or key was used
5 years ago
In case the certificate chain is incorrect, you can tap on the little info button to show the all certificates.
After the certificate details the issuer or "selfSign" is shown.
A certificate is self signed when the subject and the issuer are the same.
Certificates from a certificate authority (CA) are marked with "[keyCertSign](https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc5280#section-4.2.1.3)".
8 months ago
You can find the description of other key usage bits, like *cRLSign*, via this same link.
5 years ago
Certificates found in the Android key store are marked with "Android".
A valid chain looks like this:
```
Your certificate > zero or more intermediate certificates > CA (root) certificate marked with "Android"
```
Note that a certificate chain will always be invalid when no anchor certificate can be found in the Android key store,
which is fundamental to S/MIME certificate validation.
Please see [here](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/2844832?hl=en) how you can import certificates into the Android key store.
5 years ago
The use of expired keys, inline encrypted/signed messages and hardware security tokens is not supported.
5 years ago
5 years ago
If you are looking for a free (test) S/MIME certificate, see [here](http://kb.mozillazine.org/Getting_an_SMIME_certificate) for the options.
Please be sure to [read this first](https://davidroessli.com/logs/2019/09/free-smime-certificates-in-2019/#update20191219)
if you want to request an S/MIME Actalis certificate.
2 months ago
Posteo offers cheap certificates, [see here](https://posteo.de/blog/neu-bei-posteo-smime-zertifikate-erstellen-und-sofort-nutzen) (German).
5 years ago
How to extract a public key from a S/MIME certificate:
```
5 years ago
openssl pkcs12 -in filename.pfx/p12 -clcerts -nokeys -out cert.pem
```
1 year ago
You can verify the signature of a raw message file (EML file) like this:
```
openssl smime -verify <xxx.eml
```
5 years ago
You can decode S/MIME signatures, etc, [here](https://lapo.it/asn1js/).
4 years ago
<br />
4 months ago
*Planck Security* (formerly: *pretty Easy privacy* or p≡p)
4 years ago
4 months ago
There is still no approved standard for p≡p and not many people are using it.
4 years ago
4 years ago
However, FairEmail can send and receive PGP encrypted messages, which are compatible with p≡p.
4 years ago
Also, FairEmail understands incoming p≡p messages since version 1.1519,
so the encrypted subject will be shown and the embedded message text will be shown more nicely.
4 years ago
<br />
5 years ago
S/MIME sign/encrypt is a pro feature, but all other PGP and S/MIME operations are free to use.
6 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq13"></a>
6 years ago
**(13) How does search on device/server work?**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq13)
3 years ago
5 years ago
You can start searching for messages on sender (from), recipient (to, cc, bcc), subject, keywords or message text by using the magnify glass in the action bar of a folder.
5 years ago
You can also search from any app by selecting *Search email* in the copy/paste popup menu.
6 years ago
4 years ago
Searching in the unified inbox will search in all folders of all accounts,
4 years ago
searching in the folder list will search in the associated account only
and searching in a folder will search in that folder only.
5 years ago
9 months ago
Messages will be searched for on the device first, unless you use a complex expression, see below.
<br>
3 years ago
You can download more messages on the device via the three-dots overflow menu in the start screen.
5 years ago
There will be an action button with a search again icon at the bottom to continue searching on the server.
You can select in which folder to continue the search.
9 months ago
<br>
The IMAP protocol doesn't support searching in more than one folder at the same time.
Searching on the server is an expensive operation, therefore it is not possible to select multiple folders.
6 years ago
3 years ago
The POP3 protocol doesn't support searching on the server at all.
9 months ago
<br>
Searching local (on-device) messages is case insensitive and on partial text.
The message text of local messages will not be searched if the message text was not downloaded yet.
6 years ago
Searching on the server might be case sensitive or case insensitive and might be on partial text or whole words, depending on the provider.
6 years ago
9 months ago
<br>
5 years ago
Some servers cannot handle searching in the message text when there are a large number of messages.
For this case there is an option to disable searching in the message text.
3 years ago
Since version 1.1888 a popup message will be shown and the search will automatically be retried without searching in the message text.
5 years ago
9 months ago
<br>
4 years ago
It is possible to use Gmail search operators by prefixing a search command with *raw:*.
4 years ago
If you configured just one Gmail account, you can start a raw search directly on the server by searching from the unified inbox.
If you configured multiple Gmail accounts,
you'll first need to navigate to the folder list or the archive (all messages) folder of the Gmail account you want to search in.
4 years ago
Please [see here](https://support.google.com/mail/answer/7190) for the possible search operators. For example:
4 years ago
``
raw:larger:10M
``
9 months ago
<br>
4 years ago
Searching through a large number of messages on the device is not very fast because of two limitations:
5 years ago
* [sqlite](https://www.sqlite.org/), the database engine of Android has a record size limit, preventing message texts from being stored in the database
* Android apps get only limited memory to work with, even if the device has plenty memory available
This means that searching for a message text requires that files containing the message texts need to be opened one by one
5 years ago
to check if the searched text is contained in the file, which is a relatively expensive process.
5 years ago
5 years ago
In the *miscellaneous settings* you can enable *Build search index* to significantly increase the speed of searching on the device,
5 years ago
but be aware that this will increase battery and storage space usage.
9 months ago
The search index is based on <ins>whole</ins> words in all message parts,
3 years ago
so searching for partial text and searching in specific messages parts (from, subject, text, etc) is not possible.
3 years ago
Note that only messages for which the message text was downloaded will be indexed.
In the connection settings can be configured up to which size messages texts will be downloaded automatically
when using a metered connection (generally mobile data or paid WiFi).
In the folder properties (long press on a folder in the folder list of an account) downloading of messages texts can be enabled/disabled.
Using the search index is a pro feature.
5 years ago
9 months ago
<br />
3 years ago
Since version 1.1315 it is possible to use search expressions like this:
4 years ago
```
apple +banana -cherry ?nuts
```
This will result in searching in the subject or text (only) like this:
4 years ago
```
("apple" AND "banana" AND NOT "cherry") OR "nuts"
```
Since version 1.1980 it is possible to use these prefixes as a search expression:
```
from:<email address>
to:<email address>
cc:<email address>
bcc:<email address>
keyword:<keyword>
```
9 months ago
There should be <ins>no space</ins> between the prefix and the search term, which will be applied as an AND-condition.
Only AND conditions (+) and NOT conditions (-) can be used for on-device searching (since version 1.1981).
If you try to use other search expressions, you get the error *Select a folder for a complex search*,
which means that a folder in an account's folder list must be selected in order to perform the search on the server.
4 years ago
9 months ago
<br>
3 years ago
Since version 1.1733 it is possible to save searches, which means that a named entry in the navigation menu will be created to repeat the same search later.
3 years ago
You can save a search after searching by tapping on the save button in the top action bar.
After repeating a search there will be a delete button at the same place to delete a saved search again.
A saved search might be useful to quickly search for starred messages, or for messages from a specific email address, etc.
Using the search index is a pro feature.
6 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq14"></a>
4 years ago
**(14) How can I set up an Outlook / Live / Hotmail account?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq14)
3 years ago
5 months ago
<br />
>
> **IMPORTANT: If you came here via a warning in the app, you MUST take action!**
>
3 months ago
> **IMPORTANT: Microsoft seems to disable (app) passwords ahead of schedule for more and more accounts, resulting in "*Authentication failed*" error messages.**
>
2 months ago
<br />
>
> &#x1F1EC;&#x1F1E7; In short: go to settings via the navigation menu (left side menu), tap the wizard button, select Outlook/Hotmail/Live and follow the steps.
>
> &#x1F1E9;&#x1F1EA; Kurz gesagt: Gehen Sie über das Navigationsmenü (Menü auf der linken Seite) zu den Einstellungen, tippen Sie auf die Schaltfläche Assistent, wählen Sie Outlook/Hotmail/Live und folgen Sie den Schritten.
>
> &#x1F1EB;&#x1F1F7; En bref : allez dans les paramètres via le menu de navigation (menu de gauche), appuyez sur le bouton de l'assistant, sélectionnez Outlook/Hotmail/Live et suivez les étapes.
>
3 months ago
<br />
> It takes just two minutes to be prepared (and to resolve "*Authentication failed*" errors).
3 years ago
>
4 months ago
> If the app said your Outlook accounts will continue to work, you don't need to do anything.
>
5 months ago
<br />
4 months ago
>
> tl;dr; go to settings via the navigation menu (left side menu), tap the wizard button, select Outlook/Hotmail/Live and follow the steps.
>
2 months ago
> <sub>If you don't use the account anymore, you can delete it via a button in the "extra" section at the bottom of the main settings screen.</sub>
>
4 months ago
<br />
3 years ago
>
5 months ago
> **Important**: Basic Authentication [will be turned off for Office 365 accounts from October 1, 2022](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/exchange-team-blog/basic-authentication-deprecation-in-exchange-online-may-2022/ba-p/3301866).
3 years ago
>
5 months ago
> **Important**: Basic Authentication **[will be turned off for Outlook/Hotmail/Live accounts from September 16, 2024](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/outlook-blog/keeping-our-outlook-personal-email-users-safe-reinforcing-our/ba-p/4164184)**.
>
<br />
>
> Microsoft calls password authentication "*Basic authentication*" and authentication with OAuth "*Modern authentication*".
> Confusingly, using [OAuth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OAuth) also requires entering a password.
>
<br />
>
> &#x2705; If you authorized your Outlook/Office 365 account with the quick setup wizard, your account will keep being synchronized after September 16, 2024.
>
> &#x274C; If you authorized your Outlook/Office 365 account manually with a password, **your account won't be synchronized from September 16, 2024 anymore!**
>
<br />
3 years ago
>
> How to check:
>
> * Go to the *Settings* via the navigation menu (left side menu)
> * Tap on *Manual setup and account options*
> * Tap on *Accounts*
> * Find the account in the list
> * If there is a shield icon before the account name (=OAuth), the account will keep working
5 months ago
>
<br />
3 years ago
>
> How to fix:
>
> * Go to the *Settings* via the navigation menu (left side menu)
5 months ago
> * Tap on the *Wizard* button and select *Outlook/Hotmail/Live (OAuth)* or *Office 365 (OAuth)*.
3 years ago
> * Tick the checkbox to authenticate an existing account (else you'll create a new account!)
> * Fill in the fields and follow the steps
> * Repeat for each account
>
5 months ago
<br />
An Outlook / Live / Hotmail account can be set up via the quick setup wizard and selecting *Outlook/Hotmail/Live (OAuth)* or *Office 365 (OAuth)*.
6 years ago
2 years ago
**Important**: a personal and a business account can have the same email address, but have different mailboxes (folders). So, please make sure you select the right option.
3 years ago
Microsoft said "*We have turned off SMTP AUTH for millions of tenants not using it*", which can result in this error message:
```
535 5.7.139 Authentication unsuccessful, SmtpClientAuthentication is disabled for the Tenant.
3 years ago
Visit https://aka.ms/smtp_auth_disabled for more information.
3 years ago
```
SMTP AUTH is necessary for third party email clients, which is also documented in [the referenced article](https://aka.ms/smtp_auth_disabled).
So, basically this means that Microsoft is pushing you to their own products. Isn't this a bit of a monopoly?
3 years ago
3 years ago
To use an Outlook, Live or Hotmail account with two factor authentication enabled, you might need to create an app password.
6 years ago
See [here](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/12409/microsoft-account-app-passwords-two-step-verification) for the details.
6 years ago
5 months ago
**Important**: Microsoft will drop support for app passwords from September 16, 2024.
See [here](https://support.office.com/en-us/article/pop-imap-and-smtp-settings-for-outlook-com-d088b986-291d-42b8-9564-9c414e2aa040) for Microsoft's instructions.
Please see [this FAQ](#faq139) for possible causes of the error *... User is authenticated but not connected ...*.
3 years ago
2 years ago
For unknown reasons, some Outlook/Hotmail accounts cannot send messages
2 years ago
because of the server error '*535 5.7.3 Authentication unsuccessful*'.
2 years ago
This can be resolved by authenticating the account with an (app) password (see above) instead of with OAuth.
You should use the "*Other provider*" wizard instead of "*Outlook / Office 365 (OAuth)*" in this case.
For setting up an Office 365 account, please see [this FAQ](#faq156).
4 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq15"></a>
6 years ago
**(15) Why does the message text keep loading?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq15)
3 years ago
6 years ago
The message header and message body are fetched separately from the server.
4 years ago
The message text of larger messages is not being pre-fetched on metered connections and will be fetched on demand on expanding a message.
4 years ago
The message text will keep loading if there is no connection to the account, see also the next question,
or if there other operations, like synchronizing messages, are being executed.
6 years ago
5 years ago
You can check the account and folder list for the account and folder state (see the legend for the meaning of the icons)
and the operation list accessible via the main navigation menu for pending operations (see [this FAQ](#faq3) for the meaning of the operations).
5 years ago
If FairEmail is holding off because of prior connectivity issues, please see [this FAQ](#faq123), you can force synchronization via the three dots menu.
4 years ago
In the receive settings you can set the maximum size for automatically downloading of messages on metered connections.
6 years ago
6 years ago
Mobile connections are almost always metered and some (paid) Wi-Fi hotspots are too.
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq16"></a>
6 years ago
**(16) Why are messages not being synchronized?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq16)
3 years ago
1 month ago
Synchronization problems are seldom the fault of the app, but are almost always caused by internet connectivity or email server problems.
1 month ago
The first thing to check is whether battery optimizations are **disabled** via setup step 3 in the main settings screen.
1 month ago
If you can't solve the problem, [please contact me](#get-support), and I'll explain how to send the debug info for a proper anaylysis.
6 years ago
Possible causes of messages not being synchronized (sent or received) are:
6 years ago
* The account or folder(s) are not set to synchronize
5 years ago
* The number of days to synchronize message for is set too low
6 years ago
* There is no usable internet connection
* The email server is temporarily not available
2 years ago
* Battery optimizations were not disable via setup step 3
6 years ago
* Android stopped the synchronization service
3 years ago
* A memory management app stopped the synchronization service
6 years ago
5 years ago
So, check your account and folder settings and check if the accounts/folders are connected (see the legend in the navigation menu for the meaning of the icons).
If there are any error messages, please see [this FAQ](#faq22).
6 years ago
6 years ago
On some devices, where there are lots of applications competing for memory, Android may stop the synchronization service as a last resort.
5 years ago
2 years ago
Some Android versions, especially those of Samsung, OnePlus, Huawei and Xiaomi, stop apps and services too aggressively.
See [this dedicated website](https://dontkillmyapp.com/) "*Don't kill my app*" for solutions,
and [this Android issue](https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/122098785) (requires logging in with a Google account) for more information.
2 weeks ago
If you have a **Doogee** device, please [see here](https://android.stackexchange.com/questions/214639/background-apps-get-killed-by-something-other-than-battery-optimization).
On recent **Honor** devices you should disable *Manage all automatically* under *App launch* in the Android settings,
and enable all manual options for FairEmail by tapping on the app entry, to allow the app to run in the backrgound.
5 years ago
4 years ago
Disabling battery optimizations (setup step 3) reduces the chance Android will stop the synchronization service.
6 years ago
4 years ago
In case of successive connection errors, FairEmail will hold off increasingly longer to not drain the battery of your device.
This is described in [this FAQ](#faq123).
4 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq17"></a>
**~~(17) Why does manual synchronize not work?~~**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq17)
3 years ago
6 years ago
~~If the *Synchronize now* menu is dimmed, there is no connection to the account.~~
6 years ago
6 years ago
~~See the previous question for more information.~~
6 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq18"></a>
6 years ago
**(18) Why is the message preview not always shown?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq18)
3 years ago
6 years ago
The preview of the message text cannot be shown if the message body has not been downloaded yet.
See also [this FAQ](#faq15).
6 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq19"></a>
6 years ago
**(19) Why are the pro features so expensive?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq19)
3 years ago
2 years ago
**FairEmail is basically free to use** and only some advanced features need to be purchased.
4 years ago
2 years ago
**FairEmail ist grundsätzlich kostenlos** und nur einige erweiterte Funktionen müssen gekauft werden.
4 years ago
2 years ago
**FairEmail est au fond gratuit** et seulement quelques fonctionnalités avancées doivent être achetés.
4 years ago
Please see the Play store description of the app or [see here](https://email.faircode.eu/#pro) for a complete list of pro features.
4 years ago
6 years ago
The right question is "*why are there so many taxes and fees?*":
6 years ago
* VAT: 25 % (depending on your country)
3 years ago
* Google fee: 15-30 %
6 years ago
* Income tax: 50 %
5 years ago
* <sub>Paypal fee: 5-10 % depending on the country/amount</sub>
6 years ago
So, what is left for the developer is just a fraction of what you pay.
Also note that most free apps will appear not to be sustainable in the end, whereas FairEmail is properly maintained and supported,
and that free apps may have a catch, like sending privacy sensitive information to the internet.
4 years ago
There are no privacy violating ads in the app either.
6 years ago
2 years ago
I have been working on FairEmail almost every day for more than four years, so I think the price is more than reasonable.
5 years ago
For this reason there won't be discounts either.
5 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq20"></a>
6 years ago
**(20) Can I get a refund?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq20)
3 years ago
6 years ago
If a purchased pro feature doesn't work as intended
and this isn't caused by a problem in the free features
and I cannot fix the problem in a timely manner, you can get a refund.
In all other cases there is no refund possible.
In no circumstances there is a refund possible for any problem related to the free features,
since there wasn't paid anything for them and because they can be evaluated without any limitation.
I take my responsibility as seller to deliver what has been promised
and I expect that you take responsibility for informing yourself of what you are buying.
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq21"></a>
6 years ago
**(21) How do I enable the notification light?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq21)
3 years ago
4 years ago
Before Android 8 Oreo: there is an advanced option in the notification settings of the app for this.
Android 8 Oreo and later: please see [here](https://developer.android.com/training/notify-user/channels) about how to configure notification channels.
You can use the button *Default channel* in the notification settings of the app to directly go to the right Android notification channel settings.
6 years ago
6 years ago
Note that apps cannot change notification settings, including the notification light setting, on Android 8 Oreo and later anymore.
6 years ago
4 years ago
Sometimes it is necessary to disable the setting *Show message preview in notifications*
4 years ago
or to enable the settings *Show notifications with a preview text only* to workaround bugs in Android.
4 years ago
This might apply to notification sounds and vibrations too.
5 years ago
Setting a light color before Android 8 is not supported and on Android 8 and later not possible.
1 year ago
Some apps create a notification channel for each selectable color and let you (indirectly) select these channels when selecting a color.
Since FairEmail uses notification channels for configurable notification properties for accounts, folders and senders ([see this FAQ](#faq145)),
1 year ago
this is not a feasible solution for FairEmail because it would result in an unmanageable number of notification channels.
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq22"></a>
**(22) What does account/folder error ... mean?**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq22)
3 years ago
5 years ago
FairEmail does not hide errors like similar apps often do, so it is easier to diagnose problems.
5 years ago
FairEmail will automatically try to connect again after a delay.
This delay will be doubled after each failed attempt to prevent draining the battery and to prevent from being locked out permanently.
Please see [this FAQ](#faq123) for more information about this.
5 years ago
There are general errors and errors specific to Gmail accounts (see below).
**General errors**
5 years ago
4 years ago
<a name="authfailed"></a>
4 years ago
The error *... **Authentication failed** ...* or *... AUTHENTICATE failed ...* likely means that your username or password was incorrect.
5 years ago
Some providers expect as username just *username* and others your full email address *username@example.com*.
4 years ago
When copying/pasting to enter a username or password, invisible characters might be copied, which could cause this problem as well.
4 years ago
Some password managers are known to do this incorrectly too.
The username might be case sensitive, so try lowercase characters only. The password is almost always case sensitive.
4 years ago
Some providers require using an app password instead of the account password, so please check the documentation of the provider.
Sometimes it is necessary to enable external access (IMAP/SMTP) on the website of the provider first.
5 years ago
Other possible causes are that the account is blocked or that logging in has been administratively restricted in some way,
4 years ago
for example by allowing to login from certain networks / IP addresses only.
5 years ago
6 months ago
<br />
**In the case of an existing account with an authentication error, please try to use the quick setup wizard button to authenticate the account again.**
<br />
* **Free.fr**: please see [this FAQ](#faq157)
* **Gmail / G suite**: please see [this FAQ](#faq6)
* **iCloud**: please see [this FAQ](#faq148)
3 years ago
* **Posteo**: please check if [additional email account protection](https://posteo.de/en/help/activating-additional-email-account-protection) isn't enabled.
* **Yahoo, AOL and Sky**: please see [this FAQ](#faq88)
3 years ago
4 years ago
If needed, you can update a password in the account settings:
4 years ago
navigation menu (left side menu), tap *Settings*, tap *Manual setup*, tap *Accounts* and tap on the account.
4 years ago
Changing the account password will in most cases automatically change the password of related identities too.
4 years ago
If the account was authorized with OAuth via the quick setup wizard instead of with a password,
you can run the quick setup wizard again and tick *Authorize existing account again* to authenticate the account again.
Note that this requires a recent version of the app.
4 years ago
4 years ago
The error *... Too many bad auth attempts ...* likely means that you are using a Yahoo account password instead of an app password.
Please see [this FAQ](#faq88) about how to set up a Yahoo account.
5 years ago
5 years ago
The message *... +OK ...* likely means that a POP3 port (usually port number 995) is being used for an IMAP account (usually port number 993).
5 years ago
The errors *... invalid greeting ...*, *... requires valid address ...* and *... Parameter to HELO does not conform to RFC syntax ...*
can likely be solved by changing the advanced identity setting *Use local IP address instead of host name*.
4 years ago
The error *... Couldn't connect to host ...* means that there was no response from the email server within a reasonable time (20 seconds by default).
Mostly this indicates internet connectivity issues, possibly caused by a VPN or by a firewall app.
You can try to increase the connection timeout in the connection settings of FairEmail, for when the email server is really slow.
3 years ago
Some devices have a firewall, which you can access like this:
3 years ago
Android *Settings, Data usage, Three-dots overflow menu, Data usage control*
4 years ago
2 years ago
The error *... Connection refused ...* (ECONNREFUSED) means that the email server
4 years ago
or something between the email server and the app, like a firewall, actively refused the connection.
The error *... Network unreachable ...* means that the email server was not reachable via the current internet connection,
for example because internet traffic is restricted to local traffic only.
6 years ago
11 months ago
The error *... Host is unresolved ...*, *... Unable to resolve host ...* or *... No address associated with hostname ... android_getaddrinfo failed: EAI_NODATA*
4 years ago
means that the address of the email server could not be resolved into an IP address.
This might be caused by a VPN, ad blocking or an unreachable or not properly working (local) [DNS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domain_Name_System) server.
11 months ago
An incorrect Android private DNS network setting can cause this too.
5 years ago
The error *... Software caused connection abort ...*
6 years ago
means that the email server or something between FairEmail and the email server actively terminated an existing connection.
6 years ago
This can for example happen when connectivity was abruptly lost. A typical example is turning on flight mode.
6 years ago
4 years ago
The errors *... BYE Logging out ...*, *... Connection reset ...* mean that the email server
or something between the email server and the app, for example a router or a firewall (app), actively terminated an existing connection.
6 years ago
3 years ago
The error *... Connection closed by peer ...* means that the email server actively closed the connection.
This might be caused by a not updated Exchange server, see [here](https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/pki/2010/09/30/sha2-and-windows/) for more information.
5 years ago
10 months ago
The errors *... Read error ...* (sometimes combined with *BAD_DECRYPT* / *DECRYPTION_FAILED_OR_BAD_RECORD_MAC*),
*... Write error ...*, *... Read timed out ...*, *... Broken pipe ...* mean that the email server is not responding anymore or that the internet connection is bad.
4 years ago
<a name="connectiondropped"></a>
The error *... Connection dropped by server? ...* means that the email server unexpectedly terminated the connection.
3 years ago
This sometimes happen when there were too many (simultaneous) connections in a too short time or when a wrong password was used too often.
4 years ago
In this case, please make sure your password is correct and disable receiving in the receive settings for about 30 minutes and try again.
If needed, see [this FAQ](#faq23) about how you can reduce the number of connections.
4 years ago
5 years ago
The error *... Unexpected end of zlib input stream ...* means that not all data was received, possibly due to a bad or interrupted connection.
5 years ago
The error *... connection failure ...* could indicate [Too many simultaneous connections](#faq23).
5 years ago
The warning *... Unsupported encoding ...* means that the character set of the message is unknown or not supported.
FairEmail will assume ISO-8859-1 (Latin1), which will in most cases result in showing the message correctly.
4 years ago
The error *... Login Rate Limit Hit ...* means that there were too many login attempts with an incorrect password. Please double check your password or authenticate the account again with the quick setup wizard (OAuth only).
4 years ago
The error *... NO mailbox selected READ-ONLY ...* indicates [this Zimbra problem](https://sebastian.marsching.com/wiki/Network/Zimbra#Mailbox_Selected_READ-ONLY_Error_in_Thunderbird).
3 years ago
The Outlook specific error *... Command Error. 10 ...* probably means that the OAuth token expired or was invalidated.
Authenticating the account again with the quick setup wizard will probably resolve this condition.
2 years ago
Another possible cause is a bug in an older Exchange version, please [see here](https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=886261).
In this case the system administrator needs to update the server software.
3 years ago
2 months ago
The error *... Invalid ID Token Issued at time is more than 10 minutes before or after the current time ...*
means that the clock time of the device deviates too much from the clock time of the email server.
Please make sure the clock time, including the time zone, of the device is correct.
Please [see here](#faq4) for the errors *... Untrusted ... not in certificate ...*, *... Invalid security certificate (Can't verify identity of server) ...* or *... Trust anchor for certification path not found ...*
5 years ago
Please [see here](#faq127) for the error *... Syntactically invalid HELO argument(s) ...*.
5 years ago
Please [see here](#faq41) for the error *... Handshake failed ...*.
5 years ago
6 years ago
See [here](https://linux.die.net/man/3/connect) for what error codes like EHOSTUNREACH and ETIMEDOUT mean.
3 years ago
The error *... connect failed: EACCES (Permission denied) ...* means that *Restrict data usage* was disabled in the Android MIUI app settings for FairEmail.
1 year ago
On Samsung, and possible other devices, also check: Android settings > Battery > Battery manager / Unmonitored apps.
3 years ago
6 years ago
Possible causes are:
6 years ago
* A firewall or router is blocking connections to the server
6 years ago
* The host name or port number is invalid
4 years ago
* There are problems with the internet connection
* There are problems with resolving domain names (Yandex: try to disable private DNS in the Android settings)
4 years ago
* The email server is refusing to accept (external) connections
5 years ago
* The email server is refusing to accept a message, for example because it is too large or contains unacceptable links
6 years ago
* There are too many connections to the server, see also the next question
6 years ago
5 years ago
Many public Wi-Fi networks block outgoing email to prevent spam.
5 years ago
Sometimes you can workaround this by using another SMTP port. See the documentation of the provider for the usable port numbers.
5 years ago
5 years ago
If you are using a [VPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_private_network),
the VPN provider might block the connection because it is too aggressively trying to prevent spam.
3 years ago
Similarly, the email server might block connections via a VPN because it was misused for sending spam.
Some VPN providers have "cleaner" IP addresses than others, so switching to another VPN provider might be useful.
5 years ago
Note that [Google Fi](https://fi.google.com/) is using a VPN too.
6 years ago
11 months ago
The error '*You must use stronger authentication such as AUTH or APOP to connect to this server*'
can be fixed by enabling debug mode (last option in the miscellaneous settings tab page),
and in the debug panel that appears enabling the APOP option.
11 months ago
After that, debug mode can be disabled again.
11 months ago
4 years ago
**Send errors**
SMTP servers can reject messages for [a variety of reasons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_SMTP_server_return_codes).
