Start Here#
You do not need to know anything about terminal email clients to get started. This page will ask a few quick questions and point you to the right steps.
1. Where is your email hosted?#
Pick the option that matches your account:
Gmail: go to Setting Up NeoMutt with Gmail
Microsoft 365 / Outlook: go to Setting Up NeoMutt with Office 365
Other provider or self-hosted IMAP: go to How to Set Up IMAP
If you are not sure, open your current mail client and check the server name. It will usually include imap. or mail..
2. Do you already have mail on this machine?#
Yes, I already have mail stored locally: go to Mailbox Formats
No, I want to connect to a server: continue to Writing Your First Configuration
3. Do you want the simplest possible setup?#
Yes, just get it working: use Writing Your First Configuration
I want help with a specific service: use the Gmail or Office 365 tutorials above
4. How do you want to store passwords?#
I want the safest setup: use How to Use a Password Manager
I do not mind typing passwords when prompted: you can skip this for now
5. What should I read next?#
Once NeoMutt starts and you can open a mailbox, here are good next steps:
Learn the basics of the interface: Getting Started
Learn to send a message: Sending Your First Email
Learn to search quickly: Searching and Filtering Email
Need technical detail at any time?#
Reference index: Reference
How-to guides: How-To Guides
Concepts and background: Explanation