AOL Email Sign In: A Step-by-Step Guide To Access Your Inbox

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5 min. read

Published on October 14, 2025

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Accessing your AOL email account is a straightforward process, whether you’re using a desktop computer, a mobile device, or a third-party email client. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step walkthrough to help you easily sign in and manage your AOL inbox.

Whether you’ve forgotten your password, are setting up a new device, or simply need a refresher, this guide will walk you through the entire process, ensuring you can quickly and securely access your AOL email. Let’s get started!

How Do I Sign In to My AOL Email Account?

Signing In Through the AOL Website

Open your web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari).
Go to the AOL website: aol.com.
Click the “Login / Join” button located in the upper-right corner of the page.
Enter your AOL username, email address, or mobile number in the provided field.
Click “Next”.
Enter your password in the password field.
Click “Sign In”.

Signing In Through the AOL App (Mobile)

Download the AOL app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
Open the AOL app on your mobile device.
Tap the “Login / Join” button.
Enter your AOL username, email address, or mobile number.
Tap “Next”.
Enter your password.
Tap “Sign In”.

Signing In Using a Third-Party Email Client (e.g., Outlook, Thunderbird)

Open your email client (e.g., Outlook, Thunderbird).
Navigate to the account settings or add a new account option.
Select “IMAP” or “Manual Setup” (if prompted).
Enter your AOL email address and password.
Configure the incoming and outgoing server settings as follows:

Incoming Server (IMAP):
Server: imap.aol.com
Port: 993
Security: SSL/TLS
Outgoing Server (SMTP):
Server: smtp.aol.com
Port: 465 or 587
Security: SSL/TLS

Confirm that you want to save the settings.
Your AOL account should now be configured in your email client.

Recovering Your AOL Password

Go to the AOL sign-in page.
Click on “Forgot password?”.
Enter your recovery email address or phone number associated with your AOL account.
Click “Next”.
Follow the instructions sent to your recovery email or phone number to reset your password.
Create a new, strong password and confirm it.
Sign in with your new password.

Two-Step Verification

Sign in to your AOL account through the AOL website.
Go to your account security settings.
Find the “Two-Step Verification” option.
Enable Two-Step Verification and follow the prompts to set it up using your phone or an authenticator app.
Each time you sign in from a new device, you’ll need a code sent to your phone or generated by your authenticator app.

Tips

Keep your password secure: Use a strong, unique password and avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts.
Enable two-step verification: This adds an extra layer of security to your account.
Regularly update your password: Changing your password periodically can help protect your account from unauthorized access.
Be cautious of phishing emails: Always verify the sender’s address and avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information.
Keep your devices secure: Install antivirus software and keep your operating system and apps up to date.

Here’s a comparison between using the AOL website, the AOL app, and a third-party email client for accessing your AOL email:

AOL Access Methods Compared

Feature	AOL Website	AOL App	Third-Party Email Client
Accessibility	Any web browser	Mobile devices only	Any device with client
Notifications	Limited	Push notifications	Client-dependent
Features	Full AOL functionality	Streamlined experience	Client-dependent
Setup Complexity	Simple	Simple	More complex
Security	AOL’s security	AOL’s security	Client & AOL security
Offline Access	No	Limited (cached emails)	Yes (if supported)

Quick Access to Your AOL Inbox

Accessing your AOL email is simple with the right steps. Whether you choose to use the AOL website, the mobile app, or a third-party email client, following this guide will help you stay connected and manage your inbox effectively.

FAQ

How do I recover my AOL password if I forgot it? You can recover your password by clicking “Forgot password?” on the sign-in page and following the instructions to reset it using your recovery email or phone number.

What are the incoming and outgoing server settings for AOL in a third-party email client? The incoming server (IMAP) is imap.aol.com (port 993, SSL/TLS), and the outgoing server (SMTP) is smtp.aol.com (port 465 or 587, SSL/TLS).

How do I enable two-step verification on my AOL account? Sign in to your AOL account, go to account security settings, and enable two-step verification using your phone or an authenticator app.

Why can’t I sign in to my AOL account? Double-check your username and password for typos. If you’re still having trouble, try resetting your password or contacting AOL support.

Is AOL Mail still a thing? Yes, AOL Mail is still active and used by many people, although it may not be as popular as it once was.