Too large messages and triggering the spam filter of an email server are the most common reasons.
3 years ago
* The error *... Socket is closed ...* might be caused by sending a too large message / attachments
4 years ago
* The attachment size limit for Gmail [is 25 MB](https://support.google.com/mail/answer/6584)
* The attachment size limit for Outlook and Office 365 [is 20 MB](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/2813269/attachment-size-exceeds-the-allowable-limit-error-when-you-add-a-large)
* The attachment size limit for Yahoo [is 25 MB](https://help.yahoo.com/kb/SLN5673.html)
* *554 5.7.1 Service unavailable; Client host xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx blocked*, please [see here](https://docs.gandi.net/en/gandimail/faq/error_types/554_5_7_1_service_unavailable.html)
4 years ago
* *501 Syntax error - line too long* is often caused by using a long Autocrypt header
* *503 5.5.0 Recipient already specified* mostly means that an address is being used both as TO and CC address
4 years ago
* *554 5.7.1 ... not permitted to relay* means that the email server does not recognize the username/email address. Please double check the host name and username/email address in the identity settings.
4 years ago
* *550 Spam message rejected because IP is listed by ...* means that the email server rejected to send a message from the current (public) network address because it was misused to send spam by (hopefully) somebody else before. Please try to enable flight mode for 10 minutes to acquire a new network address.
4 years ago
* *550 We're sorry, but we can't send your email. Either the subject matter, a link, or an attachment potentially contains spam, or phishing or malware.* means that the email provider considers an outgoing message as harmful.
3 years ago
* *550 ...*, [see here](https://www.crazydomains.com.au/help/550-blocked-error-explained/) for a list of possible causes
4 years ago
* *571 5.7.1 Message contains spam or virus or sender is blocked ...* means that the email server considered an outgoing message as spam. This probably means that the spam filters of the email server are too strict. You'll need to contact the email provider for support on this.
2 years ago
* *451 4.7.0 Temporary server error. Please try again later. PRX4 ...* indicates a server configuration problem, please [see here](https://www.limilabs.com/blog/office365-temporary-server-error-please-try-again-later-prx4) or [see here](https://judeperera.wordpress.com/2019/10/11/fixing-451-4-7-0-temporary-server-error-please-try-again-later-prx4/).
* *451 4.7.0 Temporary server error. Please try again later. PRX5 ...* indicates a server configuration problem, please [see here](https://www.limilabs.com/qa/4471/451-4-7-0-temporary-server-error-please-try-again-later-prx5)
4 years ago
* *571 5.7.1 Relay access denied*: please double check the username and email address in the advanced identity settings (via the manual setup).
6 months ago
* *550 5.7.1.You must check for new mail before sending mail ... Local senders are prohibited to send to local recipients without authentication*: did you enter a username/password and did you select either SSL/TLS or STARTTLS in the identity settings? You can try the identity option *Login before sending* (since version 1.2184).
3 years ago
* Please [see here](https://support.google.com/a/answer/3726730) for more information and other SMTP error codes
4 years ago
If you want to use the Gmail SMTP server to workaround a too strict outgoing spam filter or to improve delivery of messages:
* Verify your email address [here](https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#settings/accounts) (you'll need to use a desktop browser for this)
4 years ago
* Change the identity settings like this (Settings, tap Manual setup, tap Identities, tap identity):
4 years ago
&emsp;&emsp;Username: *your Gmail address*<br />
&emsp;&emsp;Password: *[an app password](#faq6)*<br />
4 years ago
&emsp;&emsp;Host: *smtp.gmail.com*<br />
&emsp;&emsp;Port: *465*<br />
&emsp;&emsp;Encryption: *SSL/TLS*<br />
&emsp;&emsp;Reply to address: *your email address* (advanced identity settings)<br />
<br />
4 years ago
5 years ago
**Gmail errors**
The authorization of Gmail accounts setup with the quick wizard needs to be periodically refreshed
via the [Android account manager](https://developer.android.com/reference/android/accounts/AccountManager).
This requires contact/account permissions and internet connectivity.
4 years ago
In case of errors it is possible to authorize/restore a Gmail account again via the Gmail quick setup wizard.
5 years ago
The error *... Authentication failed ... Account not found ...* means that a previously authorized Gmail account was removed from the device.
The errors *... Authentication failed ... No token ...* means that the Android account manager failed to refresh the authorization of a Gmail account.
5 years ago
4 years ago
The error *... Authentication failed ... network error ...*
5 years ago
means that the Android account manager was not able to refresh the authorization of a Gmail account due to problems with the internet connection
4 years ago
The error *... Authentication failed ... Invalid credentials ...* could be caused by changing the account password
or by having revoked the required account/contacts permissions.
In case the account password was changed, you'll need to authenticate the Google account in the Android account settings again.
In case the permissions were revoked, you can start the Gmail quick setup wizard to grant the required permissions again (you don't need to setup the account again).
5 years ago
The eror *... ServiceDisabled ...* might be caused by enrolling in the [Advanced Protection Program](https://landing.google.com/advancedprotection/):
"*To read your email, you can (must) use Gmail - You wont be able to use your Google Account with some (all) apps & services that require access to sensitive data like your emails*",
see [here](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/7519408?hl=en&ref_topic=9264881).
6 years ago
4 years ago
The error *... 334 ... OAUTH2 asked for more ...* probably means that the account needs to be authorized again, which you can do with the quick setup wizard in the settings.
When in doubt, you can ask for [support](#get-support).
5 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq23"></a>
**(23) Why do I get alert ...?**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq23)
3 years ago
*General*
Alerts are warning messages sent by email servers.
*Too many simultaneous connections* or *Maximum number of connections exceeded*
This alert will be sent when there are too many folder connections for the same email account at the same time.
6 years ago
Possible causes are:
* There are multiple email clients connected to the same account
* The same email client is connected multiple times to the same account
* Previous connections were terminated abruptly for example by abruptly losing internet connectivity
6 years ago
5 years ago
First try to wait some time to see if the problem resolves itself, else:
* either switch to periodically checking for messages in the receive settings, which will result in opening folders one at a time
* or set some folders to poll instead of synchronize (long press folder in the folder list, edit properties)
6 years ago
4 years ago
An easy way to configure periodically checking for messages for all folders except the inbox
is to use *Apply to all ...* in the three-dots menu of the folder list and to tick the bottom two advanced checkboxes.
The maximum number of simultaneous folder connections for Gmail is 15,
6 years ago
so you can synchronize at most 15 folders simultaneously on *all* your devices at the same time.
5 years ago
For this reason Gmail *user* folders are set to poll by default instead of synchronize always.
When needed or desired, you can change this by long pressing a folder in the folder list and selecting *Edit properties*.
6 years ago
See [here](https://support.google.com/mail/answer/7126229) for details.
When using a Dovecot server,
you might want to change the setting [mail_max_userip_connections](https://doc.dovecot.org/settings/dovecot_core_settings/#mail-max-userip-connections).
4 years ago
Note that it will take the email server a while to discover broken connections, for example due to going out of range of a network,
which means that effectively only half of the folder connections are available. For Gmail this would be just 7 connections.
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq24"></a>
**(24) What is browse messages on the server?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq24)
3 years ago
Browse messages on the server will fetch messages from the email server in real time
when you reach the end of the list of synchronized messages, even when the folder is set to not synchronize.
6 years ago
You can disable this feature in the advanced account settings.
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq25"></a>
6 years ago
**(25) Why can't I select/open/save an image, attachment or a file?**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq25)
3 years ago
5 years ago
When a menu item to select/open/save a file is disabled (dimmed) or when you get the message *Storage access framework not available*,
the [storage access framework](https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/providers/document-provider), a standard Android component, is probably not present.
This might be because your custom ROM does not include it or because it was actively removed (debloated).
7 months ago
Note that this will result in similar problems in other apps too.
5 years ago
6 years ago
FairEmail does not request storage permissions, so this framework is required to select files and folders.
6 years ago
No app, except maybe file managers, targeting Android 4.4 KitKat or later should ask for storage permissions because it would allow access to *all* files.
Moreover, recent Android versions disallow access to all files for apps, except, under specific conditions, for file managers.
6 years ago
4 months ago
To resolve this problem, the system component Google Play Services may need to be updated.
Please [see here](https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/9037938?hl=en) on how.
1 month ago
Please note that you will need to restart your device after the update!
4 months ago
5 years ago
The storage access framework is provided by the package *com.android.documentsui*,
which is visible as *Files* app on some Android versions (notably OxygenOS).
5 years ago
You can enable the storage access framework (again) with this adb command:
```
pm install -k --user 0 com.android.documentsui
```
Alternatively, you might be able to enable the *Files* app again using the Android app settings.
4 months ago
OneDrive doesn't support *view*, only *share*, which means that if you want to open an attachment in OneDrive you need to long press on an attachment.
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq26"></a>
6 years ago
**(26) Can I help to translate FairEmail in my own language?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq26)
3 years ago
5 years ago
Yes, you can translate the texts of FairEmail in your own language [on Crowdin](https://crowdin.com/project/open-source-email).
6 years ago
Registration is free.
1 year ago
If you would like a new language to be added, or your name or alias to be included in the list of contributors in *About* the app,
please [contact me](https://contact.faircode.eu/?product=fairemailsupport).
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq27"></a>
4 years ago
**(27) How can I distinguish between embedded and external images?**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq27)
3 years ago
External image:
6 years ago
7 months ago
<img alt="External image" src="https://raw.githubusercontent.com/M66B/FairEmail/master/images/baseline_image_black_48dp.png" width="48" height="48" />
6 years ago
Embedded image:
7 months ago
<img alt="Embedded image" src="https://raw.githubusercontent.com/M66B/FairEmail/master/images/baseline_photo_library_black_48dp.png" width="48" height="48" />
Broken image:
7 months ago
<img alt="Broken image" src="https://raw.githubusercontent.com/M66B/FairEmail/master/images/baseline_broken_image_black_48dp.png" width="48" height="48" />
Note that downloading external images from a remote server can be used to record you did see a message, which you likely don't want if the message is spam or malicious.
6 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq28"></a>
6 years ago
**(28) How can I manage status bar notifications?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq28)
3 years ago
4 years ago
In the notification settings you'll find a button *Manage notifications* to directly navigate to the Android notifications settings for FairEmail.
6 years ago
On Android 8.0 Oreo and later you can manage the properties of the individual notification channels,
for example to set a specific notification sound or to show notifications on the lock screen.
FairEmail has the following notification channels:
* Service: used for the notification of the synchronize service, see also [this FAQ](#faq2)
5 years ago
* Send: used for the notification of the send service
6 years ago
* Notifications: used for new message notifications
5 years ago
* Warning: used for warning notifications
6 years ago
* Error: used for error notifications
See [here](https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/ui/notifiers/notifications#ManageChannels) for details on notification channels.
In short: tap on the notification channel name to access the channel settings.
5 years ago
On Android before Android 8 Oreo you can set the notification sound in the settings.
6 years ago
See [this FAQ](#faq21) if your device has a notification light.
6 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq29"></a>
6 years ago
**(29) How can I get new message notifications for other folders?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq29)
3 years ago
Just long press a folder, select *Edit properties*,
and enable either *Show in unified inbox*
or *Notify new messages* (available on Android 7 Nougat and later only)
and tap *Save*.
6 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq30"></a>
**(30) How can I use the provided quick settings?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq30)
3 years ago
6 years ago
There are quick settings (settings tiles) available to:
* globally enable/disable synchronization
* show the number of new messages and marking them as seen (not read)
1 year ago
* clear all app data
6 years ago
Quick settings require Android 7.0 Nougat or later.
The usage of settings tiles is explained [here](https://support.google.com/android/answer/9083864).
1 year ago
Note that not all devices (manufacturers) support settings tiles, for example, Rephone doesn't.
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq31"></a>
**(31) How can I use the provided shortcuts?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq31)
3 years ago
4 years ago
There are shortcuts available to compose a new message to a favorite contact.
6 years ago
Shortcuts require Android 7.1 Nougat or later.
The usage of shortcuts is explained [here](https://support.google.com/android/answer/2781850).
It is also possible to create shortcuts to folders
by long pressing a folder in the folder list of an account and selecting *Add shortcut*.
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq32"></a>
**(32) How can I check if reading email is really safe?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq32)
3 years ago
6 years ago
You can use the [Email Privacy Tester](https://www.emailprivacytester.com/) for this.
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq33"></a>
**(33) Why are edited sender addresses not working?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq33)
3 years ago
6 years ago
Most providers accept validated addresses only when sending messages to prevent spam.
4 years ago
For example Google modifies the message headers like this for *unverified* addresses:
6 years ago
```
From: Somebody <somebody@example.org>
X-Google-Original-From: Somebody <somebody+extra@example.org>
```
4 years ago
This means that the edited sender address was automatically replaced by a verified address before sending the message.
6 years ago
Note that this is independent of receiving messages.
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq34"></a>
**(34) How are identities matched?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq34)
3 years ago
7 months ago
Matched identities are used to select the correct (matched) identity when replying to a message.
Identities are as expected matched by account.
For incoming messages the *to*, *cc*, *bcc*, *from* and *(X-)delivered/envelope/original-to* addresses will be checked (in this order)
and for outgoing messages (drafts, outbox and sent) only the *from* addresses will be checked.
Equal addresses have precedence over partially matching addresses, except for *delivered-to* addresses.
6 years ago
4 years ago
The matched address will be shown as *via* in the addresses section of received messages (between the message header and message text).
6 years ago
1 year ago
Note that identities need to be enabled to be able to be matched
5 years ago
and that identities of other accounts will not be considered.
5 years ago
Matching will be done only once on receiving a message, so changing the configuration will not change existing messages.
1 year ago
You could clear local messages by long pressing a folder in the folder list and synchronize the messages again, though.
5 years ago
3 months ago
It is possible to configure a [regex](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regular_expression) in the advanced identity settings
(Navigation menu > Settings > Manual setup and account options > Identities > tap the identity > Advanced)
4 years ago
to match **the username** of an email address (the part before the @ sign).
5 years ago
5 years ago
Note that the domain name (the parts after the @ sign) always needs to be equal to the domain name of the identity.
Since version 1.1640 it is possible to match the full email address with a regex, which can be useful for matching alias domain names.
5 years ago
2 years ago
If you want to match a catch-all email address, this regex is usually fine, provided all usernames for the domain are yours:
4 years ago
```
.*
```
1 year ago
The username of a message being replied to will be used as the default username when editing of usernames is enabled in the advanced identity settings.
10 months ago
Please see [this FAQ](#faq9) about editing the email address when composing a message.
2 years ago
If you want to *not* match specific addresses, you can use something like this:
```
^(?!marcel$|johanna$).*
```
5 years ago
If you like to match the special purpose email addresses abc@example.com and xyx@example.com
and like to have a fallback email address main@example.com as well, you could do something like this:
* Identity: abc@example.com; regex: **(?i)abc**
* Identity: xyz@example.com; regex: **(?i)xyz**
* Identity: main@example.com; regex: **^(?i)((?!abc|xyz).)\*$**
3 years ago
You can test a regex [here](https://regexr.com/).
Matched identities can be used to color code messages.
2 years ago
4 years ago
The identity color takes precedence over the folder and account color.
2 years ago
This means that the color of the color stripe will be determined by first checking if there is a color set for the 'via' (matched) identity,
and after that if there is a color set for the folder containing the message, and finally if there is a color set for the account the message belongs to.
Setting identity colors is a pro feature.
6 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq35"></a>
4 years ago
**(35) Why should I be careful with viewing images, attachments, the original message, and opening links?**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq35)
3 years ago
Viewing remotely stored images (see also [this FAQ](#faq27)) and opening links might not only tell the sender that you have seen the message,
6 years ago
but will also leak your IP address.
4 years ago
See also this question: [Why email's link is more dangerous than web search's link?](https://security.stackexchange.com/questions/241139/why-emails-link-is-more-dangerous-than-web-searchs-link).
6 years ago
5 months ago
This BBC article is worth reading as well: [Spy pixels in emails have become endemic](https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-56071437).
3 years ago
5 years ago
Opening attachments or viewing an original message might load remote content and execute scripts,
6 years ago
that might not only cause privacy sensitive information to leak, but can also be a security risk.
Note that your contacts could unknowingly send malicious messages if they got infected with malware.
FairEmail formats messages again, causing messages to look different from the original, but also uncovering phishing links, etc.
5 years ago
Note that reformatted messages are often easier to read than original messages because the margins are removed, and font colors and sizes are standardized.
6 years ago
The Gmail app shows images by default by downloading the images through a Google proxy server.
Since the images are downloaded from the source server [in real-time](https://blog.filippo.io/how-the-new-gmail-image-proxy-works-and-what-this-means-for-you/),
this is even less secure, because Google is involved, too, without providing much benefit.
6 years ago
You can show images and original messages by default for trusted senders on a case-by-case basis by checking *Do not ask this again for ...*.
5 months ago
You might need to reset the questions via a button in the miscellaneous-settings tab page.
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq36"></a>
**(36) How are settings files encrypted?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq36)
3 years ago
6 years ago
Short version: AES 256 bit
Long version:
~~*Before version 1.1987*~~
* A 256 bit key is derived with *PBKDF2WithHmacSHA1* using a 128 bit secure random salt and 65536 iterations
* The used cipher is *AES/CBC/PKCS5Padding*
~~*Since version 1.1987*~~
* ~~A 256 bit key is derived with *PBKDF2WithHmacSHA512* using a 128 bit secure random salt and 120000 iterations~~
* ~~The used cipher is *AES/GCM/NoPadding*~~
6 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq37"></a>
**(37) How are passwords stored?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq37)
3 years ago
5 years ago
All supported Android versions [encrypt all user data](https://source.android.com/security/encryption),
6 years ago
so all data, including usernames, passwords, messages, etc, is stored encrypted.
6 years ago
4 years ago
If the device is secured with a PIN, pattern or password, you can make the account and identity passwords visible.
If this is a problem because you are sharing the device with other people,
consider to use [user profiles](https://www.howtogeek.com/333484/how-to-set-up-multiple-user-profiles-on-android/).
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq39"></a>
**(39) How can I reduce the battery usage of FairEmail?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq39)
3 years ago
6 years ago
Recent Android versions by default report *app usage* as a percentage in the Android battery settings screen.
5 years ago
**Confusingly, *app usage* is not the same as *battery usage* and is not even directly related to battery usage!**
5 years ago
The app usage (while in use) will be very high because FairEmail is using a foreground service which is considered as constant app usage by Android.
6 years ago
However, this doesn't mean that FairEmail is constantly using battery power.
5 years ago
The real battery usage can be seen by navigating to this screen:
*Android settings*, *Battery*, three-dots menu *Battery usage*, three-dots menu *Show full device usage*
3 years ago
Alternatively: tap on the *App settings* button in the main settings screen of the app and tap on *Battery*.
2 years ago
As a rule of thumb, the battery usage should be below or in any case not be much higher than *Mobile network standby* for one account with a stable network connection.
If this isn't the case, please turn on *Auto optimize* in the receive settings tab page.
4 years ago
If this doesn't help, please [ask for support](https://contact.faircode.eu/?product=fairemailsupport).
6 years ago
2 years ago
It is inevitable that synchronizing messages will use battery power because it requires network access and accessing the messages' database.
Since the app needs to wait for responses of the email server, which requires the processor (CPU) to be active, slower email servers will result in more battery usage.
5 years ago
2 years ago
If you are comparing the battery usage of FairEmail with another email client, please make sure the other email client is set up similarly.
For example, comparing always sync (push messages) and (infrequent) periodic checking for new messages is not a fair comparison.
5 years ago
10 months ago
If you are comparing the battery usage of FairEmail with an app like Whatsapp,
please understand that most apps use [Firebase Cloud Messaging](https://firebase.google.com/docs/cloud-messaging) (FCM) for push messages,
which means that no battery usage will be contributed to an app for push messages, but instead to the Google Play Services system component.
Apart from the privacy concerns, it is not possible to use FCM for email because email servers do not support FCM.
The only way would be to download all your messages to a third-party server first and use FCM to push notifications to the app.
The privacy and security implications would be significant, though.
5 years ago
Reconnecting to an email server will use extra battery power, so an unstable internet connection will result in extra battery usage.
4 years ago
Also, some email servers prematurely terminate idle connections, while [the standard](https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc2177) says that an idle connection should be kept open for 29 minutes.
In these cases you might want to synchronize periodically, for example each hour, instead of continuously.
Note that polling frequently (more than every 30-60 minutes) will likely use more battery power than synchronizing always
4 years ago
because connecting to the server and comparing the local and remote messages are expensive operations.
5 years ago
2 years ago
If you know that the connection (reception) is bad, it might be worthwhile to decrease the timeout value in the connection-settings tab page to 1020 seconds,
so that the app discovers earlier that no connection is possible,
so that the mechanism as described in [this FAQ](#faq123) is used faster.
2 years ago
4 years ago
[On some devices](https://dontkillmyapp.com/) it is necessary to *disable* battery optimizations (setup step 3) to keep connections to email servers open.
4 years ago
In fact, leaving battery optimizations enabled can result in extra battery usage for all devices, even though this sounds contradictory!
5 years ago
6 years ago
Most of the battery usage, not considering viewing messages, is due to synchronization (receiving and sending) of messages.
So, to reduce the battery usage, set the number of days to synchronize message for to a lower value,
especially if there are a lot of recent messages in a folder.
5 years ago
Long press a folder name in the folders list and select *Edit properties* to access this setting.
6 years ago
6 years ago
If you have at least once a day internet connectivity, it is sufficient to synchronize messages just for one day.
6 years ago
Note that you can set the number of days to *keep* messages for to a higher number than to *synchronize* messages for.
You could for example initially synchronize messages for a large number of days and after this has been completed
4 years ago
reduce the number of days to synchronize messages, but leave the number of days to keep messages.
After decreasing the number of days to keep messages, you might want to run the cleanup in the miscellaneous settings to remove old files.
6 years ago
2 years ago
In the receive settings tab page you can enable to always synchronize starred messages,
6 years ago
which will allow you to keep older messages around while synchronizing messages for a limited number of days.
6 years ago
Disabling the folder option *Automatically download message texts and attachments*
will result in less network traffic and thus less battery usage.
2 years ago
You could disable this option, for example for the sent folder and the archive.
6 years ago
6 years ago
Synchronizing messages at night is mostly not useful, so you can save on battery usage by not synchronizing at night.
2 years ago
In the settings, you can select a schedule for message synchronization (this is a pro feature).
6 years ago
5 years ago
FairEmail will by default synchronize the folder list on each connection.
2 years ago
Since folders are mostly not created, renamed and deleted very often, you can save some network and battery usage by disabling this in the receive settings tab page.
5 years ago
FairEmail will by default check if old messages were deleted from the server on each connection.
2 years ago
If you don't mind that old messages that were deleted from the server are still visible in FairEmail,
you can save some network and battery usage by disabling this in the receive settings tab page.
5 years ago
3 years ago
Some providers don't follow the IMAP standard and [don't keep connections open](https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/html/rfc3501#section-5.4) long enough, forcing FairEmail to reconnect often, causing extra battery usage.
2 years ago
You can inspect the *Log* via the main navigation menu to check if there are frequent reconnects (connection closed/reset, read/write error/timeout, etc.).
You can work around this by lowering the keep-alive interval in the advanced account settings to for example 9 or 15 minutes.
4 years ago
Note that battery optimizations need to be disabled in setup step 3 to reliably keep connections alive.
5 years ago
Some providers send every two minutes something like '*Still here*' resulting in network traffic and your device to wake up and causing unnecessary extra battery usage.
5 years ago
You can inspect the *Log* via the main navigation menu to check if your provider is doing this.
5 years ago
If your provider is using [Dovecot](https://www.dovecot.org/) as IMAP server,
you could ask your provider to change the [imap_idle_notify_interval](https://wiki.dovecot.org/Timeouts) setting to a higher value or better yet, to disable this.
2 years ago
If your provider is not able or willing to change/disable this, you should consider switching to periodically instead of continuous synchronization.
You can change this in the receive settings tab page.
5 years ago
2 years ago
If you got the message, *This provider does not support push messages* while configuring an account,
6 years ago
consider switching to a modern provider which supports push messages (IMAP IDLE) to reduce battery usage.
If your device has an [AMOLED](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMOLED) screen,
6 years ago
you can save battery usage while viewing messages by switching to the black theme.
2 years ago
If auto optimize in the receive settings tab page is enabled,
an account will automatically be switched to periodically checking for new messages when the email server:
4 years ago
* Says '*Still here*' within 3 minutes
* The email server does not support push messages
* The keep-alive interval is lower than 12 minutes
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq40"></a>
4 years ago
**(40) How can I reduce the data usage of FairEmail?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq40)
3 years ago
4 years ago
You can reduce the data usage basically in the same way as reducing battery usage, see the previous question for suggestions.
It is inevitable that data will be used to synchronize messages.
If the connection to the email server is lost, FairEmail will always synchronize the messages again to make sure no messages were missed.
If the connection is unstable, this can result in extra data usage.
4 years ago
In this case, it is a good idea to decrease the number of days to synchronize messages to a minimum (see the previous question)
4 years ago
or to switch to periodically synchronizing of messages (receive settings).
6 years ago
4 years ago
To reduce data usage, you could change these advanced receive settings:
* Check if old messages were removed from the server: disable
* Synchronize (shared) folder list: disable
5 years ago
By default FairEmail does not download message texts and attachments larger than 256 KiB when there is a metered (mobile or paid Wi-Fi) internet connection.
You can change this in the connection settings.
2 years ago
You could enable to download only plain text only parts, but all messages will be without formatting (styling),
and besides that, a plain text only part is not always sent, and worse, it is sometimes only a part of the message text, containing HTML and CCS.
1 year ago
In case of POP3, you can reduce the maximum number of messages to download.
6 years ago
<br />
<a name="faq41"></a>
**(41) How can I fix the error 'Handshake failed'?**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq41)
3 years ago
6 years ago
There are several possible causes, so please read to the end of this answer.
5 years ago
The error '*Handshake failed ... WRONG_VERSION_NUMBER ...*' might mean that you are trying to connect to an IMAP or SMTP server
without an encrypted connection, typically using port 143 (IMAP) and port 25 (SMTP), or that a wrong protocol (SSL/TLS or STARTTLS) is being used.
6 years ago
Most providers provide encrypted connections using different ports, typically port 993 (IMAP) and port 465/587 (SMTP).
If your provider doesn't support encrypted connections, you should ask to make this possible.
If this isn't an option, you could enable *Allow insecure connections* both in the advanced settings AND the account/identity settings.
6 years ago
See also [this FAQ](#faq4).
6 years ago
5 years ago
The error '*Handshake failed ... SSLV3_ALERT_ILLEGAL_PARAMETER ...*' is either caused by a bug in the SSL protocol implementation
6 years ago
or by a too short DH key on the email server and can unfortunately not be fixed by FairEmail.
5 years ago
The error '*Handshake failed ... HANDSHAKE_FAILURE_ON_CLIENT_HELLO ...*' might be caused by the provider still using RC4,
5 years ago
which isn't supported since [Android 7](https://developer.android.com/about/versions/nougat/android-7.0-changes.html#tls-ssl) anymore.
3 years ago
The error '*Handshake failed SSL handshake terminated ... SSLV3_ALERT_HANDSHAKE_FAILURE ... HANDSHAKE_FAILURE_ON_CLIENT_HELLO*'
can be caused by [this Android 7.0 bug](https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/37122132). This can unfortunately not be fixed by FairEmail.
3 years ago
The error '*Handshake failed ... UNSUPPORTED_PROTOCOL or TLSV1_ALERT_PROTOCOL_VERSION or SSLV3_ALERT_HANDSHAKE_FAILURE ...*'
1 year ago
might be caused by enabling **hardening connections** or **Bouncy Castle** in the connection settings tab page,
or by Android not supporting older protocols anymore, like SSLv3 and TLSv1.
