EarthLink has been around since the early days of the internet, and for millions of long-time users, their email address ending in @earthlink.net is still the one they trust most. Even in 2025, when most people have moved to Gmail or Outlook, EarthLink Webmail remains a solid, reliable choice—especially if you value an ad-free inbox, generous storage, and old-school stability that just works.
Unlike the big free providers that scan your emails for advertising or throttle features to push you toward paid plans, EarthLink delivers a clean, no-nonsense webmail experience. No flashy AI assistants, no endless promotions—just email that loads fast and stays out of your way.
This guide covers absolutely everything you need to know about EarthLink Webmail today: how to log in, set it up on any device, fix the most common problems, keep it secure, and decide whether it’s still the right choice for you in 2025.
Why People Still Use EarthLink Webmail in 2025
Many users have had their EarthLink address for 20–30 years. Switching feels like changing your phone number—too much hassle. But it’s not just inertia. Here are the real advantages that keep people loyal:
- Completely ad-free interface (no banners, no sponsored messages)
- Extremely reliable uptime—rarely goes down compared to some free services
- Excellent spam filtering that’s aggressive without being overzealous
- 3–8 GB storage per mailbox (some legacy accounts have unlimited)
- No data mining or email scanning for advertising purposes
- Simple, familiar layout that hasn’t changed much in years (great for non-tech-savvy users)
- Works perfectly with third-party email clients (Outlook, Apple Mail, Thunderbird, etc.)
Long-time user feedback consistently highlights one thing: “It just works, and I never worry about my emails disappearing or being sold.”
How to Log In to EarthLink Webmail (2025 Updated)
The official EarthLink Webmail login address is:
https://webmail1.earthlink.net
(Alternative URLs that still work: webmail.earthlink.net or hostingmail.earthlink.net for business/hosted accounts)
Step-by-step login process:
- Open your browser and go to https://webmail1.earthlink.net
- Enter your full email address (example: username@earthlink.net)
- Type your password
- Click “Log In” or press Enter
If you see a blank page or “JavaScript required” message, make sure JavaScript is enabled in your browser settings.
Pro tip: Bookmark the page and add it to your homescreen on mobile for one-tap access.
Forgotten Password? Here’s How to Recover It
- On the login page, click “Forgot password?”
- Enter your full EarthLink email address
- Complete the CAPTCHA
- Check your alternate email or phone for the reset link (you must have set these up previously)
- Create a new strong password
If you never set up recovery options, you’ll need to call EarthLink support at 888-327-8454. They can verify your identity using account details.
Setting Up EarthLink Email on Phones, Tablets, and Computers
While the web interface is excellent, most people prefer using a native mail app.
Recommended Server Settings (2025 – Still Current)
Use IMAP (keeps everything in sync with webmail):
| Setting | Value | Port | Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incoming Server (IMAP) | imap.earthlink.net | 993 | SSL/TLS |
| Outgoing Server (SMTP) | smtp.earthlink.net | 587 | STARTTLS |
| Username | Full email address | ||
| Password | Your EarthLink password |
POP3 settings (downloads and removes from server):
- Incoming: pop.earthlink.net, Port 995, SSL/TLS
iPhone/iPad Setup (iOS 18+)
- Settings → Mail → Accounts → Add Account
- Tap “Other” (not Google, Yahoo, etc.)
- Choose “Add Mail Account”
- Enter your name, full EarthLink email, password, description
- Tap Next – iOS will try to auto-configure
- If it fails, tap “IMAP” and manually enter the settings above
- Tap Save
Android Setup (Samsung, Pixel, etc.)
- Open Gmail app or default Mail app
- Add account → Other/IMAP
- Enter your full email address
- Select IMAP and input imap.earthlink.net, port 993, SSL/TLS
- Enter password
- For SMTP: smtp.earthlink.net, port 587, STARTTLS
- Allow the app to sync
Microsoft Outlook (Windows/Mac)
- File → Add Account
- Enter your EarthLink email address
- Click “Advanced options” → Let me set up my account manually
- Choose IMAP
- Enter the server settings exactly as above
- Outlook will connect successfully
Apple Mail (Mac)
- Mail → Settings → Accounts → Add Account
- Choose “Other Mail Account”
- Enter name, email, password
- If auto-setup fails, manually enter IMAP/SMTP settings
These exact settings have worked perfectly for thousands of users throughout 2025.
Key Features of EarthLink Webmail You Might Not Know About
Even though the interface looks classic, it has powerful features:
- Full-featured calendar and contacts sync (works with phone)
- Custom folders and powerful rule-based filters
- Email aliases (up to 8 additional addresses on some plans)
- Vacation auto-responder
- Message threading view
- Keyboard shortcuts (same as Gmail – j/k for next/previous, etc.)