5 years ago
1 year ago
The error '*javax.net.ssl.SSLHandshakeException: Read error: ... CERT_LENGTH_MISMATCH*' means that there is something wrong with the email server setup.
Try to switch to port 993 (IMAP) or 465 (SMTP) with SSL/TLS.
5 years ago
5 years ago
Android 8 Oreo and later [do not support](https://developer.android.com/about/versions/oreo/android-8.0-changes#security-all) SSLv3 anymore.
There is no way to workaround lacking RC4 and SSLv3 support because it has completely been removed from Android (which should say something).
12 months ago
Since version 1.2121 the Bouncy Castle secure socket provider ([JSSE](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Java_Secure_Socket_Extension)) is bundled.
Enabling this socket provider in the connection-settings tab and enabling '*Allow insecure connections*' in the account/identity settings *might* solve this problem.
5 years ago
12 months ago
The error '*javax.net.ssl.SSLHandshakeException: Read error: ... TLSV1_ALERT_INTERNAL_ERROR*' means that Android and the email server share no common protocol versions and/or common ciphers.
5 years ago
2 years ago
Please [see here](https://developer.android.com/reference/javax/net/ssl/SSLSocket) for an overview of supported protocols and cipher suites by Android version.
5 years ago
You can use [this website](https://ssl-tools.net/mailservers) or [this website](https://www.immuniweb.com/ssl/) to check for SSL/TLS problems of email servers.
5 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq42"></a>
**(42) Can you add a new provider to the list of providers?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq42)
3 years ago
6 years ago
If the provider is used by more than a few people, yes, with pleasure.
The following information is needed:
```
<provider
name="Gmail"
link="https://support.google.com/mail/answer/7126229" // link to the instructions of the provider
6 years ago
type="com.google"> // this is not needed
<imap
host="imap.gmail.com"
port="993"
starttls="false" />
<smtp
host="smtp.gmail.com"
port="465"
starttls="false" />
</provider>
6 years ago
```
6 years ago
The EFF [writes](https://www.eff.org/nl/deeplinks/2018/06/announcing-starttls-everywhere-securing-hop-hop-email-delivery):
"*Additionally, even if you configure STARTTLS perfectly and use a valid certificate, theres still no guarantee your communication will be encrypted.*"
So, pure SSL connections are safer than using [STARTTLS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opportunistic_TLS) and therefore preferred.
6 years ago
6 years ago
Please make sure receiving and sending messages works properly before contacting me to add a provider.
6 years ago
See below about how to contact me.
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq43"></a>
**(43) Can you show the original ...?**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq43)
3 years ago
6 years ago
Show original, shows the original message as the sender has sent it, including original fonts, colors, margins, etc.
FairEmail does and will not alter this in any way,
except for requesting [TEXT_AUTOSIZING](https://developer.android.com/reference/android/webkit/WebSettings.LayoutAlgorithm),
which will *attempt* to make small text more readable.
6 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq44"></a>
6 years ago
**~~(44) Can you show contact photos / identicons in the sent folder?~~**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq44)
3 years ago
6 years ago
~~Contact photos and identicons are always shown for the sender because this is necessary for conversation threads.~~
~~Getting contact photos for both the sender and receiver is not really an option because getting contact photo is an expensive operation.~~
6 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq45"></a>
**(45) How can I fix 'This key is not available. To use it, you must import it as one of your own!'?**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq45)
3 years ago
6 years ago
You'll get the message *This key is not available. To use it, you must import it as one of your own!*
when trying to decrypt a message with a public key. To fix this you'll need to import the private key.
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq46"></a>
**(46) Why does the message list keep refreshing?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq46)
3 years ago
6 years ago
If you see a 'spinner' at the top of the message list, the folder is still being synchronized with the remote server.
You can see the progress of the synchronization in the folder list. See the legend about what the icons and numbers mean.
4 years ago
The speed of your device and internet connection and the number of days to synchronize messages determine how long synchronization will take.
Note that you shouldn't set the number of days to synchronize messages to more than one day in most cases, see also [this FAQ](#faq39).
6 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq47"></a>
**(47) How do I solve the error 'No primary account or no drafts folder'?**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq47)
3 years ago
6 years ago
You'll get the error message *No primary account or no drafts folder* when trying to compose a message
while there is no account set to be the primary account or when there is no drafts folder selected for the primary account.
This can happen for example when you start FairEmail to compose a message from another app.
FairEmail needs to know where to store the draft,
so you'll need to select one account to be the primary account and/or you'll need to select a drafts folder for the primary account.
6 years ago
This can also happen when you try to reply to a message or to forward a message from an account with no drafts folder
while there is no primary account or when the primary account does not have a drafts folder.
Please see [this FAQ](#faq141) for some more information.
5 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq48"></a>
**~~(48) How do I solve the error 'No primary account or no archive folder'?~~**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq48)
3 years ago
6 years ago
~~You'll get the error message *No primary account or no archive folder* when searching for messages from another app.
6 years ago
FairEmail needs to know where to search,
6 years ago
so you'll need to select one account to be the primary account and/or you'll need to select a archive folder for the primary account.~~
6 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq49"></a>
**(49) How do I fix 'An outdated app sent a file path instead of a file stream'?**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq49)
3 years ago
You likely selected or sent an attachment or image with an outdated file manager
or an outdated app which assumes all apps still have storage permissions.
6 years ago
For security and privacy reasons modern apps like FairEmail have no full access to all files anymore.
6 years ago
This can result into the error message *An outdated app sent a file path instead of a file stream*
if a file name instead of a file stream is being shared with FairEmail because FairEmail cannot randomly open files.
6 years ago
6 years ago
You can fix this by switching to an up-to-date file manager or an app designed for recent Android versions.
Alternatively, you can grant FairEmail read access to the storage space on your device in the Android app settings.
6 years ago
Note that this workaround [won't work on Android Q](https://developer.android.com/preview/privacy/scoped-storage) anymore.
6 years ago
See also [question 25](#faq25)
6 years ago
and [what Google writes about it](https://developer.android.com/training/secure-file-sharing/share-file#RespondToRequest).
6 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq50"></a>
**(50) Can you add an option to synchronize all messages?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq50)
3 years ago
4 years ago
You can synchronize more or even all messages by long pressing a folder (inbox) in the folder list of an account (tap on the account name in the navigation menu)
and selecting *Synchronize more* in the popup menu.
6 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq51"></a>
**(51) How are folders sorted?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq51)
3 years ago
6 years ago
Folders are first sorted on account order (by default on account name)
and within an account with special, system folders on top, followed by folders set to synchronize.
Within each category the folders are sorted on (display) name.
You can set the display name by long pressing a folder in the folder list and selecting *Edit properties*.
6 years ago
2 years ago
The navigation (hamburger) menu item *Order folders* in the settings, or,
alternatively, a button in the *Extra* section at the bottom of the main settings tab page,
can be used to manually order the folders.
6 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq52"></a>
**(52) Why does it take some time to reconnect to an account?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq52)
3 years ago
6 years ago
There is no reliable way to know if an account connection was terminated gracefully or forcefully.
Trying to reconnect to an account while the account connection was terminated forcefully too often can result in problems
like [too many simultaneous connections](#faq23) or even the account being blocked.
6 years ago
To prevent such problems, FairEmail waits 90 seconds until trying to reconnect again.
6 years ago
You can long press *Settings* in the navigation menu to reconnect immediately.
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq53"></a>
5 years ago
**(53) Can you stick the message action bar to the top/bottom?**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq53)
3 years ago
5 years ago
The message action bar works on a single message and the bottom action bar works on all the messages in the conversation.
Since there is often more than one message in a conversation, this is not possible.
Moreover, there are quite some message specific actions, like forwarding.
6 years ago
5 years ago
Moving the message action bar to the bottom of the message is visually not appealing because there is already a conversation action bar at the bottom of the screen.
5 years ago
5 years ago
Note that there are not many, if any, email apps that display a conversation as a list of expandable messages.
This has a lot of advantages, but the also causes the need for message specific actions.
6 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq54"></a>
5 years ago
**~~(54) How do I use a namespace prefix?~~**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq54)
3 years ago
5 years ago
~~A namespace prefix is used to automatically remove the prefix providers sometimes add to folder names.~~
6 years ago
5 years ago
~~For example the Gmail spam folder is called:~~
6 years ago
```
5 years ago
[Gmail]/Spam
6 years ago
```
5 years ago
~~By setting the namespace prefix to *[Gmail]* FairEmail will automatically remove *[Gmail]/* from all folder names.~~
6 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq55"></a>
**(55) How can I mark all messages as read / move or delete all messages?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq55)
3 years ago
You can use multiple select for this.
Long press the first message, don't lift your finger and slide down to the last message.
Then use the three dot action button to execute the desired action.
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq56"></a>
**(56) Can you add support for JMAP?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq56)
3 years ago
6 years ago
There are almost no providers offering the [JMAP](https://jmap.io/) protocol,
6 years ago
so it is not worth a lot of effort to add support for this to FairEmail.
6 years ago
6 months ago
Moreover, the only available [Java JMAP library](https://github.com/iNPUTmice/jmap) seems not to be maintained anymore.
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq57"></a>
4 years ago
**(57) Can I use HTML in signatures?**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq57)
3 years ago
4 years ago
Yes, you can use [HTML](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTML).
In the signature editor you can switch to HTML mode via the three-dots menu.
5 years ago
4 years ago
Note that if you switch back to the text editor that not all HTML might be rendered as-is because the Android text editor is not able to render all HTML.
Similarly, if you use the text editor, the HTML might be altered in unexpected ways.
5 years ago
4 years ago
If you want to use preformatted text, like [ASCII art](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASCII_art), you should wrap the text in a *pre* element, like this:
```
<pre>
|\_/|
/ @ @ \
( > º < )
`>>x<<´
/ O \
</pre>
```
6 years ago
3 years ago
If you want to resize an image, you could do it like this:
```
<img src="..." width="..." height="...">
```
The recipient of your message might not like large images in messages,
so it is better to resize images with an image editor first.
6 years ago
<br />
<a name="faq58"></a>
**(58) What does an open/closed email icon mean?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq58)
3 years ago
The email icon in the folder list can be open (outlined) or closed (solid):
7 months ago
<img alt="Mail outline image" src="https://raw.githubusercontent.com/M66B/FairEmail/master/images/baseline_mail_outline_black_48dp.png" width="48" height="48" />
Message bodies and attachments are not downloaded by default.
7 months ago
<img alt="Mail image" src="https://raw.githubusercontent.com/M66B/FairEmail/master/images/baseline_email_black_48dp.png" width="48" height="48" />
Message bodies and attachments are downloaded by default.
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq59"></a>
**(59) Can original messages be opened in the browser?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq59)
3 years ago
6 years ago
For security reasons the files with the original message texts are not accessible to other apps, so this is not possible.
In theory the [Storage Access Framework](https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/providers/document-provider) could be used to share these files,
but even Google's Chrome cannot handle this.
<br />
<a name="faq60"></a>
**(60) Did you know ...?**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq60)
3 years ago
5 years ago
* Did you know that starred messages can be synchronized/kept always? (this can be enabled in the receive settings)
6 years ago
* Did you know that you can long press the 'write message' icon to go to the drafts folder?
5 years ago
* Did you know there is an advanced option to mark messages read when they are moved? (archiving and trashing is also moving)
3 years ago
* Did you know that you can select text (or an email address) in any app on recent Android versions and let FairEmail search for it? (this can be enabled in the miscellaneous settings)
6 years ago
* Did you know that FairEmail has a tablet mode? Rotate your device in landscape mode and conversation threads will be opened in a second column if there is enough screen space.
* Did you know that you can long press a reply template to create a draft message from the template?
6 years ago
* Did you know that you can long press, hold and swipe to select a range of messages?
* Did you know that you can retry sending messages by using pull-down-to-refresh in the outbox?
6 years ago
* Did you know that you can swipe a conversation left or right to go to the next or previous conversation?
6 years ago
* Did you know that you can tap on an image to see where it will be downloaded from?
6 years ago
* Did you know that you can long press the folder icon in the action bar to select an account?
5 years ago
* Did you know that you can long press the star icon in a conversation thread to set a colored star?
5 years ago
* Did you know that you can open the navigation drawer by swiping from the left, even when viewing a conversation?
* Did you know that you can long press the people's icon to show/hide the CC/BCC fields and remember the visibility state for the next time?
4 years ago
* Did you know that you can insert the email addresses of an Android contact group via the three dots overflow menu?
3 years ago
* Did you know that if you select text and reply, only the selected text will be quoted? (this works for reformatted messages only because of [this issue](https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/36939405))
4 years ago
* Did you know that you can long press the trash icons (both in the message and the bottom action bar) to permanently delete a message or conversation? (version 1.1368+)
9 months ago
* Did you know that you can long press the archive button in the bottom action bar to move a conversation? (version 1.2160+)
4 years ago
* Did you know that you can long press the send action to show the send dialog, even if it was disabled?
* Did you know that you can long press the full screen icon to show the original message text only?
3 years ago
* Did you know that you can long press the answer button to reply to the sender? (since version 1.1562; since version 1.1839 you can configure the action in the send settings)
3 years ago
* Did you know that you can long press the message move button to move across accounts? (since version 1.1702)
3 years ago
* Did you know that you can long press the folder name in the message header when viewing a conversation to navigate to the folder? (since version 1.1720)
* Did you know that you can long press the add contact button in the message composer to insert a contact group? (since version 1.1721)
3 years ago
* Did you know that you can long press the image action to show the image dialog, even if it was disabled? (since version 1.1772)
2 years ago
* Did you know that you can long press the "] \[" button to fit original messages to the screen width? (this might result in "thin" messages)
2 years ago
* Did you know that you can long press on the save drafts button for a grammar, style, and spell check via [LanguageTools](https://languagetool.org/)?
1 year ago
* Did you know that you can long press a folder in the folder selection dialog to copy instead of move a message?
1 year ago
* Did you know that you can long press a quick search button in the search dialog to copy the search term?
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq61"></a>
**(61) Why are some messages shown dimmed?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq61)
3 years ago
5 years ago
Messages shown dimmed (grayed) are locally moved messages for which the move is not confirmed by the server yet.
This can happen when there is no connection to the server or the account (yet).
These messages will be synchronized after a connection to the server and the account has been made
or, if this never happens, will be deleted if they are too old to be synchronized.
6 years ago
5 years ago
You might need to manually synchronize the folder, for example by pulling down.
5 years ago
You can view these messages, but you cannot move these messages again until the previous move has been confirmed.
6 years ago
Pending [operations](#faq3) are shown in the operations view accessible from the main navigation menu.
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq62"></a>
6 years ago
**(62) Which authentication methods are supported?**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq62)
3 years ago
6 years ago
The following authentication methods are supported and used in this order:
4 years ago
* CRAM-MD5
6 years ago
* LOGIN
* PLAIN
6 years ago
* NTLM (untested)
4 years ago
* XOAUTH2 ([Gmail](https://developers.google.com/gmail/imap/xoauth2-protocol), [Yandex](https://tech.yandex.com/oauth/))
6 years ago
SASL authentication methods, besides CRAM-MD5, are not supported
6 years ago
because [JavaMail for Android](https://javaee.github.io/javamail/Android) does not support SASL authentication.
6 years ago
If your provider requires an unsupported authentication method, you'll likely get the error message *authentication failed*.
4 years ago
[Client certificates](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Client_certificate) can be selected in the account and identity settings.
5 years ago
[Server Name Indication](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Server_Name_Indication) is supported
by [all supported Android versions](https://developer.android.com/training/articles/security-ssl).
6 years ago
<br />
<a name="faq63"></a>
**(63) How are images resized for displaying on screens?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq63)
3 years ago
3 years ago
You can add images to a message in two ways:
* As attachment, by tapping on the paperclip icon button in the bottom action bar
* As image, by tapping on the image icon button in the bottom action bar
If you disabled the bottom action bar, you can enable it again via the three-dots menu at the top right of the message editor.
An attachment will always be sent as-is.
An image can be added as attachment or inserted into a message and you can select to reduce the size of the image and to remove privacy sensitive information.
6 years ago
3 years ago
Images will be scaled down using whole number factors to reduce memory usage and to retain the image quality.
Scaled images will be saved with a compression ratio of 90 %.
If the image options do not appear, you can enable them again via the three-dots menu.
Note that most email providers limit the total message size to 10-50 MB.
Automatically resizing of inline and/or attached images and the maximum target image size can be configured in the send settings.
5 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq64"></a>
5 years ago
**~~(64) Can you add custom actions for swipe left/right?~~**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq64)
3 years ago
5 years ago
~~The most natural thing to do when swiping a list entry left or right is to remove the entry from the list.~~
~~The most natural action in the context of an email app is moving the message out of the folder to another folder.~~
~~You can select the folder to move to in the account settings.~~
6 years ago
5 years ago
~~Other actions, like marking messages read and snoozing messages are available via multiple selection.~~
~~You can long press a message to start multiple selection. See also [this question](#faq55).~~
6 years ago
5 years ago
~~Swiping left or right to mark a message read or unread is unnatural because the message first goes away and later comes back in a different shape.~~
~~Note that there is an advanced option to mark messages automatically read on moving,~~
~~which is in most cases a perfect replacement for the sequence mark read and move to some folder.~~
~~You can also mark messages read from new message notifications.~~
6 years ago
5 years ago
~~If you want to read a message later, you can hide it until a specific time by using the *snooze* menu.~~
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq65"></a>
**(65) Why are some attachments shown dimmed?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq65)
3 years ago
6 years ago
Inline (image) attachments are shown dimmed.
6 years ago
[Inline attachments](https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc2183) are supposed to be downloaded and shown automatically,
but since FairEmail doesn't always download attachments automatically, see also [this FAQ](#faq40),
6 years ago
FairEmail shows all attachment types. To distinguish inline and regular attachments, inline attachments are shown dimmed.
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq66"></a>
**(66) Is FairEmail available in the Google Play Family Library?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq66)
3 years ago
4 years ago
"*You can't share in-app purchases and free apps with your family members.*"
See [here](https://support.google.com/googleone/answer/7007852)
under "*See if content is eligible to be added to Family Library*", "*Apps & games*".
6 years ago
2 years ago
In other words, only subscriptions can be shared and since there is no subscription, FairEmail is not shareable via the Google Play Family Library.
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq67"></a>
**(67) How can I snooze conversations?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq67)
3 years ago
Multiple select one of more conversations (long press to start multiple selecting), tap the three dot button and select *Snooze ...*.
4 years ago
Alternatively, in the expanded message view use *Snooze ...* in the message three-dots 'more' menu or the time-lapse action in the bottom action bar.
Select the time the conversation(s) should snooze and confirm by tapping OK.
The conversations will be hidden for the selected time and shown again afterwards.
You will receive a new message notification as reminder.
It is also possible to snooze messages with [a rule](#faq71),
4 years ago
which will also allow you to move messages to a folder to let them be auto snoozed.
5 years ago
You can show snoozed messages by unchecking *Filter out* > *Hidden* in the three dot overflow menu.
You can tap on the small snooze icon to see until when a conversation is snoozed.
By selecting a zero snooze duration you can cancel snoozing.
4 years ago
Third party apps do not have access to the Gmail snoozed messages folder.
<br />
<a name="faq68"></a>
**~~(68) Why can Adobe Acrobat reader not open PDF attachments / Microsoft apps not open attached documents?~~**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq68)
3 years ago
~~Adobe Acrobat reader and Microsoft apps still expects full access to all stored files,~~
~~while apps should use the [Storage Access Framework](https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/providers/document-provider) since Android KitKat (2013)~~
~~to have access to actively shared files only. This is for privacy and security reasons.~~
~~You can workaround this by saving the attachment and opening it from the Adobe Acrobat reader / Microsoft app,~~
~~but you are advised to install an up-to-date and preferably open source PDF reader / document viewer,~~
~~for example one listed [here](https://github.com/offa/android-foss#-document--pdf-viewer).~~
<br />
<a name="faq69"></a>
**(69) Can you add auto scroll up on new message?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq69)
3 years ago
The message list is automatically scrolled up when navigating from a new message notification or after a manual refresh.
Always automatically scrolling up on arrival of new messages would interfere with your own scrolling,
5 years ago
but if you like you can enable this in the settings.
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq70"></a>
**(70) When will messages be auto expanded?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq70)
3 years ago
6 years ago
When navigation to a conversation one message will be expanded if:
* There is just one message in the conversation
* There is exactly one unread message in the conversation
3 years ago
* There is exactly one starred (favorite) message in the conversation (since version 1.1508)
6 years ago
5 years ago
There is one exception: the message was not downloaded yet
and the message is too large to download automatically on a metered (mobile) connection.
You can set or disable the maximum message size on the 'connection' settings tab.
6 years ago
Duplicate (archived) messages, trashed messages and draft messages are not counted.
Messages will automatically be marked read on expanding, unless this was disabled in the individual account settings.
5 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq71"></a>
10 months ago
**(71) How do I use rules?**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq71)
3 years ago
10 months ago
You can edit rules by long pressing a folder in the folder list of an account (tap the account name in the navigation/side menu).
5 years ago
New rules will be applied to new messages received in the folder, not to existing messages.
You can check the rule and apply the rule to existing messages or, alternatively, long press the rule in the rule list and select *Execute now*.
6 years ago
You'll need to give a rule a name and you'll need to define the order in which a rule should be executed relative to other rules.
3 years ago
You can disable a rule and you can stop processing other rules after a rule has been executed, which can be used to create a *not* condition.
6 years ago
2 years ago
Since version 1.2061 rules can be part of a named group.
Group names will be displayed in the list of rules.
If a rule is part of a group, stop processing means stop processing the group.
2 years ago
Since version 1.2018 there is a rule option to run rules daily on messages (around 1:00am) older than xxx.
2 years ago
7 months ago
<br>
**Conditions**
5 years ago
The following rule conditions are available:
* Sender (from, reply-to) contains or sender is contact
* Recipient (to, cc, bcc) contains
5 years ago
* Subject contains
4 years ago
* Has attachments (optional of specific type)
5 years ago
* Header contains
3 years ago
* Text contains (since version 1.1785)
4 years ago
* Absolute time (received) between (since version 1.1540)
* Relative time (received) between
7 months ago
* Expression (since version 1.2174)
5 years ago
All the conditions of a rule need to be true for the rule action to be executed.
All conditions are optional, but there needs to be at least one condition, to prevent matching all messages.
7 months ago
4 years ago
If you want to match all senders or all recipients, you can just use the @ character as condition because all email addresses will contain this character.
4 years ago
If you want to match a domain name, you can use as a condition something like *@example.org*
4 years ago
Note that email addresses are formatted like this:
``
"Somebody" <somebody@example.org>
``
5 years ago
2 years ago
When using a regex, you need to take care to match the complete address.
Note that message texts are normalized when not using a regex, which means that all whitespaces (spaces, tabs, line breaks, etc) are replaced by a single space.
3 years ago
This makes it easier to match texts on multiple lines or when the line break is at different places.
Since version 1.1996 it is possible to use [Jsoup selectors](https://jsoup.org/cookbook/extracting-data/selector-syntax) to match HTML elements,
by prefixing the selector by *jsoup:* and entering it as text contains condition, like for example:
```
1 year ago
jsoup:html > body > div > a[href=https://example.org]
```
5 years ago
You can use multiple rules, possibly with a *stop processing*, for an *or* or a *not* condition.
7 months ago
Since version 1.2173 there is a *NOT* option for conditions that accept a regex.
6 years ago
6 years ago
Matching is not case sensitive, unless you use [regular expressions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regular_expression).
5 years ago
Please see [here](https://developer.android.com/reference/java/util/regex/Pattern) for the documentation of Java regular expressions.
2 years ago
Note that you need to match the complete text from the first to the last character.
5 years ago
You can test a regex [here](https://regexr.com/).
4 months ago
You can use a regex condition like this to match a top-level domain (tld):
5 months ago
```
4 months ago
.*@.*\.xyz>
5 months ago
```
4 years ago
Note that a regular expression supports an *or* operator, so if you want to match multiple senders, you can do this:
5 months ago
```
4 years ago
.*alice@example\.org.*|.*bob@example\.org.*|.*carol@example\.org.*
5 months ago
```
4 years ago
5 years ago
Note that [dot all mode](https://developer.android.com/reference/java/util/regex/Pattern#DOTALL) is enabled
to be able to match [unfolded headers](https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc2822#section-3.2.3).
6 years ago
6 months ago
<br />
**Expressions**
7 months ago
Since version 1.2174 it is possible to use expression conditions, which is [experimental](#faq125) for now.
Please [see here](https://ezylang.github.io/EvalEx/references/references.html) about which constants, operators and functions are available.
The following extra variables are available:
* *received* (long, unix epoch in milliseconds; since version 1.2179)
* *from* (array of strings)
* *to* (array of strings)
7 months ago
* *subject* (string)
* *text* (string)
6 months ago
* *hasAttachments* (boolean; deprecated, use function *attachments()* instead)
7 months ago
The following extra operators are available:
6 months ago
* *contains* (string/array of strings contains substring)
* *matches* (string/array of strings matches regex)
7 months ago
The following extra functions are available:
7 months ago
* *header(name)* (returns an array of header values for the named header)
6 months ago
* *blocklist()* (version 1.2176-1.2178; deprecated, use *onBlocklist()* instead)
6 months ago
* *onBlocklist()* (returns a boolean indicating if the sender/server is on a DNS blocklist; since version 1.2179)
6 months ago
* *hasMx()* (returns a boolean indicating if the from/reply-to address has an associated MX record; since version 1.2179)
* *attachments(regex)* (returns an integer indicating number of attachments; since version 1.2179; optional regex since version 1.2194)
* *Jsoup()* (returns an array of selected strings; since version 1.2179)
* *Size(array)* (returns the number of items in an array; since version 1.2179)
6 months ago
* *knownContact()* (returns a boolean indicating that the from/reply-to address is in the Android address book or in the local contacts database)
4 days ago
* *AI(prompt)* (perform interference with the configured AI model using the specified prompt, returning the result as a string; since version 1.2243)
7 months ago
6 months ago
Example conditions:
7 months ago
6 months ago
```header("X-Mailer") contains "Open-Xchange" && from matches ".*service@.*"```
```!onBlocklist() && hasMx() && attachments() > 0```
7 months ago
```(received + 7*24*60*60*1000) < DT_DATE_TO_EPOCH(DT_NOW())```
3 days ago
```AI("Is the message below a scam? Answer in English with just yes or no.") contains "yes"```
7 months ago
<br>
**Actions**
6 years ago
You can select one of these actions to apply to matching messages:
5 years ago
* No action (useful for *not*)
6 years ago
* Mark as read
* Mark as unread
5 years ago
* Hide
5 years ago
* Suppress notification
10 months ago
* Silent notification (since version 1.2150)
5 years ago
* Snooze
6 years ago
* Add star
5 years ago
* Set importance (local priority)
5 years ago
* Add keyword
* Add local notes (since version 1.2094)
6 years ago
* Move
5 years ago
* Copy (Gmail: label)
* Delete permanently (since version 1.1801)
* Play sound (since version 1.1803; experimental)
4 years ago
* Answer/forward (with template)
4 years ago
* Text-to-speech (sender and subject)
5 years ago
* Automation (Tasker, etc)
1 year ago
* Webhook (since version 1.2107)
6 years ago
3 years ago
**Important**: permanent deletion is **irreversible**.
Instead, consider to move messages to the trash folder
and to set up auto deletion for the trash folder in the folder properties (long press the folder in the folder list of an account).
3 years ago
If you want to forward a message, consider to use a *move* action instead.
This will be more reliable than forwarding because forwarded messages might be considered as spam.
4 years ago
2 years ago
<br>
1 year ago
It is possible to use a [Jsoup selector](https://jsoup.org/cookbook/extracting-data/selector-syntax) to select the text for notes, for example:
```
jsoup:td > span:containsOwn(€)
```
1 year ago
The text of the first matched HTML element up to 512 characters will be used as text for the local note.
1 year ago
<br>
2 years ago
A *move* action can optionally create subfolders (since version 1.1966) to move messages to, for which you can use the following placeholders:
```
2 years ago
$day$ (since version 1.2030)
$week$
2 years ago
$month$
$year$
$domain$
2 years ago
$group$ (since version 1.2030)
2 years ago
```
2 years ago
$group$ will be replaced with the contact group name of the sender, provided that the related contact is assigned to one contact group only.
Note that the Android contact provider isn't very fast, so using this placeholder can slow down fetching messages.
3 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
11 months ago
Since version 1.2132 it is possible to use the following placeholders in keywords:
```
$day$
$week$
$month$
$year$
```
<br />
6 years ago
Since message headers are not downloaded and stored by default to save on battery and data usage and to save storage space
4 years ago
it is by default not possible to preview which messages would match a header rule condition.
You can enable downloading message headers in the connection settings and check headers conditions anyway (since version 1.1599).
5 years ago
4 years ago
Some common header conditions (regex):
2 years ago
* *.&ast;To:.&ast;undisclosed-recipients.&ast;*
4 years ago
* *.&ast;Auto-Submitted:.&ast;* [RFC3834](https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc3834)
3 years ago
* *.&ast;List-Unsubscribe:.&ast;* [RFC3834](https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/html/rfc2369)
2 years ago
* *.&ast;Content-Type:.&ast;multipart/report.&ast;* [RFC3462](https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc3462)
4 years ago
To match *set* IMAP flags (keywords) via a header condition (since version 1.1777):
```
$<keyword>$
```
3 years ago
To match *set* message flags via a header condition (since version 1.1777):
```
2 years ago
$$seen$ (read)
$$answered$ (replied to)
$$flagged$ (starred, favorite)
$$deleted$ (marked as deleted)
```
To match *passed* message checks via a header condition (since version 1.1787):
```
$$tls$ (since version 1.1826)
$$dkim$
$$spf$
$$dmarc$
11 months ago
$$auth$ (since version 1.2141)
$$mx$
$$blocklist$
$$replydomain$
$$nofrom$ (since version 1.1791)
$$multifrom$ (since version 1.1791)
3 years ago
$$automatic$ (since version 1.1862)
2 years ago
$$lowpriority$ (since version 1.1958)
$$highpriority$ (since version 1.1958)
$$signed$ (since version 1.1981)
$$encrypted$ (since version 1.1981)
2 years ago
$$aligned$ (since version 1.2049)
```
2 years ago
Note that *regex* should be disabled and that there should be no white space.
3 years ago
Please be aware that a difference in the *from* and *reply-to* domain, and no or multi *from* addresses isn't a good indication of spam.
3 years ago
2 years ago
Since the app sets the keyword *$Filtered$* after the rules have been executed for a message,
you can create a rule to prevent the rules from being executed again (which is sometimes desirable):
* Name: anything you like
* Order: lower than all other rules, for example 0
* Stop processing rules after executing this rule: enabled
* Header contains: *$$Filtered$* (no spaces)
* Action: No action
Note that not all email servers support IMAP keywords.
3 years ago
<br />
3 years ago
The automation action will broadcast the intent *eu.faircode.email.AUTOMATION* with the following string extras:
2 years ago
* *rule*
* *received* (ISO 8601 date/time)
3 years ago
* *sender*
* *subject*
* *preview* (since version 1.2222)
3 years ago
An app like Tasker can listen for this intent and perform some action.
5 months ago
Please [see here](https://tasker.joaoapps.com/userguide/en/intents.html) about receiving intents in Tasker.
3 years ago
3 years ago
<br />
2 years ago
You can long-press a rule in the list of rules to copy it, which can be useful if you need a rule with the same condition but a different action.
<br />
4 years ago
In the three-dots *more* message menu there is an item to create a rule for a received message with the most common conditions filled in.
6 years ago
2 years ago
<br />
If you want to set up archiving by week, month, year, etc,
10 months ago
you can do this with rules with an absolute time condition on a 'jump' archive folder where archived messages are being moved to as a first step.
Such a rule will move the messages to a (sub) archive folder as a second step.
2 years ago
4 years ago
The POP3 protocol does not support setting keywords and moving or copying messages.
<br />
Since version 1.2061 it is possible to execute rules with an automation app, like for example Tasker.
```
2 years ago
(adb shell) am start-foreground-service -a eu.faircode.email.RULE --es account <account name> -es rule <unique rule name>
```
1 year ago
<br />
Since version 1.2107 it is possible to executed webhooks.
1 year ago
The supported HTTP methods are GET, HEAD, OPTIONS, POST and POST.
1 year ago
The query parameters will be sent as body in the case of POST and PUT.
1 year ago
Note that execution of webhooks won't be retried. So, don't use this for anything critical.
1 year ago
This website might be useful for testing webhooks:
[https://webhook.site/](https://webhook.site/)
<br />
1 month ago
<a name="autoanswer">
**Auto reply/answer**
First, create a template with the text to reply/answer with via the navigation menu (left side menu).
After creating a template text, go to the rules via the navigation menu (left side menu), and create a rule for the inbox like this:
* **Name**: anything you like to find back the rule later
* **Sender contains**: @ (this will match all senders)
* **Action**: Reply/forward
* **Identity**: select the email address to reply with
* **Reply template**: select the created text template
* **Save** the rule with the button in the bottom action bar
<br />
5 years ago
Using rules is a pro feature.
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq72"></a>
**(72) What are primary accounts/identities?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq72)
3 years ago
6 years ago
The primary account is used when the account is ambiguous, for example when starting a new draft from the unified inbox.
Similarly, the primary identity of an account is used when the identity is ambiguous.
3 years ago
The default email address is the email address of the primary identity of the primary account.
6 years ago
There can be just one primary account and there can be just one primary identity per account.
3 years ago
You can set an account or an identity to be primary by long pressing it in the list of accounts or identities.
You can go to the list of accounts via *Manual setup and account options* in the main setup screen.
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq73"></a>
**(73) Is moving messages across accounts safe/efficient?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq73)
3 years ago
6 years ago
Moving messages across accounts is safe because the raw, original messages will be downloaded and moved
and because the source messages will be deleted only after the target messages have been added
Batch moving messages across accounts is efficient if both the source folder and target folder are set to synchronize,
else FairEmail needs to connect to the folder(s) for each message.
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq74"></a>
**(74) Why do I see duplicate messages?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq74)
3 years ago
6 years ago
Some providers, notably Gmail, list all messages in all folders, except trashed messages, in the archive (all messages) folder too.
5 years ago
FairEmail shows all these messages in a non obtrusive way to indicate that these messages are in fact the same message.
6 years ago
Gmail allows one message to have multiple labels, which are presented to FairEmail as folders.
This means that messages with multiple labels will be shown multiple times as well.
6 years ago
<br />
<a name="faq75"></a>
6 years ago
**(75) Can you make an iOS, Windows, Linux, etc version?**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq75)
3 years ago
6 years ago
A lot of knowledge and experience is required to successfully develop an app for a specific platform,
which is why I develop apps for Android only.
6 years ago
You can install FairEmail on recent Windows versions, though, see [here](#faq185), and also on ChromeOS via the Play Store.
2 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq76"></a>
4 years ago
**(76) What does 'Clear local messages' do?**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq76)
3 years ago
6 years ago
The folder menu *Clear local messages* removes messages from the device which are present on the server too.
It does not delete messages from the server.
This can be useful after changing the folder settings to not download the message content (text and attachments), for example to save space.
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq77"></a>
**(77) Why are messages sometimes shown with a small delay?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq77)
3 years ago
6 years ago
Depending on the speed of your device (processor speed and maybe even more memory speed) messages might be displayed with a small delay.
FairEmail is designed to dynamically handle a large number of messages without running out of memory.
This means that messages needs to be read from a database and that this database needs to be watched for changes, both of which might cause small delays.
Some convenience features, like grouping messages to display conversation threads and determining the previous/next message, take a little extra time.
Note that there is no *the* next message because in the meantime a new message might have been arrived.
When comparing the speed of FairEmail with similar apps this should be part of the comparison.
It is easy to write a similar, faster app which just displays a lineair list of messages while possible using too much memory,
but it is not so easy to properly manage resource usage and to offer more advanced features like conversation threading.
FairEmail is based on the state-of-the-art [Android architecture components](https://developer.android.com/topic/libraries/architecture/),
so there is little room for performance improvements.
<br />
<a name="faq78"></a>
**(78) How do I use schedules?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq78)
3 years ago
4 years ago
In the receive settings you can enable scheduling and set a time period and the days of the week *when* messages should be *received*.
1 month ago
The schedule section shows two parts, *Workdays* and *Weekend*.
Each of them has a start time and a finish time.
Pressing on any one of these means the time can be edited.
Below these sections, there is a list of day names, *Sunday* through to *Saturday*.
Some of these may be in bold text.
The ones that are in bold are set using the cog next to the *Weekend* section.
If you press the cog, you can choose which days you define to be the weekend.
Typically, it will be *Sunday* and *Saturday*, but you can choose any day.
Ticking one of these means that that will now be shown as bold in the list of days.
The times under the *Weekend* section apply to those days which are in bold.
The days which are not in bold are regarded as the workdays.
You can untick any of the days in the list of days and that means that the schedule will not apply to those days.
Note that an end time equal to or earlier than the start time is considered to be 24 hours later.
5 years ago
Since version 1.1880 is is possible to exclude accounts from scheduling in the advanced account settings.
3 years ago
This means you can synchronize a business account during business hours only and make an exception for personal accounts.
4 years ago
Automation, see below, can be used for more advanced schedules,
like for example multiple synchronization periods per day or different synchronization periods for different days.
It is possible to install FairEmail in multiple user profiles, for example a personal and a work profile, and to configure FairEmail differently in each profile,
which is another possibility to have different synchronization schedules and to synchronize a different set of accounts.
10 months ago
It is also possible to create [rules](#faq71) with a time condition and to snooze messages until the end time of the time condition.
4 years ago
This way it is possible to *snooze* business related messages until the start of the business hours.
3 years ago
This also means that the messages will be on your device for when there is (temporarily) no internet connection. How to:
* Go to the folder list of an account by tapping on the account name in the navigation menu (left side menu)
* Long press the inbox in the folder list and select *Edit rules*
* Tap om the big *plus* button at the bottom to create a new rule
* Enter as name for example *Snooze business messages*
* Under relative time select a start and end date/time, for example Friday 17:00 and Monday 09:00
* Select *Snooze* as action
* Save the rule with the save button in the bottom action bar
4 years ago
Note that recent Android versions allow overriding DND (Do Not Disturb) per notification channel and per app,
which could be used to (not) silence specific (business) notifications.
Please [see here](https://support.google.com/android/answer/9069335) for more information.
10 months ago
Since version 1.2150 it is possible to create [rules](#faq71) to silence specific new message notifications.
For more complex schemes you could set one or more accounts to manual synchronization
and send this command to FairEmail to check for new messages:
```
4 years ago
(adb shell) am start-foreground-service -a eu.faircode.email.POLL
```
For a specific account:
5 years ago
```
4 years ago
(adb shell) am start-foreground-service -a eu.faircode.email.POLL --es account Gmail
```
You can also automate turning receiving messages on and off by sending these commands to FairEmail:
```
4 years ago
(adb shell) am start-foreground-service -a eu.faircode.email.ENABLE
(adb shell) am start-foreground-service -a eu.faircode.email.DISABLE
```
To enable/disable a specific account:
```
4 years ago
(adb shell) am start-foreground-service -a eu.faircode.email.ENABLE --es account Gmail
(adb shell) am start-foreground-service -a eu.faircode.email.DISABLE --es account Gmail
```
5 years ago
Note that disabling an account will hide the account and all associated folders and messages.
3 years ago
Since version 1.1600 an account will be disabled/enabled by setting the account to manual/automatic sync, so the folders and messages keep being accessible.
5 years ago
To set the poll interval:
```
(adb shell) adb shell am start-foreground-service -a eu.faircode.email.INTERVAL --ei minutes nnn
```
2 years ago
Where *nnn* is one of 0, 5, 15, 30, 60, 120, 240, 480, 1440. A value of 0 means push messages.
6 years ago
You can automatically send commands with for example [Tasker](https://tasker.joaoapps.com/userguide/en/intents.html):
```
New task: Something recognizable
Action Category: Misc/Send Intent
Action: eu.faircode.email.ENABLE
Target: Service
```
To enable/disable an account with the name *Gmail*:
```
Extras: account:Gmail
```
Account names are case sensitive.
Scheduling is a pro feature.
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq79"></a>
6 years ago
**(79) How do I use synchronize on demand (manual)?**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq79)
3 years ago
6 years ago
Normally, FairEmail maintains a connection to the configured email servers whenever possible to receive messages in real-time.
If you don't want this, for example to be not disturbed or to save on battery usage, just disable receiving in the receive settings.
6 years ago
This will stop the background service which takes care of automatic synchronization and will remove the associated status bar notification.
6 years ago
5 years ago
You can also enable *Synchronize manually* in the advanced account settings if you want to manually synchronize specific accounts only.
You can use pull-down-to-refresh in a message list or use the folder menu *Synchronize now* to manually synchronize messages.
6 years ago
5 years ago
If you want to synchronize some or all folders of an account manually, just disable synchronization for the folders (but not of the account).
You'll likely want to disabled [browse on server](#faq24) too.
5 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq80"></a>
**~~(80) How do I fix the error 'Unable to load BODYSTRUCTURE'?~~**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq80)
3 years ago
5 years ago
~~The error message *Unable to load BODYSTRUCTURE* is caused by bugs in the email server,~~
~~see [here](https://javaee.github.io/javamail/FAQ#imapserverbug) for more details.~~
6 years ago
5 years ago
~~FairEmail already tries to workaround these bugs, but if this fail you'll need to ask for support from your provider.~~
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq81"></a>
**(81) Can you make the background of the original message view dark in dark themes?**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq81)
3 years ago
The original message view will use a dark background when using a dark theme for Android version 10 and later.
2 years ago
~~For Android before version 10 Google removed this feature from the [Android System WebView](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.webview),~~
~~even though it worked fine in most cases.~~
~~Please see [this issue](https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/237785596) (requires a Google account login) requesting to restore this feature again for more information.~~
6 years ago
<br />
<a name="faq82"></a>
**(82) What is a tracking image?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq82)
3 years ago
6 months ago
Please see [here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_beacon) about what a tracking image is.
In short, companies, organizations and even governments use tracking images to see if and when you opened a message.
3 years ago
The BBC article '[Spy pixels in emails have become endemic](https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-56071437)' is worth reading.
FairEmail will in most cases automatically recognize tracking images and replace them by this icon:
7 months ago
<img alt="Tracking image" src="https://raw.githubusercontent.com/M66B/FairEmail/master/images/baseline_my_location_black_48dp.png" width="48" height="48" />
6 months ago
Automatic recognition of tracking images can be disabled in the privacy-settings tab page.
5 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq84"></a>
**(84) What are local contacts for?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq84)
3 years ago
5 years ago
Local contact information is based on names and addresses found in incoming and outgoing messages.
6 years ago
The main use of the local contacts storage is to offer auto completion when no contacts permission has been granted to FairEmail.
6 years ago
Another use is to generate [shortcuts](#faq31) on recent Android versions to quickly send a message to frequently contacted people.
6 years ago
This is also why the number of times contacted and the last time contacted is being recorded
and why you can make a contact a favorite or exclude it from favorites by long pressing it.
6 years ago
The list of contacts is sorted on number of times contacted and the last time contacted.
5 years ago
By default only names and addresses to whom you send messages to will be recorded.
You can change this in the send settings.
6 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq85"></a>
**(85) Why is an identity not available?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq85)
3 years ago
6 years ago
An identity is available for sending a new message or replying or forwarding an existing message only if:
* the identity is set to synchronize (send messages)
* the associated account is set to synchronize (receive messages)
* the associated account has a drafts folder
6 years ago
FairEmail will try to select the best identity based on the *to* address of the message replied to / being forwarded.
<br />
<a name="faq86"></a>
**~~(86) What are 'extra privacy features'?~~**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq86)
3 years ago
~~The advanced option *extra privacy features* enables:~~
* ~~Looking up the owner of the IP address of a link~~
* ~~Detection and removal of [tracking images](#faq82)~~
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq87"></a>
**(87) What does 'invalid credentials' mean?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq87)
3 years ago
6 years ago
The error message *invalid credentials* means either that the user name and/or password is incorrect,
3 years ago
for example because the password was changed or expired, or that the account authorization has expired, for example due to logging out.
6 years ago
If the password is incorrect/expired, you will have to update the password in the account and/or identity settings.
If the account authorization has expired, you will have to select the account again.
You will likely need to save the associated identity again as well.
2 years ago
In the case of a Gmail account the error *Invalid credentials (Failure)* can be the result of *accounts.google.com* being blocked for the Android account manager,
2 years ago
for example due to using a VPN, firewall, ad blocker, or similar.
2 years ago
So, try to disable all VPN based apps or allow this address.
2 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq88"></a>
3 years ago
**(88) How can I use a Yahoo/AT&T, AOL or Sky account?**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq88)
3 years ago
4 years ago
The preferred way to set up a Yahoo account is by using the quick setup wizard,
which will use OAuth instead of a password and is therefore safer (and easier as well).
3 years ago
To authorize a Yahoo/AT&T, AOL, or Sky account you need to use an app password instead of your normal account password.
For instructions about how to create an app password, please see here:
4 years ago
3 years ago
* [for Yahoo/AT&T](https://help.yahoo.com/kb/generate-third-party-passwords-sln15241.html)
2 years ago
* [for AOL](https://help.aol.com/articles/Create-and-manage-app-password) ~~**Important**: app password generation is broken, [frustrating many people](https://aol.uservoice.com/forums/912886-aol-mail/suggestions/45235399-i-wanted-to-generate-a-third-party-app-password-bu) because this means you can use the AOL app and the browser only.~~
4 years ago
* [for Sky](https://www.sky.com/help/articles/getting-started-with-sky-yahoo-mail) (under *Other email apps*)
5 years ago
Please see [this FAQ](#faq111) about OAuth support.
5 years ago
4 years ago
Note that Yahoo, AOL, and Sky do not support standard push messages.
4 years ago
The Yahoo email app uses a proprietary, undocumented protocol for push messages.
5 years ago
4 years ago
Push messages require [IMAP IDLE](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IMAP_IDLE) and the Yahoo email server does not report IDLE as capability:
5 years ago
```
Y1 CAPABILITY
* CAPABILITY IMAP4rev1 ID MOVE NAMESPACE XYMHIGHESTMODSEQ UIDPLUS LITERAL+ CHILDREN X-MSG-EXT UNSELECT OBJECTID
Y1 OK CAPABILITY completed
```
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq89"></a>
**(89) How can I send plain text only messages?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq89)
3 years ago
6 years ago
By default FairEmail sends each message both as plain text and as HTML formatted text because almost every receiver expects formatted messages these days.
3 years ago
If you want/need to send plain text only messages, you can enable this in the send options.
You can enable/disable sending plain text only messages in the send dialog on a case by case basis as well.
If you disabled the send dialog, you can long press the *Send* button to show it again.
6 years ago
<br />
<a name="faq90"></a>
**(90) Why are some texts linked while not being a link?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq90)
3 years ago
4 years ago
FairEmail will automatically link not linked web links (http and https) and not linked email addresses (mailto) for your convenience.
6 years ago
However, texts and links are not easily distinguished,
especially not with lots of [top level domains](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Internet_top-level_domains) being words.
6 years ago
This is why texts with dots are sometimes incorrectly recognized as links, which is better than not recognizing some links.
6 years ago
4 years ago
Links for the tel, geo, rtsp and xmpp protocols will be recognized too,
but links for less usual or less safe protocols like telnet and ftp will not be recognized.
4 years ago
The regex to recognize links is already *very* complex and adding more protocols will make it only slower and possibly cause errors.
4 years ago
Note that original messages are shown exactly as they are, which means also that links are not automatically added.
4 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq91"></a>
6 years ago
**~~(91) Can you add periodical synchronization to save battery power?~~**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq91)
3 years ago
6 years ago
~~Synchronizing messages is an expensive proces because the local and remote messages need to be compared,~~
~~so periodically synchronizing messages will not result in saving battery power, more likely the contrary.~~
6 years ago
~~See [this FAQ](#faq39) about optimizing battery usage.~~
6 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq92"></a>
6 years ago
**(92) Can you add spam filtering, verification of the DKIM signature and SPF authorization?**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq92)
3 years ago
6 years ago
Spam filtering, verification of the [DKIM](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DomainKeys_Identified_Mail) signature
2 years ago
and [SPF](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sender_Policy_Framework) authorization is a task of email servers,
not of an email client, which is basically a viewer for messages on an email server.
5 years ago
Servers generally have more memory and computing power, so they are much better suited to this task than battery-powered devices.
2 years ago
Also, you'll want spam filtered for all your email clients, possibly including web email, not just for one email client on one device.
Moreover, email servers have access to information, like the IP address, etc. of the connecting server, which an email client has no access to.
Furthermore, an email server can inspect all messages of all email accounts, while an email client can inspect messages in your email account only.
6 years ago
2 years ago
If you are receiving a significant amount of spam, the first thing you should do is consider switching to another email provider.
Some email servers excell at filtering spam, and others are really bad at it.
Switching to another e-mail provider is no fun, but neither is wading through piles of spam on a daily basis.
4 years ago
Spam filtering based on message headers might have been feasible,
4 years ago
but unfortunately this technique is [patented by Microsoft](https://patents.google.com/patent/US7543076).
4 years ago
3 years ago
Recent versions of FairEmail can filter spam to a certain extent using a message classifier.
Please see [this FAQ](#faq163) for more information about this.
4 years ago
5 years ago
Of course you can report messages as spam with FairEmail,
which will move the reported messages to the spam folder and train the spam filter of the provider, which is how it is supposed to work.
10 months ago
This can be done automatically with [rules](#faq71) too.
4 years ago
Blocking the sender will create a filter rule to automatically move future messages of the same sender into the spam folder.
4 years ago
Note that the POP3 protocol gives access to the inbox only. So, it is won't be possible to report spam for POP3 accounts.
4 years ago
Note that you should not delete spam messages, also not from the spam folder,
because the email server uses the messages in the spam folder to "learn" what spam messages are.
2 years ago
If you are wondering why a message was moved into the spam folder, these are all possible reasons:
* The email server of your email provider moved the message into the spam folder. The app can't undo this automatically because this can result in an endless loop.
* The message classifier (miscellaneous settings tab page) moved the message into the spam folder.
* A filter rule (navigation menu = left side menu of the start screen), for example a block domain name rule, moved the message into the spam folder.
* An email address or a network address is on a block list (receive settings tab page).
1 year ago
Note that a sender will automatically be blocked when a message is moved into the spam folder.
You can disable this behavior by disabling the option *Automatically block the sender when reporting spam* in the behavior settings tab page.
11 months ago
Since version 1.2143, there is an "*Unblock all*" button in the receive-settings tab page, which will reset all above options.
4 years ago
If you receive a lot of spam messages in your inbox, the best you can do is to contact the email provider to ask if spam filtering can be improved.
5 years ago
Also, FairEmail can show a small red warning flag
when DKIM, SPF or [DMARC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DMARC) authentication failed on the receiving server.
5 years ago
You can enable/disable [authentication verification](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Email_authentication) in the display settings.
9 months ago
The feature depends on the header [Authentication-Results](https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/html/rfc7601), which the receiving email server should add.
5 months ago
The shield will be green only if DMARC passes (=alignment)
and either [SPF](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sender_Policy_Framework) or [DKIM](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DomainKeys_Identified_Mail) passes.
3 months ago
5 months ago
If the email server doesn't add an *Authentication-Results* header, which is optional,
9 months ago
you can enable native DKIM in the debug panel, which appears when you enable debug mode in the miscellaneous settings tab page (last option).
3 months ago
In this case, the shield will be green only when DKIM passes and the signer domain matches that of the sender (=alignment).
9 months ago
Please be aware that this option will increase both data and battery usage.
5 years ago
5 years ago
FairEmail can show a warning flag too if the domain name of the (reply) email address of the sender does not define an MX record pointing to an email server.
5 years ago
This can be enabled in the receive settings. Be aware that this will slow down synchronization of messages significantly.
4 years ago
If the domain name of the sender and the domain name of the reply address differ,
4 years ago
the warning flag will be shown too because this is most often the case with phishing messages.
3 years ago
If desired, this can be disabled in the receive settings (since version 1.1506).
4 years ago
5 years ago
If legitimate messages are failing authentication, you should notify the sender because this will result in a high risk of messages ending up in the spam folder.
Moreover, without proper authentication there is a risk the sender will be impersonated.
The sender might use [this tool](https://www.mail-tester.com/) to check authentication and other things.
6 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq93"></a>
5 years ago
**(93) Can you allow installation/data storage on external storage media (sdcard)?**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq93)
3 years ago
5 years ago
FairEmail uses services and alarms, provides widgets and listens for the boot completed event to be started on device start,
5 years ago
so it is not possible to store the app on external storage media, like an sdcard.
6 years ago
See also [here](https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/data/install-location).
1 year ago
Since the app is small anyway and the data files will be stored in the same place, the benefit would be limited anyway.
5 years ago
Messages, attachments, etc stored on external storage media, like an sdcard, can be accessed by other apps and is therefore not safe.
5 years ago
See [here](https://developer.android.com/training/data-storage) for the details.
3 years ago
Instead, consider to use [adoptable storage](https://source.android.com/devices/storage/adoptable).
5 years ago
Since version 1.1829 is it possible to store attachments to external storage space private to the app (except for file managers) via an option in the debug panel.
You can enable the debug panel by enabling debug mode in the miscellaneous settings (last option).
To prevent ongoing operations from storing attachments at the old location
you should disable receiving messages in the receive settings and wait until all operations have been completed before changing this option.
Please be aware that removing the storage space will inevitably result in problems, which is one of the reasons why this option is hidden.
3 years ago
Please note that more often than not the external storage space is emulated on recent Android versions and recent devices.
and that there is no longer a viable way to get permission to write to other locations.
Moving messages to an sdcard is not an option because this would significantly reduce the response times of the app.
2 years ago
5 years ago
When needed you can save (raw) messages via the three-dots menu just above the message text
and save attachments by tapping on the floppy icon.
2 years ago
If you need to save on storage space, you can limit the number of days messages are being synchronized and kept on your device
and disable downloading and storing of message texts and attachments (which means only message headers will be stored).
5 years ago
You can change these settings by long pressing a folder in the folder list and selecting *Edit properties*.
6 years ago
<br />
<a name="faq94"></a>
**(94) What does the red/orange stripe at the end of the header mean?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq94)
3 years ago
The red/orange stripe at the left side of the header means that the DKIM, SPF or DMARC authentication failed.
See also [this FAQ](#faq92).
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq95"></a>
**(95) Why are not all apps shown when selecting an attachment or image?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq95)
3 years ago
6 years ago
For privacy and security reasons FairEmail does not have permissions to directly access files,
instead the Storage Access Framework, available and recommended since Android 4.4 KitKat (released in 2013), is used to select files.
6 years ago
If an app is listed depends on if the app implements a [document provider](https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/providers/document-provider).
If the app is not listed, you might need to ask the developer of the app to add support for the Storage Access Framework.
6 years ago
Android Q will make it harder and maybe even impossible to directly access files,
6 years ago
see [here](https://developer.android.com/preview/privacy/scoped-storage) and [here](https://www.xda-developers.com/android-q-storage-access-framework-scoped-storage/) for more details.
6 years ago
3 years ago
If you use MIUI, please make sure [MIUI optimization](https://android.stackexchange.com/questions/191228/what-is-miui-optimization) is enabled in the developer settings.