- Dark mode (finally added in 2023 and still available)
- Mobile-responsive design that works great on phones
- Built-in virus scanning on attachments
Troubleshooting the Most Common EarthLink Webmail Problems in 2025
“Cannot connect to server” on phone/computer
- Double-check that you’re using imap.earthlink.net and smtp.earthlink.net (not mail.earthlink.net – that stopped working years ago)
- Make sure SSL/TLS is enabled and ports are correct
- Try switching from Wi-Fi to cellular data (or vice versa)
Login page is blank or keeps reloading
- Clear browser cache and cookies
- Disable ad blockers temporarily
- Try a different browser (many users report Chrome works best results with Firefox or Edge)
Emails not syncing between devices
- Confirm you’re using IMAP, not POP3
- In webmail, go to Preferences → Mail → check “Leave messages on server” if using POP
Can’t send emails (receives fine)
- SMTP port blocked by your current internet provider (common on hotel/public Wi-Fi)
- Solution: Change SMTP port to 587 (STARTTLS) or temporarily use port 465 (SSL)
Spam folder catching legitimate emails
- Log into webmail → open Spam folder → select legitimate messages → click “Not Spam”
- Add sender to Address Book for future protection
Password rejected even though it’s correct
- EarthLink passwords are case-sensitive
- Caps Lock might be on
- Try resetting password as a precaution
Security Best Practices for EarthLink Webmail in 2025
EarthLink takes security seriously, but you still need to do your part.
Must-Do Security Steps
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
- Log into webmail → Preferences → Account Security → Enable 2FA
- Use Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator (EarthLink supports TOTP)
- Use a password manager to create a 20+ character unique password
- Never click links in emails claiming to be from EarthLink asking you to log in
- Real EarthLink emails come from addresses ending in @earthlink.net or @elf.earthlink.net
- Regularly check Preferences → Account Security → Login Activity for unfamiliar locations
- Enable login notifications (available in Account Security settings)
- Avoid accessing webmail on public computers
EarthLink has never had a major email breach like Yahoo or some others, which is a big reason many professionals still trust it with sensitive correspondence.
EarthLink Webmail vs. Modern Alternatives: 2025 Comparison
Here’s an honest comparison:
| Feature | EarthLink Webmail | Gmail | Outlook.com | Proton Mail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ads in inbox | None | Yes | Yes | None |
| Email scanning for ads | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Default storage | 3–8 GB+ | 15 GB (shared) | 15 GB | 1 GB (free) |
| Custom domain support | Yes | Paid only | Paid only | Paid only |
| Two-factor auth | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Calendar/contacts sync | Yes | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Interface age | Classic | Modern | Modern | Modern |
| Privacy reputation | Excellent | Poor | Moderate | Best |
| Cost | Usually included with internet or $7.95/mo standalone | Free | Free | Free/Paid |
Best alternatives if you’re thinking of switching:
- Proton Mail – best for privacy
- Outlook.com – best Microsoft integration
- Fastmail – best paid independent provider ($5/mo)
- Zoho Mail – best for custom domains
But if you value simplicity, zero ads, and rock-solid reliability—EarthLink is still hard to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions About EarthLink Webmail
Q: Is EarthLink Webmail being shut down? A: No. As of November 2025, EarthLink email remains fully supported for all existing customers.
Q: Can I keep my @earthlink.net address if I cancel internet service? A: Yes. You can keep email-only service for about $7.95/month (confirm current pricing with EarthLink).
Q: Does EarthLink Webmail work with the new iOS 18 Mail app? A: Yes, perfectly with the IMAP settings provided above.
Q: Why do some people say EarthLink is slow? A: Usually because they’re using outdated POP3 settings or have thousands of emails in their device is trying to download. Switching to IMAP fixes this instantly.
Q: Can I import my old EarthLink emails if I switch providers? A: Yes. Most services (Gmail, Outlook) have built-in EarthLink import tools using the IMAP settings.
Q: Is there an EarthLink Webmail app available? A: Yes – “myEarthLink Mail” on Google Play Store. Works well for basic functions.
Q: My contacts disappeared – what happened? A: They’re still there. In webmail, click the “People” or “Address Book” tab (location varies by version) – they sync back to your phone once connected properly.
Q: Does EarthLink support modern authentication (OAuth)? A: Not yet for third-party apps. You still use regular password (or app-specific password if 2FA is enabled).
Final Thoughts: Is EarthLink Webmail Worth Keeping in 2025?
For millions of users, the answer is a resounding yes.
If you want an email that simply works, never shows you ads, respects your privacy, and has been reliably delivering messages for decades—EarthLink Webmail is still one of the best options available.
It may not have AI that writes your emails or fancy animated emojis, but it has something more valuable: consistency. In a world where Gmail regularly changes the interface and Outlook pushes Microsoft 365 subscriptions, EarthLink remains refreshingly unchanged.
If you’ve had your @earthlink.net address since the 90s or early 2000s, congratulations—you own a piece of internet history that still works perfectly today.
And if you’re helping a parent, grandparent, or anyone who just wants email without complications, EarthLink Webmail remains one of the most user-friendly, trustworthy choices in 2025.

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