3 years ago
You can enable the developer options by tapping a few times on the MIUI version number in the settings, About phone.
3 years ago
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq96"></a>
**(96) Where can I find the IMAP and SMTP settings?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq96)
3 years ago
6 years ago
The IMAP settings are part of the (custom) account settings and the SMTP settings are part of the identity settings.
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq97"></a>
**(97) What is 'cleanup'?**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq97)
3 years ago
6 years ago
About each four hours FairEmail runs a cleanup job that:
* Removes old message texts
* Removes old attachment files
* Removes old image files
* Removes old local contacts
* Removes old log entries
Note that the cleanup job will only run when the synchronize service is active.
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq98"></a>
**(98) Why can I still pick contacts after revoking contacts permissions?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq98)
3 years ago
6 years ago
After revoking contacts permissions Android does not allow FairEmail access to your contacts anymore.
However, picking contacts is delegated to and done by Android and not by FairEmail, so this will still be possible without contacts permissions.
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq99"></a>
**(99) Can you add a rich text or markdown editor?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq99)
3 years ago
4 years ago
FairEmail provides common text formatting (bold, italic, underline, text size and color) via a toolbar that appears after selecting some text.
6 years ago
A [Rich text](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formatted_text) or [Markdown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Markdown) editor
would not be used by many people on a small mobile device and, more important,
Android doesn't support a rich text editor and most rich text editor open source projects are abandoned.
See [here](https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=79061829&postcount=4919) for some more details about this.
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq100"></a>
**(100) How can I synchronize Gmail categories?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq100)
3 years ago
6 years ago
You can synchronize Gmail categories by creating filters to label categorized messages:
3 years ago
* Create a new filter via Gmail > Settings wheel > See all settings > Filters and Blocked Addresses > Create a new filter
6 years ago
* Enter a category search (see below) in the *Has the words* field and click *Create filter*
* Check *Apply the label* and select a label and click *Create filter*
Possible categories:
```
category:social
category:updates
category:forums
category:promotions
```
3 years ago
Documentation: [see here](https://support.google.com/mail/answer/7190).
Unfortunately, this is not possible for the snoozed messages folder.
5 years ago
You can use *Force sync* in the three-dots menu of the unified inbox to let FairEmail synchronize the folder list again
and you can long press the folders to enable synchronization.
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq101"></a>
**(101) What does the blue/orange dot at the bottom of the conversations mean?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq101)
3 years ago
6 years ago
The dot shows the relative position of the conversation in the message list.
The dot will be show orange when the conversation is the first or last in the message list, else it will be blue.
The dot is meant as an aid when swiping left/right to go to the previous/next conversation.
5 years ago
The dot is disabled by default and can be enabled with the display settings *Show relative conversation position with a dot*.
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
6 years ago
<a name="faq102"></a>
**(102) How can I enable auto rotation of images?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq102)
3 years ago
5 years ago
Images will automatically be rotated when automatic resizing of images is enabled in the settings (enabled by default).
6 years ago
However, automatic rotating depends on the [Exif](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exif) information to be present and to be correct,
which is not always the case. Particularly not when taking a photo with a camara app from FairEmail.
Note that only [JPEG](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JPEG) and [PNG](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portable_Network_Graphics) images can contain Exif information.
<br />
<a name="faq104"></a>
**(104) What do I need to know about error reporting?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq104)
3 years ago
* Error reports will help improve FairEmail
* Error reporting is optional and opt-in
3 years ago
* Error reporting can be enabled/disabled via the *miscellaneous* settings tab page
6 years ago
* Error reports will automatically be sent anonymously to [Bugsnag](https://www.bugsnag.com/)
2 years ago
* [Telemetry](https://docs.bugsnag.com/platforms/android/configuration-options/#telemetry) is always disabled
* Bugsnag for Android is [open source](https://github.com/bugsnag/bugsnag-android)
2 months ago
* See [here](https://docs.bugsnag.com/platforms/android/automatically-captured-data/) about what data will be sent in case of errors; FairEmail uses a random user ID.
* See [here](https://docs.bugsnag.com/legal/privacy-policy/) for the privacy policy of Bugsnag
6 years ago
* Error reports will be sent to *sessions.bugsnag.com:443* and *notify.bugsnag.com:443*
3 years ago
Error reports have helped to find otherwise hard to find bugs and therefore improve the overall stability of the app.
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq105"></a>
**(105) How does the roam-like-at-home option work?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq105)
3 years ago
6 years ago
FairEmail will check if the country code of the SIM card and the country code of the network
are in the [EU roam-like-at-home countries](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Union_roaming_regulations#Territorial_extent)
and assumes no roaming if the country codes are equal and the advanced roam-like-at-home option is enabled.
So, you don't have to disable this option if you don't have an EU SIM or are not connected to an EU network.
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq106"></a>
5 years ago
**(106) Which launchers can show a badge count with the number of unread messages?**
6 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq106)
3 years ago
6 years ago
Please [see here](https://github.com/leolin310148/ShortcutBadger#supported-launchers)
5 years ago
for a list of launchers which can show the number of unread messages.
4 years ago
Standard Android [does not support this](https://developer.android.com/training/notify-user/badges).
6 years ago
4 years ago
Note that Nova Launcher requires Tesla Unread, which is [not supported anymore](https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/general/bad-news-tesla-unread-devoloper-t3920415).
5 years ago
Note that the notification setting *Show launcher icon with number of new messages* needs to be enabled (default enabled).
5 years ago
Only *new* unread messages in folders set to show new message notifications will be counted,
so messages marked unread again and messages in folders set to not show new message notification will not be counted.
4 years ago
Depending on what you want, the notification settings *Let the number of new messages match the number of notifications* needs to be enabled (default disabled).
When enabled the badge count will be the same as the number of new message notifications.
When disabled the badge count will be the number of unread messages, independent if they are shown in a notification or are new.
5 years ago
This feature depends on support of your launcher.
FairEmail merely 'broadcasts' the number of unread messages using the ShortcutBadger library.
If it doesn't work, this cannot be fixed by changes in FairEmail.
1 year ago
An alternative is to use the unread messages count home screen widget.
You can add this widget by long pressing on an empty place on the home screen.
1 year ago
If you are using Nova launcher and you want to show the number of notifications in the launcher icon (maximum 10; imposed by Nova launcher),
you'll need to enable *Notification access* in the Android *Special app access* settings for Nova launcher on recent Android versions.
3 years ago
Some launchers display a dot or a '1' for [the monitoring notification](#faq2),
4 years ago
despite FairEmail explicitly requesting not to show a *badge* for this notification.
4 years ago
This could be caused by a bug in the launcher app or in your Android version.
4 years ago
Please double check if the notification dot (badge) is disabled for the receive (service) notification channel.
4 years ago
You can go to the right notification channel settings via the notification settings of FairEmail.
This might not be obvious, but you can tap on the channel name for more settings.
5 years ago
3 years ago
FairEmail does send a new message count *broadcast* intent as well:
```
eu.faircode.email.NEW_MESSAGE_COUNT
```
The number of new, unread messages will be in an integer "*count*" parameter.
6 years ago
<br />
6 years ago
<a name="faq107"></a>
**(107) How do I use colored stars?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq107)
3 years ago
5 years ago
You can set a colored star via the *more* message menu, via multiple selection (started by long pressing a message),
by long pressing a star in a conversation or automatically by using [rules](#faq71).
6 years ago
You need to know that colored stars are not supported by the IMAP protocol and can therefore not be synchronized to an email server.
This means that colored stars will not be visible in other email clients and will be lost on downloading messages again.
However, the stars (without color) will be synchronized and will be visible in other email clients, when supported.
Some email clients use IMAP keywords for colors.
However, not all servers support IMAP keywords and besides that there are no standard keywords for colors.
<br />
5 years ago
<a name="faq108"></a>
**~~(108) Can you add permanently delete messages from any folder?~~**
5 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq108)
3 years ago
~~When you delete messages from a folder the messages will be moved to the trash folder, so you have a chance to restore the messages.~~
~~You can permanently delete messages from the trash folder.~~
~~Permanently delete messages from other folders would defeat the purpose of the trash folder, so this will not be added.~~
5 years ago
<br />
<a name="faq109"></a>
5 years ago
**~~(109) Why is 'select account' available in official versions only?~~**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq109)
3 years ago
5 years ago
~~Using *select account* to select and authorize Google accounts require special permission from Google for security and privacy reasons.~~
~~This special permission can only be acquired for apps a developer manages and is responsible for.~~
~~Third party builds, like the F-Droid builds, are managed by third parties and are the responsibility of these third parties.~~
~~So, only these third parties can acquire the required permission from Google.~~
~~Since these third parties do not actually support FairEmail, they are most likely not going to request the required permission.~~
5 years ago
~~You can solve this in two ways:~~
5 years ago
* ~~Switch to the official version of FairEmail, see [here](https://github.com/M66B/FairEmail/blob/master/README.md#downloads) for the options~~
* ~~Use app specific passwords, see [this FAQ](#faq6)~~
5 years ago
~~Using *select account* in third party builds is not possible in recent versions anymore.~~
~~In older versions this was possible, but it will now result in the error *UNREGISTERED_ON_API_CONSOLE*.~~
5 years ago
<br />
5 years ago
<a name="faq110"></a>
**(110) Why are (some) messages empty and/or attachments corrupt?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq110)
3 years ago
5 years ago
Empty messages and/or corrupt attachments are probably being caused by a bug in the server software.
Older Microsoft Exchange software is known to cause this problem.
5 years ago
Mostly you can workaround this by disabling *Partial fetch* in the advanced account settings:
4 years ago
Settings > Manual setup > Accounts > tap account > tap advanced > Partial fetch > uncheck
5 years ago
After disabling this setting, you can use the message 'more' (three dots) menu to 'resync' empty messages.
Alternatively, you can *Delete local messages* by long pressing the folder(s) in the folder list and synchronize all messages again.
5 years ago
Disabling *Partial fetch* will result in more memory usage.
5 years ago
<br />
<a name="faq111"></a>
5 years ago
**(111) Is OAuth supported?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq111)
3 years ago
5 years ago
OAuth for Gmail is supported via the quick setup wizard.
2 years ago
~~The Android account manager will be used to fetch and refresh OAuth tokens for selected on-device accounts.~~
~~OAuth for non on-device accounts is not supported~~
~~because Google requires a [yearly security audit](https://support.google.com/cloud/answer/9110914) ($15,000 to $75,000) for this.~~
~~Since FairEmail is basically offered free of charge, it is not an option to pay such an amount annually for a security audit.~~
~~You can read more about this [here](https://www.theregister.com/2019/02/11/google_gmail_developer/).~~
5 years ago
OAuth for Outlook/Office 365, Yahoo, Mail.ru and Yandex is supported via the quick setup wizard.
3 years ago
The OAuth [jump page](https://oauth.faircode.eu/) exists
for when [Android App Links](https://developer.android.com/training/app-links/verify-site-associations)
are not available, for example when using a non Play store version of the app, or do not work for some reason.
OAuth is not supported for third party builds like the F-Droid build, please [see here](#faq147) about why not.
3 years ago
3 years ago
Since version 1.1859 there is support for custom OAuth.
To use custom OAuth, an XML file containing the server and OAuth data, like the client secret, should be created and imported.
Please [see here](https://github.com/M66B/FairEmail/blob/master/app/src/main/res/xml/providers.xml) about how the XML file should look like.
The XML file can be imported via a button in the debug panel of the miscellaneous settings of the app.
To show the debug panel, debug mode mode should temporarily be enabled.
After importing, you can use the quick setup wizard to configure an account.
<br />
5 years ago
5 years ago
<a name="faq112"></a>
**(112) Which email provider do you recommend?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq112)
3 years ago
FairEmail is an email client only, so you need to bring your own email address.
4 years ago
Note that this is clearly mentioned in the app description.
There are plenty of email providers to choose from.
5 years ago
Which email provider is best for you depends on your wishes/requirements.
3 years ago
Please see these websites for lists of privacy oriented email providers with advantages and disadvantages:
* [Restore privacy](https://restoreprivacy.com/secure-email/)
3 months ago
* [Privacy Guides](https://www.privacyguides.org/en/email/)
3 years ago
* [Privacy Tools](https://www.privacytools.io/providers/email/)
5 years ago
**Important**: Some providers, like ProtonMail and Tutanota, use proprietary email protocols, which make it impossible to use third party email apps.
Please see [this FAQ](#faq129) for more information.
5 years ago
5 years ago
Using your own (custom) domain name, which is supported by most email providers, will make it easier to switch to another email provider.
5 years ago
<br />
5 years ago
<a name="faq113"></a>
**(113) How does biometric authentication work?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq113)
3 years ago
4 years ago
If your device has a biometric sensor, for example a fingerprint sensor, you can enable/disable biometric authentication in the navigation (hamburger) menu of the settings screen.
When enabled FairEmail will require biometric authentication after a period of inactivity or after the screen has been turned off while FairEmail was running.
Activity is navigation within FairEmail, for example opening a conversation thread.
The inactivity period duration can be configured in the miscellaneous settings.
5 years ago
When biometric authentication is enabled new message notifications will not show any content and FairEmail won't be visible on the Android recents screen.
5 years ago
Biometric authentication is meant to prevent others from seeing your messages only.
FairEmail relies on device encryption for data encryption, see also [this FAQ](#faq37).
5 years ago
Biometric authentication is a pro feature.
<br />
5 years ago
<a name="faq114"></a>
**(114) Can you add an import for the settings of other email apps?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq114)
3 years ago
5 years ago
The format of the settings files of most other email apps is not documented, so this is difficult.
Sometimes it is possible to reverse engineer the format, but as soon as the settings format changes things will break.
Also, settings are often incompatible.
4 years ago
For example, FairEmail has unlike most other email apps settings for the number of days to synchronize messages
and for the number of days to keep messages, mainly to save on battery usage.
4 years ago
Moreover, setting up an account/identity with the quick setup wizard is simple, so it is not really worth the effort.
5 years ago
<br />
5 years ago
<a name="faq115"></a>
2 years ago
**~~(115) Can you add email address chips?~~**
5 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq115)
3 years ago
2 years ago
~~Email address [chips](https://material.io/design/components/chips.html) look nice, but cannot be edited,~~
~~which is quite inconvenient when you made a typo in an email address.~~
5 years ago
2 years ago
~~Note that FairEmail will select the address only when long pressing an address, which makes it easy to delete an address.~~
5 years ago
2 years ago
~~Chips are not suitable for showing in a list~~
~~and since the message header in a list should look similar to the message header of the message view it is not an option to use chips for viewing messages.~~
5 years ago
2 years ago
~~Reverted [commit](https://github.com/M66B/FairEmail/commit/2c80c25b8aa75af2287f471b882ec87d5a5a5015).~~
5 years ago
<br />
<a name="faq116"></a>
**~~(116) How can I show images in messages from trusted senders by default?~~**
5 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq116)
3 years ago
~~You can show images in messages from trusted senders by default by enabled the display setting *Automatically show images for known contacts*.~~
~~Contacts in the Android contacts list are considered to be known and trusted,~~
~~unless the contact is in the group / has the label '*Untrusted*' (case insensitive).~~
<br />
5 years ago
5 years ago
<a name="faq38"></a>
5 years ago
<a name="faq117"></a>
3 years ago
**(117) How can I restore a purchase (on another device) ?**
5 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq117)
3 years ago
9 months ago
Firstly, a purchase will be available on all devices logged into the same Google account,
3 years ago
*if* (this is important) the app is installed via the same Google account too.
9 months ago
You can select the account in the Play store app by tapping on the avatar at the top right, but only *before* installing the app.
It is not possible to change the linked Google account after the app has been installed.
5 months ago
Google doesn't support moving a Play Store purchase from one to another account either.
4 years ago
4 years ago
Google manages all purchases, so as a developer I have little control over purchases.
2 years ago
So, basically, the only thing I can do, is suggest some things:
5 years ago
2 years ago
* Make sure you have an active, working internet connection, and turn off any VPN based app because it might prevent the Play store from checking purchases
5 years ago
* Make sure you are logged in with the right Google account and that there is nothing wrong with your Google account
3 years ago
* Make sure you installed FairEmail via the right Google account if you configured multiple Google accounts on your device (you might need to reinstall the app)
4 years ago
* Make sure the Play store app is up to date, please [see here](https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/1050566?hl=en)
4 years ago
* Open the Play store app and wait at least a minute to give it time to synchronize with the Google servers
2 years ago
* Open FairEmail and navigate to the pro features screen to let FairEmail check the purchases; sometimes it helps to tap the *buy* button
5 years ago
You can also try to clear the cache of the Play store app via the Android apps settings.
5 years ago
Restarting the device might be necessary to let the Play store recognize the purchase correctly.
5 years ago
Note that:
4 years ago
* If you get *ITEM_ALREADY_OWNED*, the Play store app probably needs to be updated, please [see here](https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/1050566?hl=en)
3 years ago
* If you get *BILLING_UNAVAILABLE Google Play In-app Billing API version is less than 3*, the Play store app might not be logged into the account used to install the app
5 years ago
* Purchases are stored in the Google cloud and cannot get lost
* There is no time limit on purchases, so they cannot expire
* Google does not expose details (name, e-mail, etc) about buyers to developers
4 years ago
* An app like FairEmail cannot select which Google account to use
5 years ago
* It may take a while until the Play store app has synchronized a purchase to another device
2 years ago
* Play Store purchases cannot be used without the Play Store app/services
* Play Store purchases cannot be transferred to another account
3 years ago
* You can't restore purchases with [microG](https://microg.org/)
5 years ago
2 years ago
Please [see here](https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/4646404) about how to add, remove, or edit your Google Play payment method.
8 months ago
Sometimes the Play Store assigns a purchase incorrectly to another Google account configured on the device, resulting in the purchase not being recognized anymore.
Some people reported that force stopping the Play Store app / Google Play Services, clearing the data and the cache, and starting the Play Store again resolves this problem.
2 years ago
If you cannot restore a purchase,
please contact me via [this contact form](https://contact.faircode.eu/?product=fairemailsupport),
mentioning the email address of the Google account used for the purchase.
5 years ago
5 years ago
<br />
<a name="faq118"></a>
**(118) What does 'Remove tracking parameters' exactly?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq118)
3 years ago
5 years ago
Checking *Remove tracking parameters* will remove all [UTM parameters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UTM_parameters) from a link.
<br />
5 years ago
<a name="faq119"></a>
4 years ago
**~~(119) Can you add colors to the unified inbox widget?~~**
5 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq119)
3 years ago
4 years ago
~~The widget is designed to look good on most home/launcher screens by making it monochrome and by using a half transparent background.~~
~~This way the widget will nicely blend in, while still being properly readable.~~
5 years ago
4 years ago
~~Adding colors will cause problems with some backgrounds and will cause readability problems, which is why this won't be added.~~
5 years ago
5 years ago
Due to Android limitations it is not possible to dynamically set the opacity of the background and to have rounded corners at the same time.
5 years ago
<br />
5 years ago
<a name="faq120"></a>
**(120) Why are new message notifications not removed on opening the app?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq120)
3 years ago
5 years ago
New message notifications will be removed on swiping notifications away or on marking the associated messages read.
Opening the app will not remove new message notifications.
This gives you a choice to leave new message notifications as a reminder that there are still unread messages.
On Android 7 Nougat and later new message notifications will be [grouped](https://developer.android.com/training/notify-user/group).
Tapping on the summary notification will open the unified inbox.
The summary notification can be expanded to view individual new message notifications.
5 years ago
Tapping on an individual new message notification will open the conversation the message it is part of.
See [this FAQ](#faq70) about when messages in a conversation will be auto expanded and marked read.
5 years ago
<br />
5 years ago
5 years ago
<a name="faq121"></a>
**(121) How are messages grouped into a conversation?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq121)
3 years ago
5 years ago
By default FairEmail groups messages in conversations. This can be turned of in the display settings.
FairEmail groups messages based on the standard *Message-ID*, *In-Reply-To* and *References* headers.
FairEmail does not group on other criteria, like the subject,
because this could result in grouping unrelated messages and would be at the expense of increased battery usage.
<br />
5 years ago
<a name="faq122"></a>
**~~(122) Why is the recipient name/email address show with a warning color?~~**
5 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq122)
3 years ago
~~The recipient name and/or email address in the addresses section will be shown in a warning color~~
~~when the sender domain name and the domain name of the *to* address do not match.~~
~~Mostly this indicates that the message was received *via* an account with another email address.~~
5 years ago
<br />
5 years ago
<a name="faq123"></a>
5 years ago
**(123) What will happen when FairEmail cannot connect to an email server?**
5 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq123)
3 years ago
4 years ago
If FairEmail cannot connect to an email server to synchronize messages,
2 years ago
for example, if the internet connection is bad or a firewall or a VPN is blocking or aborting the connection,
4 years ago
FairEmail will retry one time after waiting 8 seconds while keeping the device awake (=use battery power).
3 years ago
If this fails, FairEmail will schedule an alarm to retry after 5, 15, 30 and eventually every 60 minutes and let the device sleep (=no battery usage).
5 years ago
3 years ago
By temporarily enabling debug mode in the miscellaneous settings, you can disable this logarithmic back-off scheme (since version 1.1855).
This will result in using a linear back-off scheme, which means that after each successive failure the waiting time will be
increased by 1 minute the first 5 minutes and thereafter by 5 minutes up to 60 minutes.
2 years ago
This might increase the battery usage significantly!
3 years ago
5 years ago
Note that [Android doze mode](https://developer.android.com/training/monitoring-device-state/doze-standby)
does not allow to wake the device earlier than after 15 minutes when doze mode is active.
5 years ago
5 years ago
*Force sync* in the three-dots menu of the unified inbox can be used to let FairEmail attempt to reconnect without waiting.
5 years ago
Sending messages will be retried on connectivity changes only
(reconnecting to the same network or connecting to another network)
to prevent the email server from blocking the connection permanently.
5 years ago
You can pull down the outbox to retry manually.
5 years ago
5 years ago
Note that sending will not be retried in case of authentication problems and when the server rejected the message.
4 years ago
In this case you can pull down the outbox to try again.
5 years ago
5 years ago
<br />
5 years ago
<a name="faq124"></a>
**(124) Why do I get 'Message too large or too complex to display'?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq124)
3 years ago
5 years ago
The message *Message too large or too complex to display* will be shown if there are more than 100,000 characters or more than 500 links in a message.
Reformatting and displaying such messages will take too long. You can try to use the original message view, powered by the browser, instead.
<br />
<a name="faq125"></a>
**(125) What are the current experimental features?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq125)
3 years ago
9 months ago
Experimental features can be enabled in the miscellaneous-settings tab page.
9 months ago
<br />
4 years ago
*Send hard bounce (version 1.1477+)*
4 years ago
Send a [Delivery Status Notification](https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc3464) (=hard bounce) via the reply/answer menu.
4 years ago
Hard bounces will mostly be processed automatically because they affect the reputation of the email provider.
The bounce address (=*Return-Path* header) is mostly very specific, so the email server can determine the sending account.
3 years ago
Some email servers, reportedly the Outlook.com email server, respond with a hard bounce to a hard bounce. In other words, hard bounces are being rejected.
3 years ago
4 years ago
For some background, see for [this Wikipedia article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bounce_message).
4 years ago
<br />
3 years ago
*Resend (version 1.1788+)*
3 years ago
Resend a message as defined in [rfc2822 section 3.6.6](https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/html/rfc2822#section-3.6.6) via the reply/answer menu.
3 years ago
To resend a message, the original message headers are required.
4 days ago
You can enable downloading of message headers for all messages in the connection settings of the app.
Alternatively, you can show messages headers via the horizontal three-dots menu just above the message text to download the message headers for a single message.
3 years ago
The resend menu item will be shown grayed (dimmed) if the message headers are not available (yet).
Remarks:
4 days ago
* Messages to, CC or BCC *undisclosed-recipients:* cannot be resent
3 years ago
* The original subject is sent as-is, unless it is being changed
* The original message text will be sent as-is, unless text is being entered
* The original attachments are sent as they are, unless attachments are being added or removed
* Default CC and BCC addresses will not be applied
3 years ago
* Read and delivery receipts will be requested when enabled, they could go to the original sender or to you
2 years ago
* The email server might refuse or incorrectly process resent messages
3 years ago
* DKIM, SPF and DMARC will likely fail, often causing resent messages to be considered as spam
<br />
*Process delivery/read receipt (version 1.1797+)*
On receiving a delivery or read receipt, the related message will be looked up in the sent messages folder
and the following keywords will be set depending on the contents of the report:
```
$Delivered
$NotDelivered
$Displayed
$NotDisplayed
```
* Delivered: action = *delivered*, *relayed*, or *expanded*, [see here](https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/html/rfc3464#section-2.3.3)
* Displayed: disposition = *displayed*, [see here](https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/html/rfc3798#section-3.2.6)
It is probably a good idea to enable *Show keywords in message header* in the display settings.
Note that the email server needs to support IMAP flags (keywords) for this feature.
10 months ago
Rules will be applied to the received receipt, so it is possible to move/archive the receipt.
See [this FAQ](#faq71) for a header condition to recognize receipts.
<br />
*Block toolbar (version 1.1967+)*
When enabled in the three-dots overflow menu of the message editor,
a toolbar to perform operations (align text, insert list, indent text, insert blockquote) on a block of text (consecutive non-empty lines) will be shown.
<br />
*Edit subject (1.2046+)*
The subject of a received message can be edited, also on the email server, via the horizontal three-dots button just above the message text near the left side of the screen.
<br />
9 months ago
*Markdown (1.2061+)*
Composing messages using [Markdown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Markdown) can be enabled via the three-dots overflow menu of the message editor.
<br />
7 months ago
*Rule expression condition (1.2174+)*
See [this FAQ](#faq71)
<br />
5 years ago
<a name="faq126"></a>
1 year ago
**(126) Can message previews be sent to my smartwatch?**
5 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq126)
3 years ago
5 years ago
FairEmail fetches a message in two steps:
1. Fetch message headers
1. Fetch message text and attachments
Directly after the first step new messages will be notified.
However, only until after the second step the message text will be available.
1 year ago
FairEmail updates existing notifications with a preview of the message text, but unfortunately smartwatch notifications cannot be updated.
5 years ago
Since there is no guarantee that a message text will always be fetched directly after a message header,
1 year ago
it is not possible to guarantee that a new message notification with a preview text will always be sent to a smartwatch.
5 years ago
1 year ago
If you think this is good enough, you can enable the notification option *Only send notifications with a message preview to smartwatches*
4 years ago
and if this does not work, you can try to enable the notification option *Show notifications with a preview text only*.
1 year ago
Note that this applies to smartwatches not showing a preview text too, even when the Android Wear app says the notification has been sent (bridged).
5 years ago
1 year ago
If you want to have the full message text sent to your smartwatch, you can enable the notification option *Preview all text*.
Note that some smartwatches are known to crash with this option enabled.
5 years ago
1 year ago
If you use a Samsung smartwatch with the Galaxy smartwatch (Samsung Gear) app, you might need to enable notifications for FairEmail
4 years ago
when the setting *Notifications*, *Apps installed in the future* is turned off in this app.
3 years ago
Some companion apps ignore [local only](https://developer.android.com/training/wearables/notifications/bridger#non-bridged) notifications,
causing the summary notification (*nnn new messages*) to be bridged.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to workaround this problem.
1 year ago
Some smartwatches do not display notifications with non-[ASCII](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASCII) characters,
in which can you can enable the option *ASCII text only* in the display settings tab page.
2 years ago
Ongoing notifications shouldn't be bridged, but some companion apps bridge all notifications.
This results in the "monitoring" status bar notification to be bridged.
The workaround is to disable this notification, see [this FAQ](#faq2).
2 years ago
5 years ago
<br />
5 years ago
<a name="faq127"></a>
**(127) How can I fix 'Syntactically invalid HELO argument(s)'?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq127)
3 years ago
5 years ago
The error *... Syntactically invalid HELO argument(s) ...* means that the SMTP server rejected the local IP address or host name.
4 days ago
You can likely fix this error by enabling or disabling the advanced identity option *Use local IP address instead of host name*.
5 years ago
<br />
5 years ago
<a name="faq128"></a>
**(128) How can I reset asked questions, for example to show images?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq128)
3 years ago
You can reset asked questions via the three dots overflow menu in the miscellaneous settings.
<br />
5 years ago
<a name="faq129"></a>
**(129) Are ProtonMail, Tutanota, etc supported?**
5 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq129)
3 years ago
**ProtonMail** uses a proprietary email protocol
5 years ago
and [does not directly support IMAP](https://protonmail.com/support/knowledge-base/imap-smtp-and-pop3-setup/),
so you cannot use FairEmail or any other Android email client to access ProtonMail.
5 years ago
**Tutanota** uses a proprietary email protocol
5 years ago
and [does not support IMAP](https://tutanota.com/faq/#imap),
so you cannot use FairEmail or any other email client to access Tutanota.
**Cyberfear** does not support IMAP, so you'll need to manually configure a POP3 account.
5 years ago
2 years ago
**Skiff** uses a proprietary email protocol
and [does not support IMAP](https://www.skiff.com/blog/tutanota-alternatives-comparison)
so you cannot use FairEmail or any other email client to access Skiff.
**Tildamail** uses a proprietary email protocol and does not support IMAP,
so you cannot use FairEmail or any other email client to access Tildamail.
**Criptext** uses a proprietary email protocol
and [does not directly support IMAP](https://www.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/chs82k/comment/ewrxxcn/),
1 year ago
so you cannot use FairEmail or any other email email client to access Criptext.
**OnMail** uses a proprietary email protocol
and [does not support IMAP](https://support.onmail.com/hc/en-us/articles/360048879012-How-do-I-connect-my-OnMail-address-to-a-third-party-email-app-),
so you cannot use FairEmail or any other email client to access OnMail, except for one (but please read the privacy policy carefully).
<br />
<a name="faq130"></a>
**(130) What does message error ... mean?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq130)
3 years ago
3 years ago
If you don't understand an error, please [contact me](https://contact.faircode.eu/?product=fairemailsupport) for support.
5 years ago
The warning *No server found at ...* means that there was no email server registered at the indicated domain name.
Replying to the message might not be possible and might result in an error.
This could indicate a falsified email address and/or spam.
The error *... ParseException ...* means that there is a problem with a received message, likely caused by a bug in the sending software.
FairEmail will workaround this is in most cases, so this message can mostly be considered as a warning instead of an error.
The error *...SendFailedException...* means that there was a problem while sending a message.
The error will almost always include a reason. Common reasons are that the message was too big or that one or more recipient addresses were invalid.
The warning *Message too large to fit into the available memory* means that the message was larger than 10 MiB.
Even if your device has plenty of storage space Android provides limited working memory to apps, which limits the size of messages that can be handled.
Please see [here](#faq22) for other error messages.
<br />
<a name="faq131"></a>
**(131) Can you change the direction for swiping to previous/next message?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq131)
3 years ago
If you read from left to right, swiping to the left will show the next message.
Similarly, if you read from right to left, swiping to the right will show the next message.
5 years ago
This behavior seems quite natural to me, also because it is similar to turning pages.
Anyway, there is a behavior setting to reverse the swipe direction.
<br />
5 years ago
<a name="faq132"></a>
**(132) Why are new message notifications silent?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq132)
3 years ago
5 years ago
Notifications are silent by default on some MIUI versions.
5 years ago
Please see [here](http://en.miui.com/thread-3930694-1-1.html) how you can fix this.
5 years ago
There is a bug in some Android versions
causing [setOnlyAlertOnce](https://developer.android.com/reference/android/app/Notification.Builder#setOnlyAlertOnce(boolean)) to mute notifications.
Since FairEmail shows new message notifications right after fetching the message headers
and FairEmail needs to update new message notifications after fetching the message text later, this cannot be fixed or worked around by FairEmail.
5 years ago
Android might rate limit the notification sound, which can cause some new message notifications to be silent.
5 years ago
<br />
5 years ago
<a name="faq133"></a>
2 years ago
**(133) Why is ActiveSync &trade; not supported?**
5 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq133)
3 years ago
2 years ago
The Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync &trade; protocol [is patented](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exchange_ActiveSync#Licensing) and Microsoft doesn't give out licenses anymore.
Therefore, it isn't possible to support ActiveSync &trade; anymore.
For this same reason, you won't find many, if any, other email clients supporting ActiveSync &trade;.
5 years ago
5 years ago
Note that the desciption of FairEmail starts with the remark
2 years ago
that non-standard protocols, like Microsoft Exchange Web Services &trade; and Microsoft ActiveSync &trade; are not supported.
5 years ago
5 years ago
<br />
5 years ago
<a name="faq134"></a>
3 years ago
**(134) Can you add leave messages on the server?**
5 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq134)
3 years ago
*POP3*
5 years ago
3 years ago
In the account settings (Settings, tap Manual setup, tap Accounts, tap account) you can enable *Leave messages on server* and *Leave deleted messages on server*.
*IMAP*
9 months ago
Since the IMAP protocol is meant to synchronize two ways, from server to client and from client to server,
3 years ago
trashing (=move to trash) and (permanently) deleting messages will be performed on the email server too,
so that the message list is the same for all connected clients.
9 months ago
Deleting a message from the device only won't work because it would be synchronized again later.
9 months ago
Some email apps pretend they can do this, but, in fact, messages are hidden on the device.
FairEmail can do this too, but in a more explicit way, also allowing you to show the messages again.
You can hide messages either via the three-dots menu in the action bar just above the message text (you can configure a button for this via the same menu)
5 years ago
or by multiple selecting messages in the message list.
5 years ago
3 years ago
Alternatively, you can disable AUTO EXPUNGE, which will result in marking messages being deleted on the server (by setting the *deleted* flag), but not expunging (deleting) them.
You can find this option in the debug panel, which can be shown by (temporarily) enabling debug mode in the miscellaneous settings.
5 months ago
Note that with AUTO EXPUNGE enabled, all messages in all folders of all accounts will remain on the email server (with the deleted flag set),
also in the draft-messages folder and when emptying the trash-messages or spam-messages folder.
You'll need to manually perform the EXPUNGE command, which you can do by long pressing on a folder, or via the three-dots overflow menu of a messages list.
3 years ago
4 years ago
Note that it is possible to set the swipe left or right action to hide a message.
9 months ago
There is a button in the behavior settings to quickly configure the swipe left and right actions for all IMAP accounts.
5 years ago
<br />
5 years ago
<a name="faq135"></a>
**(135) Why are trashed messages and drafts shown in conversations?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq135)
3 years ago
5 years ago
Individual messages will rarely be trashed and mostly this happens by accident.
Showing trashed messages in conversations makes it easier to find them back.
You can permanently delete a message using the message three-dots *delete* menu, which will remove the message from the conversation.
2 years ago
Note that this is irreversible.
5 years ago
Similarly, drafts are shown in conversations to find them back in the context where they belong.
It is easy to read through the received messages before continuing to write the draft later.
<br />
5 years ago
<a name="faq136"></a>
**(136) How can I delete an account/identity/folder?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq136)
3 years ago
5 years ago
Deleting an account/identity/folder is a little bit hidden to prevent accidents.
4 years ago
* Account: Settings > Manual setup > Accounts > tap account
* Identity: Settings > Manual setup > Identities > tap identity
5 years ago
* Folder: Long press the folder in the folder list > Edit properties
In the three-dots overflow menu at the top right there is an item to delete the account/identity/folder.
<br />
5 years ago
<a name="faq137"></a>
**(137) How can I reset 'Don't ask again'?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq137)
3 years ago
You can reset all questions set to be not asked again in the miscellaneous settings.
5 years ago
<br />
5 years ago
<a name="faq138"></a>
4 years ago
**(138) Can you add calendar/contact/tasks/notes management?**
5 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq138)
3 years ago
4 years ago
Calendar, contact, task and note management can better be done by a separate, specialized app.
4 years ago
Note that FairEmail is a specialized email app, not an office suite.
5 years ago
4 years ago
Also, I prefer to do a few things very well, instead of many things only half.
Moreover, from a security perspective, it is not a good idea to grant many permissions to a single app.
5 years ago
You are advised to use the excellent, open source [DAVx⁵](https://f-droid.org/packages/at.bitfire.davdroid/) app to synchronize/manage your calendars/contacts.
5 years ago
2 years ago
If you want to synchronize Outlook contacts and you have access to Google Workspace,
please [see here](https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/156595) about how you can set up contact syncing.
5 years ago
Most providers support exporting your contacts.
Please [see here](https://support.google.com/contacts/answer/1069522) about how you can import contacts if synchronizing is not possible.
5 years ago
5 years ago
Note that FairEmail does support replying to calendar invites (a pro feature) and adding calendar invites to your personal calendar.
5 years ago
<br />
5 years ago
<a name="faq83"></a>
5 years ago
<a name="faq139"></a>
**(139) How do I fix 'User is authenticated but not connected'?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq139)
3 years ago
3 years ago
The confusing Microsoft specific server error *User is authenticated but not connected* might occur if:
5 years ago
2 years ago
* External access is administratively disabled, please see [this article](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/exchange/clients-and-mobile-in-exchange-online/client-access-rules/client-access-rules) about how an administrator can enable it again
8 months ago
* Access by third-party apps is administratively disabled or allowed for specific apps only
* IMAP is administratively disabled, please see [this article](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/exchange/clients-and-mobile-in-exchange-online/pop3-and-imap4/enable-or-disable-pop3-or-imap4-access) about how an administrator can enable it again
2 years ago
* SMTP is administratively disabled, please see [this article](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/exchange/clients-and-mobile-in-exchange-online/authenticated-client-smtp-submission) about how an administrator can enable it again
8 months ago
* A security policy is blocking the login, for example because only specific network connections are allowed, please see [this article](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/exchange/clients-and-mobile-in-exchange-online/client-access-rules/client-access-rules) about how an administrator can enable it again
2 years ago
* Required server components are disabled, please see [this article](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/exchange/troubleshoot/user-and-shared-mailboxes/pop3-imap-owa-activesync-office-365) about enabling IMAP, MAPI, etc.
* Push messages are enabled for too many folders: see [this FAQ](#faq23) for more information and a workaround
3 years ago
* There were too many login attempts in a too short time, for example by using multiple email clients at the same time
2 years ago
* The wrong account was selected in the Microsoft account selector, for example an account with a different email address or a personal instead of a business account
2 years ago
* An ad blocker or DNS changer is being used
2 years ago
* Devices in another time zone are connected to the same account
3 years ago
* There is a problem with the Exchange server license: it might be expired or for another server edition
4 years ago
* An alias email address is being used as username instead of the primary email address
5 years ago
* An incorrect login scheme is being used for a shared mailbox: the right scheme is *username@domain\SharedMailboxAlias*
5 years ago
4 years ago
The shared mailbox alias will mostly be the email address of the shared account, like this:
```
you@example.com\shared@example.com
```
Note that it should be a backslash and not a forward slash.
3 years ago
The Outlook/Office 365 quick setup wizard supports setting up shared mailboxes.
When using a shared mailbox, you might want to enable the option *Synchronize shared folder lists* in the receive settings.
4 years ago
3 years ago
Sometimes it helps to use the *Other provider* wizard instead of the *Outlook/Office 365* wizard.
You might need an app password for this, please see [this FAQ](#faq14).
3 years ago
2 years ago
Background: this error happens if logging in to an account succeeded (with OAuth), but logging in to the email (IMAP/SMTP) server fails for some reason.
5 years ago
<br />
<a name="faq140"></a>
**(140) Why does the message text contain strange characters?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq140)
3 years ago
5 years ago
Displaying strange characters is almost always caused by specifying no or an invalid character encoding by the sending software.
5 years ago
FairEmail will assume [ISO 8859-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO/IEC_8859-1)
when no character set or when [US-ASCII](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASCII) was specified.
5 years ago
Other than that there is no way to reliably determine the correct character encoding automatically,
5 years ago
so this cannot be fixed by FairEmail. The right action is to complain to the sender.
5 years ago
<br />
<a name="faq141"></a>
**(141) How can I fix 'A drafts folder is required to send messages'?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq141)
3 years ago
5 years ago
To store draft messages a drafts folder is required.
In most cases FairEmail will automatically select the drafts folders on adding an account
based on [the attributes](https://www.iana.org/assignments/imap-mailbox-name-attributes/imap-mailbox-name-attributes.xhtml) the email server sends.
However, some email servers are not configured properly and do not send these attributes.
In this case FairEmail tries to identify the drafts folder by name,
but this might fail if the drafts folder has an unusual name or is not present at all.
4 years ago
You can fix this problem by manually selecting the drafts folder in the account settings (Settings, tap Manual setup, tap Accounts, tap account, at the bottom).
5 years ago
If there is no drafts folder at all,
you can create a drafts folder by tapping on the '+' button in the folder list of the account (tap on the account name in the navigation menu).
5 years ago
Some providers, like Gmail, allow enabling/disabling IMAP for individual folders.
So, if a folder is not visible, you might need to enable IMAP for the folder.
4 years ago
Quick link for Gmail (will work on a desktop computer only): [https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#settings/labels](https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#settings/labels)
5 years ago
5 years ago
<br />
<a name="faq142"></a>
**(142) How can I store sent messages in the inbox?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq142)
3 years ago
5 years ago
Generally, it is not a good idea to store sent messages in the inbox because this is hard to undo and could be incompatible with other email clients.
That said, FairEmail is able to properly handle sent messages in the inbox.
FairEmail will mark outgoing messages with a sent messages icon for example.
The best solution would be to enable showing the sent folder in the unified inbox
by long pressing the sent folder in the folder list and enabling *Show in unified inbox*.
This way all messages can stay where they belong, while allowing to see both incoming and outgoing messages at one place.
If this is not an option, you can [create a rule](#faq71) to automatically move sent messages to the inbox
2 years ago
or set a default CC or BCC address in the advanced identity settings (via the manual setup in the main setup screen) to send yourself a copy.
5 years ago
5 years ago
<br />
5 years ago
5 years ago
<a name="faq143"></a>
5 years ago
**~~(143) Can you add a trash folder for POP3 accounts?~~**
5 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq143)
3 years ago
5 years ago
[POP3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post_Office_Protocol) is a very limited protocol.
Basically only messages can be downloaded and deleted from the inbox.
It is not even possible to mark a message read.
Since POP3 does not allow access to the trash folder at all, there is no way to restore trashed messages.
5 years ago
Note that you can hide messages and search for hidden messages, which is similar to a local trash folder,
without suggesting that trashed messages can be restored, while this is actually not possible.
5 years ago
Version 1.1082 added a local trash folder.
Note that trashing a message will permanently remove it from the server and that trashed messages cannot be restored to the server anymore.
5 years ago
<br />
5 years ago
<a name="faq144"></a>
**(144) How can I record voice notes?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq144)
3 years ago
5 years ago
To record voice notes you can press this icon in the bottom action bar of the message composer:
7 months ago
<img alt="Record image" src="https://raw.githubusercontent.com/M66B/FairEmail/master/images/baseline_record_voice_over_black_48dp.png" width="48" height="48" />
5 years ago
This requires a compatible audio recorder app to be installed.
In particular [this common intent](https://developer.android.com/reference/android/provider/MediaStore.Audio.Media.html#RECORD_SOUND_ACTION)
needs to be supported.
5 years ago
For example [this audio recorder](https://f-droid.org/app/com.github.axet.audiorecorder) is compatible.
5 years ago
Voice notes will automatically be attached.
<br />
5 years ago
<a name="faq145"></a>
**(145) How can I set a notification sound for an account, folder, sender or condition?**
5 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq145)
3 years ago
5 years ago
Account:
2 years ago
* ~~Version 1.1927-: enable *Separate notifications* in the advanced account settings~~
2 years ago
* Version 1.1927+: long press the account in the account list and select *Create notification channel*
* Long press the account in the account list and select *Edit notification channel* to change the notification sound
To go to the account list: navigation menu (left side menu), tap *Settings*, tap *Manual setup and account options* and tap *Accounts*.<br>
To go to the advanced account settings from the account list: tap on the account and tap on *Advanced*.
5 years ago
Folder:
2 years ago
* Long press the folder in the folder list and select *Notify on new messages*
5 years ago
* Long press the folder in the folder list and select *Create notification channel*
* Long press the folder in the folder list and select *Edit notification channel* to change the notification sound
2 years ago
To go to the folder list: tap on the account name in the navigation menu (left side menu).
5 years ago
Sender:
* Open a message from the sender and expand it
* Expand the addresses section by tapping on the down arrow
* Tap on the bell icon to create or edit a notification channel and to change the notification sound
Conditional: (since version 1.1803; experimental)
* Long press the folder (inbox) in the folder list and select *Edit rules*
* Add a rule with the big 'plus' button at the bottom right
* Configure a rule condition, select *Play sound* as rule action and select a sound
10 months ago
* For more information about rules, please [see here](#faq71)
The order of precendence is: conditional sound, sender sound, folder sound, account sound and (default) notification sound.
5 years ago
Setting a notification sound for an account, folder or sender requires Android 8 Oreo or later and is a pro feature.
<br />
5 years ago
5 years ago
<a name="faq146"></a>
**(146) How can I fix incorrect message times?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq146)
3 years ago
4 years ago
Since the sent date/time is optional and can be manipulated by the sender, FairEmail uses the server received date/time by default.
5 years ago
4 years ago
Sometimes the server received date/time is incorrect,
mostly because messages were incorrectly imported from another server and sometimes due to a bug in the email server.
5 years ago
4 years ago
In these rare cases, it is possible to let FairEmail use either the date/time from the *Date* header (sent time) or from the *Received* header as a workaround.
2 years ago
This can be changed in the advanced account settings: go to the Settings, tap *Manual setup and account options*, tap *Accounts*, tap the account, tap *Advanced*.
5 years ago
This will not change the time of already synchronized messages.
To solve this, long press the folder(s) in the folder list and select *Delete local messages* and *Synchronize now*.
<br />
<a name="faq147"></a>
**(147) What should I know about third party versions?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq147)
3 years ago
You likely came here because you are using a third party build of FairEmail.
4 years ago
There is **only support** on the latest Play store version, the latest GitHub release and
the F-Droid build, but **only if** the version number of the F-Droid build is the same as the version number of the latest GitHub release.
7 months ago
F-Droid builds irregularly, which can be problematic if there is an important update.
Therefore you are advised to switch to the GitHub release.
9 months ago
Note that developers have no control over F-Droid builds and the F-Droid infrastructure (apps, forums, etc.).
3 years ago
OAuth access is available only for Play Store and Github releases
because email providers permitted the use of OAuth for these releases only.
3 years ago
The responsible for a release, for the F-Droid build this is the F-Droid organization, needs to ask for OAuth permissions,
5 months ago
which mostly involves signing a contract with binding terms and conditions,
often with the clause that the use of OAuth is exclusive.
5 years ago
5 years ago
Note that you'll need to uninstall the F-Droid build first before you can install a GitHub release
3 years ago
because Android refuses to install ("*App was not installed*") the same app with a different signature for security reasons.
5 years ago
9 months ago
At the start of 2024, the Play Store app started to update all apps, including apps not installed via the Play Store.
Since the F-Droid build is signed by the F-Droid organization, which basically means the F-Droid build is another app, updating the F-Droid build will fail.
Unfortunately, there is no way to resolve this.
Note that the GitHub version will automatically check for updates.
When desired, this can be turned off in the miscellaneous settings.
Please [see here](https://github.com/M66B/FairEmail/blob/master/README.md#downloads) for all download option
and [see here](#faq173) for the differences between the different release types.
4 years ago
If you have a problem with the F-Droid build, please check if there is a newer GitHub version first.
2 years ago
You can see the source of the app in *About* of the navigation menu (left side menu),
either *Play store*, *GitHub*, *F-Droid*, or *?* (for example in the case of a custom build).
[IzzyOnDroid](https://apt.izzysoft.de/fdroid/) hosts the GitHub release of the app.
[Aurora Store](https://f-droid.org/packages/com.aurora.store/) hosts the Play store version of the app,
even though the Aurora Store app was downloaded from F-Droid.
2 years ago
4 months ago
Please [see here](https://forum.f-droid.org/t/help-wanted-how-to-create-a-reproducible-build-fairemail/8860) why reproducible F-Droid builds are not an option.
Instead, you can check the integrity of an APK file produced by a GitHub workflow, [see here](#faq205) on how.
5 years ago
<br />
5 years ago
<a name="faq148"></a>
**(148) How can I use an Apple iCloud account?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq148)
3 years ago
4 years ago
There is a built-in profile for Apple iCloud, so you should be able to use the quick setup wizard (other provider).
If needed you can find the right settings [here](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202304) to manually set up an account.
When using two-factor authentication you might need to use an [app-specific password](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204397).
1 year ago
Please make sure you use the main email address and not an alias address.
It is not possible to authenticate an iCloud account with an alias address.
If you want to create an alias address, first configure the main account, and after that see [this FAQ](#faq9).
<br />
5 years ago
<a name="faq149"></a>
**(149) How does the unread message count widget work?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq149)
3 years ago
5 years ago
The unread message count widget shows the number of unread messages either for all accounts or for a selected account,
but only for the folders for which new message notifications are enabled.
Tapping on the notification will synchronize all folders for which synchronization is enabled and will open:
* the start screen when all accounts were selected
* a folder list when a specific account was selected and when new message notifications are enabled for multiple folders
* a list of messages when a specific account was selected and when new message notifications are enabled for one folder
<br />
5 years ago
<a name="faq150"></a>
**(150) Can you add cancelling calendar invites?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq150)
3 years ago
5 years ago
Cancelling calendar invites (removing calendar events) requires write calendar permission,
which will result in effectively granting permission to read and write *all* calendar events of *all* calendars.
Given the goal of FairEmail, privacy and security, and given that it is easy to remove a calendar event manually,
it is not a good idea to request this permission for just this reason.
Inserting new calendar events can be done without permissions with special [intents](https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/providers/calendar-provider.html#intents).
Unfortunately, there exists no intent to delete existing calendar events.
<br />
5 years ago
<a name="faq151"></a>
4 years ago
**(151) Can you add backup/restore of messages?**
5 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq151)
3 years ago
An email client is meant to read and write messages, not to back up and restore messages.
In other words, an email client is a viewer for messages on an email server, and not a backup tool.
4 years ago
Instead, the email provider/server is responsible for backups.
5 years ago
If you want to make a backup yourself, you could use a tool like [imapsync](https://imapsync.lamiral.info/).
4 years ago
Since version 1.1556 it is possible to export all messages of a POP3 folder in mbox format according to [RFC4155](https://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc4155.txt),
2 years ago
which might be useful to backup sent messages if the email server doesn't (which is risky because breaking or losing your device, means losing your sent messages!).
For this, please long press on the folder in the folder list of an account (tap on the account name in the navigation menu).
4 years ago
9 months ago
Since version 1.2160 it is possible to import messages in an mbox file conforming to [RFC4155](https://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc4155.txt) into a POP3 folder.
Note that imported messages won't be uploaded to the email server because this is not possible with POP3.
2 years ago
If you want to import an mbox file into an existing email account,
2 years ago
you can use Thunderbird on a desktop computer and the [ImportExportTools NG](https://addons.thunderbird.net/de/thunderbird/addon/importexporttools-ng/) add-on.
4 years ago
Note that in case of IMAP, all messages on your device are also on the email server.
3 years ago
5 years ago
<br />
5 years ago
<a name="faq152"></a>
**(152) How can I insert a contact group?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq152)
3 years ago
5 years ago
You can insert the email addresses of all contacts in a contact group via the three dots menu of the message composer.
2 years ago
You can also long press the person-add icon at the end of the to/cc/bcc/field.
5 years ago
You can define contact groups with the Android contacts app, please see [here](https://support.google.com/contacts/answer/30970) for instructions.
<br />
5 years ago
<a name="faq153"></a>
**(153) Why does permanently deleting Gmail message not work?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq153)
3 years ago
3 months ago
~~You might need to change [the Gmail IMAP settings](https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#settings/fwdandpop) on a desktop browser to make it work:~~
5 years ago
3 months ago
* ~~When I mark a message in IMAP as deleted: Auto-Expunge off - Wait for the client to update the server.~~
* ~~When a message is marked as deleted and expunged from the last visible IMAP folder: Immediately delete the message forever~~
5 years ago
3 months ago
~~Note that archived messages can be deleted only by moving them to the trash folder first.~~
2 years ago
3 months ago
~~Some background: Gmail seems to have an additional message view for IMAP, which can be different from the main message view.~~
5 years ago
3 months ago
Unfortunately, the above doesn't work anymore.
Since version 1.2216 there is an option *When permanently deleting a message, delete all Gmail labels* in the behavior-settings tab page,
which will result in permanently deleting a message from all folders (=labels), including the archive (=all messages) folder.
<br />
5 years ago
4 years ago
Another oddity is that a star (favorite message) set via the web interface cannot be removed with the IMAP command
```
STORE <message number> -FLAGS (\Flagged)
```
On the other hand, a star set via IMAP is being shown in the web interface and can be removed via IMAP.
5 years ago
<br />
5 years ago
<a name="faq154"></a>
4 months ago
**(154) Is there support for favicons as contact photos?**
5 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq154)
3 years ago
4 months ago
Yes, favicons can be enabled in the display-settings tab page.
To reduce privacy concerns, the app fetches favicons directly from the internet using the domain name of email addresses.
In other words, no third-party service is used.
4 months ago
If no favicon is shown for an email address, please check for favicons via [this service](https://realfavicongenerator.net/),
and if there are any, please [contact me](https://contact.faircode.eu/?product=fairemailsupport).
4 months ago
Since version 1.2210 it is also possible to use DuckDuckGo's icon service (GitHub version only).
There are concerns about [privacy](https://github.com/duckduckgo/Android/issues/527).
Since version 1.2213 it is possible to configure an alternative URI to fetch favicons in the debug options
by temporarily enabling debug mode in the miscellaneous-settings tab page.
For example:
```
https://icons.duckduckgo.com/ip3/{domain}.ico
https://www.google.com/s2/favicons?sz=128&domain={domain}
https://favicon.yandex.net/favicon/{domain}
```
5 years ago
<br />
5 years ago
<a name="faq155"></a>
**(155) What is a winmail.dat file?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq155)
3 years ago
A *winmail.dat* file is sent by an incorrectly configured Outlook client.
It is a Microsoft specific file format ([TNEF](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transport_Neutral_Encapsulation_Format)) containing a message and possibly attachments.
You can find some more information about this file [here](https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/what-winmaildat-attachment).
2 years ago
FairEmail has limited support for this file type.
You can view it with for example the Android app [Letter Opener](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.letteropener).
<br />
4 years ago
<a name="faq156"></a>
4 years ago
**(156) How can I set up an Office 365 account?**
4 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq156)
3 years ago
4 years ago
An Office 365 account can be set up via the quick setup wizard and selecting *Office 365 (OAuth)*.
4 years ago
If the wizard ends with *AUTHENTICATE failed*, IMAP and/or SMTP might be disabled for the account.
In this case you should ask the administrator to enable IMAP and SMTP.
The procedure is documented [here](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-in/exchange/troubleshoot/configure-mailboxes/pop3-imap-owa-activesync-office-365).
4 years ago
If you've enabled *security defaults* in your organization, you might need to enable the SMTP AUTH protocol.
Please [see here](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/exchange/clients-and-mobile-in-exchange-online/authenticated-client-smtp-submission) about how to.
4 years ago
<br />
<a name="faq157"></a>
**(157) How can I set up an Free.fr account?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq157)
3 years ago
Veuillez [voir ici](https://free.fr/assistance/597.html) pour les instructions.
**SMTP est désactivé par défaut**, veuillez [voir ici](https://free.fr/assistance/2406.html) comment il peut être activé.
Veuillez [voir ici](http://jc.etiemble.free.fr/abc/index.php/trucs-astuces/configurer-smtp-free-fr) pour un guide détaillé.
<br />
4 years ago
<a name="faq103"></a>
<a name="faq158"></a>
4 years ago
**(158) Which camera / audio recorder do you recommend?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq158)
3 years ago
4 years ago
To take photos and to record audio a camera and an audio recorder app are needed.
The following apps are open source cameras and audio recorders:
4 years ago
* [Open Camera](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.sourceforge.opencamera) ([F-Droid](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/net.sourceforge.opencamera/))
4 years ago
* [Audio Recorder version 3.3.24+](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.github.axet.audiorecorder) ([F-Droid](https://f-droid.org/packages/com.github.axet.audiorecorder/))
4 years ago
4 years ago
To record voice notes, etc, the audio recorder needs to support
[MediaStore.Audio.Media.RECORD_SOUND_ACTION](https://developer.android.com/reference/android/provider/MediaStore.Audio.Media#RECORD_SOUND_ACTION).
Oddly, most audio recorders seem not to support this standard Android action.
<br />
4 years ago
<a name="faq159"></a>
**(159) What are Disconnect's tracker protection lists?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq159)
3 years ago
4 years ago
Please see [here](https://disconnect.me/trackerprotection) for more information about Disconnect's tracker protection lists.
3 years ago
For the last updates, please [see here](https://github.com/disconnectme/disconnect-tracking-protection/commits).
4 years ago
After downloading the lists in the privacy settings, the lists can optionally be used:
* to warn about tracking links on opening links
* to recognize tracking images in messages
4 years ago
Tracking images will be disabled only if the corresponding main 'disable' option is enabled.
Tracking images will not be recognized when the domain is classified as '*Content*',
see [here](https://disconnect.me/trackerprotection#trackers-we-dont-block) for more information.
This command can be sent to FairEmail from an automation app to update the protection lists:
```
4 years ago
(adb shell) am start-foreground-service -a eu.faircode.email.DISCONNECT.ME
```
4 years ago
Updating once a week will probably be sufficient,
please see [here](https://github.com/disconnectme/disconnect-tracking-protection/commits/master) for recent lists changes.
4 years ago
<br />
4 years ago
<a name="faq160"></a>
**(160) Can you add permanent deletion of messages without confirmation?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq160)
3 years ago
4 years ago
Permanent deletion means that messages will *irreversibly* be lost, and to prevent this from happening accidentally, this always needs to be confirmed.
Even with a confirmation, some very angry people who lost some of their messages through their own fault contacted me, which was a rather unpleasant experience :-(
4 years ago
2 years ago
Please [see here](https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/app-5-0-fairemail-fully-featured-open-source-privacy-oriented-email-app.3824168/post-86984471) for more background information.
Since version 1.1601 it is possible to disable confirmation of permanent deletion of individual messages after reading a big warning.
Note that the POP3 protocol can download messages from the inbox only.
So, deleted messages cannot be uploaded to the inbox again.
2 years ago
This means that messages can only be permanently deleted in case of a POP3 account.
4 years ago
Advanced: the IMAP delete flag in combination with the EXPUNGE command is not supportable
because both email servers and not all people can handle this, risking unexpected loss of messages.
A complicating factor is that not all email servers support [UID EXPUNGE](https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc4315).
3 years ago
Since version 1.1485 it is possible to temporarily enable debug mode in the miscellaneous settings to disable auto expunging messages.
2 years ago
Note that messages with a *\Deleted* flag will not be shown if auto EXPUNGE is enabled.
8 months ago
In the debug panel, it is also possible to disable permanent delete confirmation and enable permanent delete from notifications (since version 1.2163).
4 years ago
<br />
4 years ago
<a name="faq161"></a>
**(161) Can you add a setting to change the primary and accent color?***
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq161)
3 years ago
4 years ago
If I could, I would add a setting to select the primary and accent color right away,
but unfortunately Android themes are fixed, see for example [here](https://stackoverflow.com/a/26511725/1794097), so this is not possible.
<br />
<a name="faq162"></a>
**(162) Is IMAP NOTIFY supported?***
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq162)
3 years ago
Yes, [IMAP NOTIFY](https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc5465) has been supported since version 1.1413.
IMAP NOTIFY support means that notifications for added, changed or deleted messages of all *subscribed* folders will be requested
and if a notification is received for a subscribed folder, that the folder will be synchronized.
Synchronization for subscribed folders can therefore be disable, saving folder connections to the email server.
**Important**: push messages (=always sync) for the inbox and subscription management (receive settings) need to be enabled.
**Important**: most email servers do not support this! You can check the log via the navigation menu if an email server supports the NOTIFY capability.
<br />
4 years ago
<a name="faq163"></a>
**(163) What is message classification?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq163)
3 years ago
4 years ago
*This is an experimental feature!*
4 years ago
Message classification will attempt to automatically group emails into classes, based on their contents,
4 years ago
using [Bayesian statistics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayesian_statistics).
4 years ago
In the context of FairEmail, a folder is a class. So, for example, the inbox, the spam folder, a 'marketing' folder, etc, etc.
You can enable message classification in the miscellaneous settings. This will enable 'learning' mode only.
The classifier will 'learn' from new messages in the inbox and spam folder by default.
The folder property *Classify new messages in this folder* will enable or disable 'learning' mode for a folder.
You can clear local messages (long press a folder in the folder list of an account) and synchronize the messages again to classify existing messages.
Each folder has an option *Automatically move classified messages to this folder* ('auto classification' for short).
When this is turned on, new messages in other folders which the classifier thinks belong to that folder will be automatically moved.
4 years ago
The option *Use local spam filter* in the report spam dialog will turn on message classification in the miscellaneous settings
and auto classification for the spam folder.
Please understand that this is not a replacement for the spam filter of the email server and
can result in [false positives and false negatives](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_positives_and_false_negatives).
See also [this FAQ](#faq92).
4 years ago
A practical example: suppose there is a folder 'marketing' and auto message classification is enabled for this folder.
Each time you move a message into this folder you'll train FairEmail that similar messages belong in this folder.
Each time you move a message out of this folder you'll train FairEmail that similar messages do not belong in this folder.
4 years ago
After moving some messages into the 'marketing' folder, FairEmail will start moving similar messages automatically into this folder.
Or, the other way around, after moving some messages out of the 'marketing' folder, FairEmail will stop moving similar messages automatically into this folder.
This will work best with messages with similar content (email addresses, subject and message text).
4 years ago
Classification should be considered as a best guess - it might be a wrong guess, or the classifier might not be confident enough to make any guess.
If the classifier is unsure, it will simply leave an email where it is.
4 years ago
To prevent the email server from moving a message into the spam folder again and again,
auto classification out of the spam folder will not be done.
4 years ago
The message classifier calculates the probability a message belongs in a folder (class).
There are two options in the miscellaneous settings which control if a message will be automatically moved into a folder,
4 years ago
provided that auto classification is enabled for the folder:
4 years ago
* *Minimum class probability*: a message will only be moved when the confidence it belongs in a folder is greater than this value (default 15 %)
4 years ago
* *Minimum class difference*: a message will only be moved when the difference in confidence between one class and the next most likely class is greater than this value (default 50 %)
3 years ago
If all previously classified messages were the same and the message being evaluated is also the same, the confidence would be 100%.
4 years ago
Both conditions must be satisfied before a message will be moved.
4 years ago
4 years ago
Considering the default option values:
4 years ago
* Apples 40 % and bananas 30 % would be disregarded because the difference of 25 % is below the minimum of 50 %
4 years ago
* Apples 10 % and bananas 5 % would be disregarded because the probability for apples is below the minimum of 15 %
4 years ago
* Apples 50 % and bananas 20 % would result in selecting apples
Classification is optimized to use as little resources as possible, but will inevitably use some extra battery power.
3 years ago
This is also why only folders of the same account will be considered.
You can delete all classification data by turning classification in the miscellaneous settings three times off.
3 years ago
This will be necessary when classification for a folder is enabled or disabled (or when a folder is deleted)
because classification is based on comparision.
4 years ago
10 months ago
[Rules](#faq71) will be executed before classification.
If one or more rules were executed for a message, message classification will be skipped
because it is assumed that the message will be processed by the rules in this case.
4 years ago
4 years ago
Message classification is a pro feature, except for the spam folder.
<br />
4 years ago
<a name="faq164"></a>
**(164) Can you add customizable themes?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq164)
3 years ago
4 years ago
Unfortunately, Android [does not support](https://stackoverflow.com/a/26511725/1794097) dynamic themes,
4 years ago
which means all themes need [to be predefined](https://github.com/M66B/FairEmail/blob/master/app/src/main/res/values/styles.xml).
4 years ago
4 years ago
Since for each theme there needs to be a light, dark and black variant,
it is not feasible to add for each color combination (literally millions) a predefined theme.
4 years ago
Moreover, a theme is more than just a few colors.
For example themes with a yellow accent color use a darker link color for enough contrast.
3 years ago
Most people like the beige background for the light themes, but if you don't like it, it can be disabled in the display settings.
3 years ago
The [Material You](https://material.io/blog/announcing-material-you) theme,
a more dynamic theme based on the selected background image ("Monet"),
which was introduced in Android 12 on Google Pixel devices,
is supported and can be selected in the theme selection dialog (via the three-dots menu of the start screen).
3 years ago
4 years ago
The theme colors are based on the color circle of [Johannes Itten](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johannes_Itten).
3 years ago
The *Solarized* theme is described in [this article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solarized_(color_scheme)).
4 months ago
The beige background is in fact [Cosmic Latte](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmic_latte),
the average color of the galaxies of the universe as perceived from the Earth
4 years ago
<br />
4 years ago
<a name="faq165"></a>
**(165) Is Android Auto supported?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq165)
3 years ago
3 years ago
Yes, Android Auto is supported, but only with the GitHub version of the app
because Google rejected the application of FairEmail for this reason:
*App category not permitted -
At this time, we are only accepting apps within the Media, short form Messaging,
or categories supported by the Android for Cars App Library.*
2 years ago
Also, not all Android Auto versions support this (as installed in the car).
3 years ago
**Use of this feature with the Github version is expressly at your own risk!**
4 years ago
For notification (messaging) support you'll need to enable the following notification options:
* *Use Android 'messaging style' notification format*
3 years ago
* Notification actions: *Direct reply* and (mark as) *Read* (this might be optional now, but this is untested)
4 years ago
You can enable other notification actions too, if you like, but they are not supported by Android Auto.
The developers guide is [here](https://developer.android.com/training/cars/messaging).
<br />
4 years ago
<a name="faq166"></a>
4 years ago
**(166) Can I snooze a message across multiple devices?**
4 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq166)
3 years ago
4 years ago
First of all, there is no standard for snoozing messages, so all snooze implementations are custom solutions.
4 years ago
Some email providers, like Gmail, move snoozed messages to a special folder.
Unfortunately, third party apps have no access to this special folder.
Moving a message to another folder and back might fail and might not be possible if there is no internet connection.
This is problematic because a message can be snoozed only after moving the message.
4 years ago
To prevent these issues, snoozing is done locally on the device by hiding the message while it is snoozing.
4 years ago
Unfortunately, it is not possible to hide messages on the email server too.
3 years ago
Deleting messages from the server and restoring them later could result in losing messages when the device breaks.
4 years ago
<br />
4 years ago
<a name="faq167"></a>
**(167) How can I use DeepL?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq167)
3 years ago
3 years ago
DeepL offers free translation of 500,000 characters (~100,000 words; ~250 pages) every month.
3 years ago
1. Make sure you have the latest version of the app installed
1. Check if [DeepL](https://www.deepl.com/) supports your language
11 months ago
1. Enable DeepL support in the integration settings
1 month ago
1. [Sign up](https://www.deepl.com/en/signup) to use [DeepL API Free](https://www.deepl.com/en/pro-api) "*Get started for free*" (credit card required for verification; won't be charged)
1. [Copy](https://www.deepl.com/en/your-account/keys) the authentication key
3 years ago
1. In the message composer tap on the translate button (文A) in the top action bar, select *Configure* and paste the key
4 years ago
1 month ago
Note that DeepL seems to be hiding the DeepL API Free plan. It is still there, though!
This feature requires an internet connection.
4 years ago
3 years ago
Note that you can't use [the regular pro plans](https://www.deepl.com/pro).
3 years ago
The error *403 forbidden* means that the key and/or plan in invalid.
3 years ago
3 years ago
Note that when reading a message, you can use the horizontal three-dots menu to translate too.
If you use this frequently, you can configure a button for this.
4 months ago
Some people have asked to add Google Translate on the assumption that it is free to use, but that is not the case if it is integrated into an app.
Apart from that, DeepL is much easier to configure and the translations are of better quality.
4 years ago
<br />
<a name="faq168"></a>
**(168) What is a spam block list?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq168)
3 years ago
A spam block list is basically a list of domain names which have been used to send spam or to spread malware.
3 years ago
A spam block list is checked by resolving the server name from the last *Received* header into an IP address
and looking up the IP address with a DNS request:
3 years ago
```
3 years ago
Received:
... from smtp.gmail.com ...
smtp.gmail.com ->
142.250.27.108
DNS lookup 108.27.250.142.zen.spamhaus.org ->
3 years ago
127.0.0.2: spam
NXDOMAIN: not spam
3 years ago
```
NXDOMAIN = no such domain
For more information, please see [this article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domain_Name_System-based_blackhole_list).
3 years ago
You can check common block lists for example [here](https://mxtoolbox.com/blacklists.aspx).
FairEmail currently uses the following block lists:
* [Spamhaus](https://www.spamhaus.org/) &#8211; [Terms of Use](https://www.spamhaus.org/organization/dnsblusage/) &#8212; [Privacy policy](https://www.spamhaus.org/organization/privacy/)
* [Spamcop](https://www.spamcop.net/) &#8211; [Legal info](https://www.spamcop.net/fom-serve/cache/297.html) &#8212; [Privacy policy](https://www.spamcop.net/fom-serve/cache/168.html)
3 years ago
* [Barracuda](https://www.barracudacentral.org/rbl/how-to-use) &#8211; [Request Access](https://www.barracudacentral.org/account/register) &#8211; [Privacy policy](https://www.barracuda.com/company/legal/trust-center/data-privacy/privacy-policy)
3 years ago
Since version 1.1627 it is possible to enable/disable individual blocklists in the receive settings of the app.
<br />
3 years ago
<a name="faq169"></a>
**(169) Why does the app not start automatically?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq169)
3 years ago
3 years ago
FairEmail requests Android to start the app when the device starts up.
Obviously, this depends on Android as the app cannot start itself.
Some Android versions, such as EMUI, have settings to enable or disable auto starting apps.
So, if the app isn't started automatically, please check the Android settings.
For example for Huawei/EMUI, please [see here](https://dontkillmyapp.com/huawei) for a guide.
<br>
<a name="faq170"></a>
**(170) Why can't folders be created with POP3?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq170)
3 years ago
The POP3 protocol has commands to download and delete messages from the inbox only.
There are no commands to access any other folder.
Creating a local folder only and storing messages on your device only is a bad idea
because losing or breaking your device would mean losing your messages.
Therefore this isn't supportable.
Please note that FairEmail doesn't store a copy of your messages in the cloud for privacy reasons.
If you want to store messages in folders, please use IMAP,
so that there is always a copy of the messages on the email server.
11 months ago
You could register, for example, a Gmail account, and configure Gmail to import messages from a POP3 account,
automatically label them (=put them in a folder), and configure the Gmail account in FairEmail.
Please [see here](https://support.google.com/mail/answer/21289?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop) for instructions.
3 years ago
<br />
3 years ago
<a name="faq171"></a>
**(171) How can I delete a contact?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq171)
3 years ago
3 years ago
A contact can be stored in the Android address book or in the local contact database.
When a contact is stored in the Android address book, you can use the Android contacts app to delete the contact.
When a contact is stored in the local contact database, you can delete it like this:
3 years ago
* Go to the settings via the navigation menu (left side menu)
* Go to the send settings tab page
* Tap on the *Manage* button under *Suggest locally stored contacts*
* Locate the contact (you can use the magnifier glass in the top action bar to search for it)
3 years ago
* Long press the contact and select to delete it
<br />
<a name="faq172"></a>
**(172) How can I import contacts?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq172)
3 years ago
3 years ago
Like most Android apps, FairEmail consults the Android address book for contact information.
3 years ago
There is also a local contact database, which is filled with contacts from sent and received messages.
You can enable/disable this in the send settings of the app.
3 years ago
If you want to import contacts into the local contact database,
this is possible (in recent versions of the app) by tapping on the *Manage* button in the send settings.
In the three-dots menu at the top right there is an import (and also an export) [vCard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VCard)s menu item.
The Android address book is managed by the Android Contacts app (or a replacement for this app).
3 years ago
Please see [this article](https://support.google.com/contacts/answer/1069522) about importing contacts to the Android address book.
3 years ago
Note that some vendors, notably Microsoft, try to lock you into their contact (data) storage.
This is not how it should work on Android, which is more open to sharing information.
Related questions:
* [What are local contacts for?](#faq84)
* [Why can I still pick contacts after revoking contacts permissions?](#faq98)
* [Can you add calendar/contact/tasks/notes management?](#faq138)
* [How can I insert a contact group?](#faq152)
* [How can I delete a contact?](#faq171)
<br />
3 years ago
<a name="faq173"></a>
**(173) What is the difference between Play store / GitHub / F-Droid version?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq173)
3 years ago
* The Play Store version does not support Android Auto, see [this FAQ](#faq165) for more information
2 years ago
* The Play Store version does not support Amazon devices with Android 5 Lollipop because there are critical bugs in this Android version of Amazon
9 months ago
* The Play Store version does not support Gravatars/Libravatars/BIMI due to Play Store policies
* The Play Store version does not support auto-storing iCalendar invitations, see [this FAQ](#faq186) for more information
2 years ago
* The Play Store version is released about once a month only because I am tired of 1-star ratings for *Too many updates*. If you want to receive more updates, you can join the [Play Store test program](https://play.google.com/apps/testing/eu.faircode.email).
2 years ago
* The GitHub version will check for [updates on GitHub](https://github.com/M66B/FairEmail/releases) and is updated more frequently, but updates need to be installed manually
2 years ago
* The GitHub version has some different links, some more features and options, and some different default values (more geared to advanced users)
2 years ago
* The GitHub version can be installed as an update over the Play store version, whereas the F-Droid build can't (see below for more details)
* The F-Droid build does not support OAuth, see [this FAQ](#faq147) about why not
3 years ago
* The F-Droid build does not include [Google Play Billing](https://developer.android.com/google/play/billing/integrate), so Play store purchases cannot be reused
* The F-Droid build is supported only if the version number is the same as the version number of the latest GitHub version, see also [this FAQ](#faq147)
3 years ago
The Play store and GitHub version are signed with the [same digital signature](https://github.com/M66B/FairEmail#downloads) (security certificate).
2 years ago
The F-Droid build is signed by the F-Droid organization with a different digital key.
This means you can't update the F-Droid build with the Play store or GitHub version or the other way around without reinstalling.
However, it is possible to install the GitHub version over the Play store version,
2 years ago
and the Play store app will do the same, when auto-updating isn't disabled for the app in the app description.
2 years ago
2 years ago
The version in the [Play Store test program](https://play.google.com/apps/testing/eu.faircode.email) is more often updated,
but not all GitHub releases will be released as Play Store test version.
1 year ago
The GitHub version will automatically check for updates and notify you when there is an update available.
Since apps can't update themselves, updates can't be automatically installed.
However, you can easily install an update via a button in the update available notification.
You could use the [IzzyOnDroid F-Droid Repository](https://apt.izzysoft.de/fdroid/) to manage GitHub updates.
3 years ago
<br />
3 years ago
<a name="faq174"></a>
**(174) Is auto discovery supported?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq174)
3 years ago
3 years ago
Yes, multiple methods of auto discovery are available.
3 years ago
The preferred, simplest and fastest method is using DNS records,
3 years ago
please see see [RFC6186](https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc6186) and [RFC8314](https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc8314) for the details.
Example DNS records (SRV=record type, 0=priority, 1=weight, 993/587=port number):
```
_imaps._tcp SRV 0 1 993 imap.example.com.
_submission._tcp SRV 0 1 587 smtp.example.com.
```
[Mozilla's autoconfiguration](https://wiki.mozilla.org/Thunderbird:Autoconfiguration) is supported too,
but only if the configuration file is accessible via a secure (https) connection.
FairEmail will also check the [MX record](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MX_record) and if common email ports (143/993, 465/587) are open.
There is no auto discovery for POP3.
<br />
<a name="faq175"></a>
**(175) Why should battery optimizations be disabled?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq175)
3 years ago
If battery optimizations are enabled ([Doze mode](https://developer.android.com/training/monitoring-device-state/doze-standby)),
3 years ago
Android will stop the app when it is running in the background, resulting in no more messages being sent and received in the background anymore.
3 years ago
Manufacturers also tweak Android rather often to stop apps in the background for ostensibly better battery life, please [see here](https://dontkillmyapp.com/) for more details.
<br />
3 years ago
3 years ago
<a name="faq176"></a>
**(176) When will a message be considered safely transported?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq176)
3 years ago
If the receive option *Check transport layer security (TLS)* is enabled,
3 years ago
a green shield will be shown only if a message was transported securely by all servers.
3 years ago
To show shields, the option *Show authentication status indicator* in the display settings should be enabled.
3 years ago
A message will be consired safely transported if *every* [Received](https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/html/rfc2821#section-4.4) header:
3 years ago
3 years ago
* contains the phrase 'using TLS', 'via HTTP', 'version=TLS'
* contains the phrase '(qmail <nnn> invoked by uid <nnn>)'
* contains the phrase '(Postfix, from userid nnn)'
3 years ago
* has a *by* with a local address
3 years ago
* has a *by* xxx.google.com
3 years ago
* has a *from* with a local address
* has a *via* with the value '[Frontend Transport](https://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/50370.exchange-2016-what-is-the-front-end-transport-service-on-the-mailbox-role.aspx)'
3 years ago
* has a *with* with the value 'TLS'
3 years ago
* has a *with* with the value 'local', '[LMTPx](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_Mail_Transfer_Protocol), '[MAPI](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MAPI)'
3 years ago
* has a *with* with the value 'HTTP', 'HTTPS', or 'HTTPREST'
3 years ago
* has a *with* with the value '[xMTPSx](https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/html/rfc3848)' ('xMTPAx' is considered insecure)
3 years ago
A local address is a local host address, a site local address or a link local address.
3 years ago
Example:
```
Received: brown.elm.relay.mailchannels.net (brown.elm.relay.mailchannels.net. [23.83.212.23])
by mx.google.com with ESMTPS id d10si6675855pgb.5.2021.12.24.13.20.38
for <test@example.org> (version=TLS1_2 cipher=ECDHE-ECDSA-AES128-GCM-SHA256 bits=128/128);
```
3 years ago
<br />
3 years ago
<a name="faq177"></a>
**(177) What does 'Sensitivity' mean?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq177)
3 years ago
The sensitivity of a message indicates the confidentiality of a message.
* Personal: for you only
* Private: for you and trusted people only
* Confidential: for a company, organization or department only
Please see [this article](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/mark-your-email-as-normal-personal-private-or-confidential-4a76d05b-6c29-4a0d-9096-71784a6b12c1) for more information.
The sensitivity indication is sent as [a message header](https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/html/rfc4021#section-2.1.55).
<br />
3 years ago
<a name="faq178"></a>
**(178) Why are widgets not updating?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq178)
3 years ago
Apps provide the layout and data for widgets on demand, but the homescreen app/launcher manages all widgets, with a little help from Android.
If widgets are not being updated, this is often caused by missing permission.
Please see [this video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywQrYJ6rtnM) about how to fix this.
<br />
<a name="faq179"></a>
**(179) What are reply templates?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq179)
3 years ago
Reply templates are predefined answer texts. They can be defined via the main navigation menu (left side menu).
You can reply with a template, insert a template via the three-dots overflow menu in the message editor,
and long press on an open space to insert a snippet (the latter requires Android 6 Marshmallow or later).
Templates can have the following options:
3 years ago
* *Default*: standard template to use when writing a new message
* *Use as read receipt*: template to use instead of the default read receipt text
* *Favorite*: template will be added in the main reply popup menu
* *Snippet*: template will be used as text fragment (since version 1.1857)
* *Hide from menus*: template will be hidden (disabled)
1 year ago
Since version 1.2068 it is possible to send a template message with an intent:
```
1 year ago
(adb shell) am start-foreground-service -a eu.faircode.email.TEMPLATE --es template <template name> --es identity <identity display name> --es to <email address> --es cc <email address> --es subject <subject>
1 year ago
```
1 year ago
**Important**: you need to configure a display name for the identity, and use this to identify the identity.
<br />
2 years ago
<a name="faq180"></a>
**(180) How do I use LanguageTool?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq180)
11 months ago
LanguageTool integration needs to be enabled in the integration settings.
2 years ago
After writing some text, you can long press on the save draft button to perform a grammar, style, and spell check via [LanguageTool](https://languagetool.org/).
Texts with suggestions will be marked and if you tap on a marked suggestion,
it will be shown by the keyboard if the keyboard supports this,
else you can double tap or long press the marked text to show suggestions.
Since version 1.1974 there is an option to check paragraphs after a new line.
2 years ago
2 years ago
The suboption *Use formal form* can be enabled to let LanguageTool suggest more formal text (business, legal, etc).
2 years ago
Since version 1.2000 you can configure a username and an API key to access the premium features.
1 year ago
If you are looking for the API key, please [go here](https://languagetool.org/editor/settings/access-tokens).
2 years ago
You can long press text to select a word, and add it to or remove it from the personal dictionary via the *copy/paste* pop-up menu.
<br />
<a name="faq181"></a>
**(181) How do I use VirusTotal?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq181)
11 months ago
VirusTotal integration needs to be enabled in the integration settings and an API key needs to be entered.
To get an API key, you'll need to sign up via the [VirusTotal website](https://www.virustotal.com/).
When integration is enabled and an API key is available, a *scan* icon button will be shown for each attachment.
Tapping on the scan button will calculate the SHA-256 hash of the attachment and lookup the file via the VirusTotal API.
If the file is known by VirusTotal, the number of virus scanners considering the file as malicious will be shown.
If the file isn't known by VirusTotal, an upload button will be shown to upload the file for analysis by VirusTotal.
This feature was added in version 1.1942 and is available in non Play store versions of the app only.
2 years ago
<br />
<a name="faq182"></a>
**(182) How can I select how a link should be opened?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq182)
2 years ago
When clicking on a link, by default, a confirmation dialog will be shown.
2 years ago
The available browser(s) will be listed and if a browser supports [Custom Tabs](https://developer.chrome.com/docs/android/custom-tabs/), it will be listed twice,
once with an "open external" icon (the browser will be started standalone, independent of the app)
5 months ago
and once without this icon (the browser will be started embedded as "Custom Tab", which looks like being part of the app, but in fact isn't).
2 years ago
2 years ago
In addition, *Select app* will be listed, which means that the link will be handed over to Android, which will select how to open the link.
In most cases, this will be with the default browser, which you can select in the Android settings.
If there is choice, Android will ask you how to open the link. You can select *Always* or *Just Once*.
If you want to reset *Always*, please [see here](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/6271667) about how to.
2 years ago
Note that Android will always use the default browser as selected in the Android settings and therefore will never ask which browser to use.
2 years ago
2 years ago
You can confirm with *Ok* or select *Open with*, which behaves in the same way as the *Select app* option.
2 years ago
If you ticked *Do not ask this again for [domain name]*, you can undo this by using the *Reset questions* button in the miscellaneous settings tab page of the app.
If you disabled confirming links, you can enable this (temporarily) again in the privacy settings tab page of the app (*Confirm opening links*: off).
Note that you might need to enable confirming links and reset questions to show the link confirmation dialog again.
Please see [this FAQ](#faq35) on why you should be careful when opening links.
2 years ago
<br />
<a name="faq183"></a>
2 years ago
**(183) How do I use Send?**
2 years ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq183)
2 years ago
[Send](https://github.com/timvisee/send) is designed as temporary end-to-end encrypted file storage.
2 years ago
Only people with a link to a file can download and decrypt a file.
2 years ago
See for some more information [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firefox_Send).
2 years ago
11 months ago
Send integration needs to be enabled in the integration settings.
2 years ago
2 years ago
Optionally, you can change the host address of the Send server.
2 years ago
Please [see here](https://github.com/timvisee/send-instances) for a list of public instances.
To upload a file and insert a link, you can use the insert link button in the message editor.
2 years ago
Send is only available in non-Play Store versions of the app (since version 1.1947).
2 years ago
<br />
<a name="faq184"></a>
2 years ago
**(184) How do I password protect content?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq184)
2 years ago
Password protected content is a simple, yet secure form of end-to-end encryption that requires no configuration.
8 months ago
How to use: select some text by long pressing it, and in the style toolbar at the bottom tap on the padlock-button and select *Password protect* in the pop-up menu.
2 years ago
This will replace the selected content with a link that the recipient can click to decrypt the content on a dedicated static web page.
2 years ago
Password protected content is sent as a [URI fragment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/URI_fragment) and decrypted in the browser with JavaScript.
2 years ago
In other words, protected content is never stored on or seen by third party servers.
2 years ago
Since version 1.1990 received protected content will be decrypted by the app, with as fallback decryption in the browser for other email clients.
2 years ago
Password protected content is encrypted with [AES](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Encryption_Standard) / [GCM](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galois/Counter_Mode)
with a 256 bits key derived with [PBKDF2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PBKDF2) / [SHA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secure_Hash_Algorithms)-512 with 120,000 iterations.
2 years ago
With a sufficiently long/complex password, which is communicated to the recipient securely, this is considered safe in 2022 and for the foreseeable future.
2 years ago
Due to [length limitations](https://stackoverflow.com/a/417184/1794097) of [URL](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/URL)s and
Android [binder limitations](https://developer.android.com/reference/android/os/TransactionTooLargeException),
the maximum content size is 1,500 bytes, which includes [HTML](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTML) formatting tags.
2 years ago
Images will be replaced with placeholders to reduce the content size, but other formatting, like bold, italic, links, etc., will be retained.
2 years ago
If the content is too long, there will be a popup *Text too long*.
2 years ago
The content size limit is also why complete messages (possibly including a long reply chain) cannot be password protected.
You can use [PGP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pretty_Good_Privacy) or [S/MIME](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S/MIME) encryption for this (see [this FAQ](#faq12)).
2 years ago
2 years ago
[Cross-site scripting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross-site_scripting) is prevented by using [DOMPurify](https://github.com/cure53/DOMPurify) (Apache License Version 2.0).
Protected content is only available in non-Play Store versions of the app (since version 1.1985) and requires Android 8 Oreo or later.
2 years ago
Sending protected content is a pro feature, decrypting protected content is a free feature.
<br />
2 years ago
<a name="faq185"></a>
**(185) Can I install FairEmail on Windows?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq185)
2 years ago
2 years ago
Yes, you can if you use Windows 11 or later and install the [Windows Subsystem for Android](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/android/wsa/).
2 years ago
2 years ago
You'll need to [download the GitHub version](https://github.com/M66B/FairEmail/releases) of the app and sideload it,
2 years ago
which means that you need to enable developer mode, please [see here](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/android/wsa/#test-and-debug),
and that you need to install adb (platform tools), [see here](https://developer.android.com/studio/command-line/adb).
2 years ago
You can install the app via the Windows command line like this:
```
2 years ago
cd /path/to/platform-tools
2 years ago
adb connect 127.0.0.1:58526
adb install /path/to/FairEmail-xxx.apk
```
2 years ago
It is also possible to install the Play Store, but this is more complicated.
2 years ago
The app isn't available in the Amazon store because Amazon rebuilds all Android apps, and unfortunately, the app doesn't work correctly after rebuilding anymore.
Amazon never responded to an issue reported about this.
<br />
2 years ago
<a name="faq186"></a>
**(186) How can I let the app auto store iCalendar invitations?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq186)
2 years ago
* Install the [GitHub version](https://github.com/M66B/FairEmail/releases) of the app
* Grant permissions via setup step 2 of the main settings screen
2 years ago
* Select a calendar in the accounts settings under *Manual setup and account options* (you can use the *Reset* button to disable storing invitations)
2 years ago
2 years ago
New invitations, with both a start and end date, will be stored automatically as *tentative*, with no alarms and reminders set.
2 years ago
If you accept or decline an invitation, the status will be updated accordingly, after the accept/decline message has been sent successfully.
Received updates and cancellations will be processed as well.
1 year ago
Since version 1.2115 it is possible to disable storing invitations tentatively with an option in the miscellaneous-settings tab page.
In this case, the event will be stored after it has been accepted.
2 years ago
Please make sure synchronizing calendars is enabled in the Android account settings
if you want to synchronize events to other devices.
This feature is available since version 1.1996.
2 years ago
This feature is not available in the Play store version of the app due to the permissions required.
This is a pro feature.
<br />
2 years ago
<a name="faq187"></a>
**(187) Are colored stars synchronized across devices?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq187)
1 year ago
2 years ago
Colored stars can't be stored on email servers because email protocols do not support this.
In other words, the color of stars is stored on your device only, and won't be synchronized across devices.
<br />
2 years ago
<a name="faq188"></a>
**(188) Why is Google backup disabled?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq188)
1 year ago
5 months ago
~~Google backup is disabled to prevent privacy-sensitive information, like account credentials and email addresses,~~
~~from [automatically being sent to Google](https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/data/autobackup).~~
2 years ago
5 months ago
~~In theory, there is client-side encryption, but there is no specification available about what this means.~~
~~Moreover, many people do not trust Google.~~
1 year ago
5 months ago
~~Unfortunately, it is not possible to enable cloud backup for other backup software without enabling Google backup.~~
~~Whether Google backup is enabled needs to be specified in the app manifest. So, unfortunately, it isn't possible to add an option for this.~~
1 year ago
5 months ago
~~As a replacement, you can back up and restore all settings, including the account settings and credentials, via the backup-settings tab page.~~
~~This backup export uses a proper encryption method, [see here](#faq36).~~
2 years ago
<br />
<a name="faq189"></a>
**(189) What is cloud sync?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq189)
1 year ago
Cloud sync is meant to synchronize configuration data across devices.
It can be used to restore configuration data onto a new device too.
2 years ago
Cloud sync is based on a cloud account.
You can register/login by entering a username and a password and using the *Login* button.
A cloud sync account needs to be activated, which is to prevent misusing the cloud sync server.
To activate a cloud sync account, use the *Activate* button to send an email to a special email address.
The email needs to come from an address used to activate the pro features before.
You'll receive an email in response indicating whether the activation was succesful or not.
2 years ago
The app will automatically synchronize once a day around 1:30 AM, provided there is an internet connection,
otherwise synchronization will be postponed until after an internet connection becomes available.
You can also manually synchronize with the opposite arrows button.
2 years ago
Synchronization will currently add and update enabled accounts and identities only,
10 months ago
but on the roadmap is synchronizing blocked senders and rules too.
2 years ago
Updating includes enabling/disabling accounts and identities.
Existing accounts or identities will never be deleted
2 years ago
Please note that accounts are only considered the same if they are cloud synced and never if the same account is configured on different devices.
2 years ago
All data is [end-to-end encrypted](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/End-to-end_encryption),
2 years ago
which means that the cloud server, currently powered by AWS, can't see the data contents.
2 years ago
The used encryption method is [AES-GCM-SIV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AES-GCM-SIV)
using a 256 bit key derived from the username and password with [PBKDF2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PBKDF2) using SHA256 and 310,000 iterations.
2 years ago
Cloud sync is an experimental feature. It is not available for the Play Store version of the app, yet.
<br>
<a name="faq190"></a>
**(190) How do I use OpenAI (ChatGPT)?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq190)
10 months ago
OpenAI can only be used if configured and enabled.
2 years ago
6 months ago
**Note that using OpenAI is not free (anymore) !**
<br>
**Setup**
* Create an account [here](https://platform.openai.com/signup)
5 months ago
* Pay some money via [here](https://platform.openai.com/settings/organization/billing/overview)
2 years ago
* Create an API key [here](https://platform.openai.com/account/api-keys)
11 months ago
* Copy the API key and paste it in the corresponding field of the integration settings
* Enable the OpenAI switch
2 years ago
<br>
**Usage**
6 months ago
*Editor*
Tap on the robot button in the top action bar of the message editor.
5 months ago
If the text in the message editor is empty, the message being replied to will be answered (using the configured answer prompt),
else the entered text will be sent, which could be a question or command.
If you select entered text, it will be replaced by the answer.
For example: create a new draft and enter the text "*How far is the sun?*", and tap on the robot button in the top action bar.
5 months ago
Since version 1.2191 it is possible to define AI templates, which you can select after tapping on the robot icon.
2 years ago
<br>
6 months ago
*Summarize* (since version 1.2178)
You can request a summary via the horizontal three-dots button just above the message text.
It is possible to configure a button for this (a robot icon).
The summary prompt text can be configured in the receive-settings tab page.
The default is *Summarize the following text:*.
6 months ago
Since version 1.2182, it is possible to configure a quick action button and a swipe action to summarize a message.
Since version 1.2183, it is possible to use a rule action to summarize a message and use it as a preview text.
6 months ago
6 months ago
<br>
2 years ago
OpenAI isn't very fast, so be patient. Sometimes a timeout error occurs because the app is not receiving a response from OpenAI.
1 year ago
<br>
6 months ago
If you exceed [your usage limit](https://platform.openai.com/docs/guides/rate-limits), there will be an error message like this:
1 year ago
*Error 429: Too Many Requests insufficient_quota: You exceeded your current quota, please check your plan and billing details*
6 months ago
Note that you are required to switch to a [paid plan](https://openai.com/api/pricing/) after the testing period.
1 year ago
<br>
2 years ago
You can select the [model](https://platform.openai.com/docs/models/overview),
6 months ago
and configure the [temperature](https://platform.openai.com/docs/api-reference/chat/create#chat/create-temperature).
2 years ago
Please read the [privacy policy](https://openai.com/policies/privacy-policy) of OpenAI,
2 years ago
and perhaps [this article](https://katedowninglaw.com/2023/03/10/openais-massive-data-grab/)
and [this article](https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/blog-post/chatgpt-and-large-language-models-whats-the-risk) too.
2 years ago
10 months ago
FairEmail does not use third-party libraries to avoid being tracked when OpenAI is not being used.
11 months ago
<br>
It is possible to use **DeepInfra** too (since version 1.2132).
* Create an account on the [DeepInfra website](https://deepinfra.com/) and deploy a model, for example, *meta-llama/Llama-2-13b-chat-hf*
* In the integration settings enter the URI https://api.deepinfra.com/v1/openai, an API key and the model name
<br>
This feature is experimental and requires version 1.2053 or later for the GitHub version and version 1.2182 or later for the Play Store version.
<br>
1 year ago
<a name="faq191"></a>
**(191) How do I download and keep older messages on my device?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq191)
1 year ago
You can download and keep older messages in the unified inbox folders by using *Fetch more messages* in the three-dots overflow menu of the start screen.
For other folders, you can long press the folder in the folder list of the account (tap on the account name in the navigation menu = left side menu).
5 months ago
When you long press on a parent folder, there will be a subfolders option with a menu item to fetch more messages for all child folders.
1 year ago
Please read the remark in the confirmation dialog box.
Note that starred (favorite) messages will be kept on your device "forever".
Instead of downloading many messages to your device, consider [searching for messages on the email server](#faq13).
1 year ago
2 months ago
Longer explanation: the app has a sync and a keep window per folder.
The *Fetch more messages* menu item is, in fact, a mini wizard to change the keep window of one or more folders at the same time,
and to initiate a corresponding synchronization operation.
If you long press on a folder in the folder list and select *Edit properties*, you can change the sync and keep window of the folder.
The sync window determines which messages will be checked with a standard sync operation (default 7 days),
and the keep window determines how long messages will be kept on the device (default 30 days).
If you sync another time within 30 seconds, all messages in the keep window will be checked,
which is useful when you have been moving around messages with another email client, for example on your desktop computer.
It is mostly pointless to check all messages all the time, especially considering that this will use battery power,
which is why there is a separate sync and keep window, and why the app checks messages younger than a week only.
1 year ago
<br>
1 year ago
<a name="faq192"></a>
**(192) How can I resolve 'Couldn't connect to host, port: ...; timeout ...;' ?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq192)
1 year ago
11 months ago
This error message means that the app didn't receive a response from the email server of your email provider.
1 year ago
The email server might not be responding, for example because it is offline for maintenance, or the response might not arrive, for example due to internet connectivity issues.
1 year ago
So, please check if your email provider didn't announce server maintenance, and if your internet connection is working correctly. Also, try to switch to mobile data or Wi-Fi.
1 year ago
11 months ago
If you are using a VPN, firewall, ad blocker, or similar, please try to disable it, or make an exception for FairEmail.
Email servers often block connections via a VPN, and in general from foreign countries.
1 year ago
<br>
<a name="faq193"></a>
**(193) How can I import Outlook contacts?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq193)
1 year ago
If there are one or more Outlook or Office 365 accounts configured,
there will be a button in the main settings screen in setup step 2 to download Outlook contacts (since version 1.2076).
After tapping on this button, you can select the account to download contacts for.
Microsoft will ask for permission to read the contacts,
and after granting this permission, the app will download the contacts with an email address into the local contacts' database.
In the message editor, type the first few letters of the email address or name in any of the email address fields, and the downloaded addresses will be suggested.
For privacy and security reasons, FairEmail doesn't have permissions to write into the Android address book, and also not to write in the address book of Outlook.
This means that contacts can be downloaded as local contacts only, and can't be synchronized two ways.
If you are looking to synchronize your Outlook contacts with the Android address book, you should look for a sync app in the Play Store which can do this.
<br>
1 year ago
<a name="faq194"></a>
**(194) How can I set up automatic deletion of old messages?**
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq194)
1 year ago
1 year ago
To set up automatic deletion of old messages:
* Tap on the account name in the navigation menu (left side menu)
* Long press the folder you want to set up auto deletion for, and select to edit the folder properties
* Near the bottom of the properties screen, there is an option to enable auto deletion
Messages in the trash and spam folder will be **permanently** deleted, and messages in other folders will be moved to the trash folder.
Unread, starred and snoozed messages and messages younger than 24 hours will not be automatically deleted.
You can enable auto deletion of unread messages in the receive-settings tab page (option *Delete old unread messages*).
Note that it isn't a good idea to automatically delete recent messages, especially not for the spam folder because there might be legitimate messages in the spam folder.
There is a button or menu item (depending on the screen size) in the top action bar/menu of the trash and spam folder to empty the folder.
This way there is at least a visual check.
Auto deletion will be done on a full sync only.
For the inboxes, you can use *Force sync* in the three-dots overflow menu of the start screen.
For other folders, you can long press the folder in the folder list of the account (*not* the navigation menu), and select *Synchronize now* in the pop-up menu.
You can also pull down the messages list of any folder to sync it, and repeat this again within 30 seconds for a full sync.
<br>
1 year ago
<a name="faq195"></a>
**(195) Why are all messages in the archive folder of Gmail?**
10 months ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq195)
1 year ago
The Gmail server stores all messages, except the messages in the draft, sent, trash and spam messages folder in the all messages' folder (=archive folder).
FairEmail is an email client, which basically displays what is on the email server, and therefore it will show these messages too.
To be clear: FairEmail does not store the messages in the archive folder, unless you explicitly archive a message.
This has advantages, though, because it makes searching in all messages easier.
<br>
1 year ago
<a name="faq196"></a>
**(196) Can you add empty trash on leaving the app?**
10 months ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq196)
1 year ago
Besides that leaving an app is an ambiguous action, automatically deleting trashed messages is a risky action because deleted messages can't be restored anymore.
A message could accidentally be trashed, and you could switch to another app, which could be interpreted as leaving the app, and the message would be gone forever.
Instead, you can configure auto-deletion of older messages, which is safer because the messages won't be deleted immediately.
For this, please tap on the account name in the navigation menu (left side menu) to go to the folder list of the account.
In the folder list, long press the trash messages folder and select to edit the folder properties.
Near the end of the properties screen, there is a checkbox to enable auto-deletion.
You might want to change the number of days to keep messages on your device.
Note that the reference time is the time the message was first stored on the device, not the date/time of the message itself.
<br>
12 months ago
<a name="faq197"></a>
**(197) How can I print a message?**
10 months ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq197)
12 months ago
You can print a message, both to a PDF or a printer, by tapping on the horizontal three-dots button just above the message text near the left side.
You might need to tap on the '>' button to show the message actions again.
Note that you can configure a button for printing via the same pop-up menu.
Printing is managed by Android for all apps. You should be able to select the paper size, etc.
You might need to update or install a driver app for your printer via the Play Store.
12 months ago
A message is printed as-is, which means that the sender of the message determines the margins, etc.
12 months ago
<br>
12 months ago
<a name="faq198"></a>
**(198) Can you add spell checking?**
10 months ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq198)
12 months ago
Spell checking should be provided by the keyboard app for all other apps.
Sometimes, particularly on ChromeOS, spell checking needs to be enabled in the settings.
5 months ago
That said, LanguageTool, which can be enabled in the integration-settings tab, is an excellent alternative to style and spell checking.
12 months ago
<br>
11 months ago
<a name="faq199"></a>
**(199) Can you add proxy support?**
10 months ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq199)
11 months ago
In fact, (HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS) proxy support was removed because it is not possible to let an app proxy DNS requests,
or in other words, an in-app proxy will always leak host names and therefore give a false sense of security.
If you want to proxy traffic, for example to use Tor,
you should use an Android VPN-service based app, which is the only way to reliably proxy traffic.
11 months ago
Please note that if you want to use a .onion address, you will need to disable private DNS in the Android network settings.
11 months ago
<br>
<a name="faq200"></a>
**(200) How can I use Adguard to remove tracking parameters?**
10 months ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq200)
To use [Adguard](https://adguard.com/) to remove tracking parameters from links:
1. Enable confirming links in the privacy-settings tab page
1. Download and enable [the Adguard filter list](https://github.com/AdguardTeam/FiltersRegistry), also via the privacy-settings tab page
1. When you tap on a link, the app will check the filter list
1. If a list entry is found for the link, the app will suggest to *Remove tracking parameters* in the confirmation dialog box
Note that the Adguard filter list contains over 2,000 entries, which takes a few moments to scan,
visible as a short delay between tapping on a link and the link confirmation dialog box appearing.
<br>
<a name="faq201"></a>
**(201) What is certificate transparency?**
10 months ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq201)
Please see [this article](https://certificate.transparency.dev/howctworks/) about what certificate transparency is.
Alternatively, see [this Wikipedia article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Certificate_Transparency).
When certificate transparency is enabled in the connection-settings tab page of the app,
the [Chrome Certificate Transparency Policy](https://github.com/GoogleChrome/CertificateTransparency/blob/master/ct_policy.md) will be applied.
5 months ago
The CT log will be downloaded from [https://www.gstatic.com/](https://www.gstatic.com/ct/log_list/v3/all_logs_list.json).
FairEmail uses [this library](https://github.com/appmattus/certificatetransparency) to implement certificate transparency via a custom trust manager.
<br>
<a name="faq202"></a>
10 months ago
**(202) What is DNSSEC and what is DANE?**
10 months ago
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23faq202)
10 months ago
Please see [this Wikipedia article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domain_Name_System_Security_Extensions) about what DNSSEC is.
10 months ago
Please see [this article](https://github.com/internetstandards/toolbox-wiki/blob/main/DANE-for-SMTP-how-to.md) about what DANE is.
Alternatively, see [this Wikipedia article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNS-based_Authentication_of_Named_Entities).
10 months ago
You can use [this tool](https://ssl-tools.net/tlsa-generator) to generate TLSA DNS records for DANE (select either PKIX-EE or DANE-EE).
10 months ago
You can enable enforcing DNSSEC and/or DANA in the (advanced) account and identity settings (since version 1.2149).
10 months ago
Note that only some email providers support DANE and that only a limited number of DNS servers support DNSSEC (January 2024: ~30%), which is required for DANE.
10 months ago
Most private DNS providers support DNSSEC, though. You can configure private DNS in the Android network settings (since Android 9).
10 months ago
To be sure that private DNS is being used, better configure a host name like *dns.google*, *1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com* or *dns.quad9.net*.
10 months ago
An alternative is using Certificate Transparency, see the previous FAQ.
10 months ago
10 months ago
Some email providers known to support DANE for client-to-server traffic:
10 months ago
10 months ago
* [Disroot.org](https://disroot.org/)
10 months ago
* [Freenet.de](https://email.freenet.de/)
* [Mailbox.org](https://mailbox.org/)
* [Posteo.de](https://posteo.de/)
2 months ago
* [web.de](https://web.de/email/)
* [GMX](https://www.gmx.net/mail)
10 months ago
10 months ago
This is not a complete and exhaustive list.
Please see [this article](https://www.zivver.com/blog/why-cisos-and-security-professionals-can-no-longer-rely-on-regular-email-for-the-sharing-of-personal-information) about why DANE is important.
4 months ago
Note that DNSSEC and DANE are available in the GitHub version only.
<br>
8 months ago
<a name="faq203"></a>
**(203) Where is my sent message?**
When you write a message, it will be stored in the draft messages folder.
When you send a message, it will be in the outbox first and later in the sent messages folder.
The outbox is a queue of messages to be transferred to the email server of your email provider.
After a message has been transferred to the email server, it will be stored in the sent messages folder.
The sent messages folder can be selected in the account settings: navigation menu (left side menu) > Settings > Manual setup and account options > Accounts > tap the account.
The email server will take care of sending the message to the recipient.
If a message could not be sent to the recipient, you'll in most cases receive a non-delivery notification message,
a special email, indicating the reason, like user (email address) unknown.
FairEmail will decode non-delivery notification messages, so you can see all the details.
Basically, an outgoing message is either in the draft messages folder, the outbox, or the sent messages folder.
<br>
<a name="faq204"></a>
**(204) How do I use Gemini?**
6 months ago
Gemini can only be used if configured and enabled.
**Note that using Gemini is not free (anymore) !**
<br>
To use [Gemini](https://gemini.google.com/), please follow these steps:
5 months ago
1. **Check if your country [is supported](https://ai.google.dev/available_regions)**
1. Get an API key via [here](https://ai.google.dev/tutorials/setup)
1. Enter the API key in the integration settings tab page
1. Enable Gemini integration in the integration settings tab page
1 month ago
Please note that connections through a VPN are mostly refused.
6 months ago
<br>
For usage instructions, please see [this FAQ](#faq190).
Please read the privacy policy of [Gemini](https://support.google.com/gemini/answer/13594961).
FairEmail does not use third-party libraries to avoid being tracked when Gemini is not being used.
This feature is experimental and requires version 1.2171 or later for the GitHub version and version 1.2182 or later for the Play Store version.
7 months ago
<br>
<a name="faq205"></a>
**(205) How do I check the integrity of an APK file?**
3 months ago
"*Artifact attestations enable you to create unfalsifiable provenance and integrity guarantees for the software you build.*
*In turn, people who consume your software can verify where and how your software was built.*"
Please [see here](https://docs.github.com/en/actions/security-guides/using-artifact-attestations-to-establish-provenance-for-builds) for details.
You can verify in this way that an APK file was built and signed by a GitHub workflow:
1. Install the [GitHub CLI](https://cli.github.com/)
2. Download and extract the [APK files](https://github.com/M66B/FairEmail/actions)
3. [Verify](https://docs.github.com/en/actions/security-guides/using-artifact-attestations-to-establish-provenance-for-builds#verifying-artifact-attestations-with-the-github-cli) attestation of an APK file
```
gh attestation verify xyz.apk -R M66B/FairEmail
```
Attestation of APK files is available from version 1.2209.
<br>
<h2><a name="get-support"></a>Get support</h2>
&#x1F30E; [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fm66b.github.io%2FFairEmail%2F%23get-support)
3 years ago
4 years ago
FairEmail is supported on Android smartphones and tablets and ChromeOS only.
1 year ago
There is support only if the app was downloaded via one of the [supported download locations](https://github.com/M66B/FairEmail#downloads).
5 years ago
Only the latest Play store version and latest GitHub release are supported.
The F-Droid build is supported only if the version number is the same as the version number of the latest GitHub release.
5 years ago
This also means that downgrading is not supported.
2 years ago
There is no support for things that are not directly related to FairEmail.
There is no support on building and developing things by yourself.
1 year ago
<a name="feature_request"></a>
2 years ago
A change will be considered only if more than a few people ask for it.
Changes in the past resulted too often in lots of complaints of other people.
5 years ago
Requested features should:
3 months ago
* be within the scope of the app
9 months ago
* be useful to more than a few people
* fit logically and consistently within the app
* fit within the philosophy of the app (privacy-oriented, security-minded)
2 years ago
* comply with common standards (IMAP, SMTP, etc.)
3 years ago
* comply with the [Core app quality guidelines](https://developer.android.com/docs/quality-guidelines/core-app-quality)
5 years ago
9 months ago
Features unrelated to email, including reading newsgroups and reading RSS feeds, fall outside the scope of the project.
2 years ago
The goal of the design is to be minimalistic (no unnecessary menus, buttons, etc) and non distracting (no fancy colors, animations, etc).
All displayed things should be useful in one or another way and should be carefully positioned for easy usage.
Fonts, sizes, colors, etc should be material design whenever possible.
2 years ago
There are requests daily to change the appearance in this or that way, but the problem is that these requests are more often than not conflicting.
To prevent making other people unhappy, changes in the appearance always need to clearly and objectively contribute to the usability of the app to be considered.
3 months ago
A feature will be considered useful to most people if more than 0.5% of the users request a feature, which in practice means about 2500 people.
2 months ago
Assuming that only 10% of the app's users will ask for a new feature, about 250 requests are needed to add a new feature.
3 years ago
5 years ago
Features not fulfilling these requirements will likely be rejected.
This is also to keep maintenance and support in the long term feasible.
1 year ago
Please see also this Wikipedia article about [feature creep](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feature_creep).
5 years ago
2 years ago
Note that there are already more features and options in FairEmail than in any other Android email client.
2 years ago
<br />
&#x1F6DF; &#x1F6DF; &#x1F6DF; &#x1F6DF; &#x1F6DF;
&#x1F1EC;&#x1F1E7; If you have a question, want to request a feature or report a bug, **please use [this form](https://contact.faircode.eu/?product=fairemailsupport)**.
2 years ago
2 years ago
&#x1F1E9;&#x1F1EA; Wenn Sie eine Frage haben, eine Funktion anfordern oder einen Fehler melden möchten, **verwenden Sie bitte [dieses Formular](https://contact.faircode.eu/?product=fairemailsupport)**.
&#x1F1EB;&#x1F1F7; Si vous avez une question, souhaitez demander une fonctionnalité ou signaler un bogue, **veuillez utiliser [ce formulaire](https://contact.faircode.eu/?product=fairemailsupport)**.
<br />
2 years ago
9 months ago
**GitHub issues and GitHub pull requests are disabled due to frequent misusage.**
5 years ago
<br />
10 months ago
Copyright &copy; 2018-2024 Marcel Bokhorst.