Set up iCloud email on a Mac

iCloud email is a service offered at no cost by Apple, which is included within its suite of iCloud applications. It provides a web interface, enabling users to manage their email communications via any internet-connected device. Being a component of iCloud, it seamlessly integrates with other applications within the iCloud ecosystem, enhancing user experience and functionality.

In comparison to another native app Apple Mail, it is notable that Apple Mail is restricted to Apple devices only. On the other hand, iCloud Mail is more flexible as it can be accessed on any device, including non-Apple devices, via a web app in any browser. This accessibility makes iCloud Mail the more versatile option for users who require access to their emails from various devices.

To set up iCloud email on Mac, you need to first generate an app-specific password for Spark using a web browser. Your iCloud account password will not work directly in Spark. To protect your iCloud data and to prevent fraudulent activities with your iCloud account, Apple requires that you generate different passwords for logging into apps.

Generate an app-specific password for Spark on Mac:

To generate an app-specific password with iCloud, follow these instructions:

  1. Go to https://appleid.apple.com/ and sign in to your Apple account using your Apple ID and Password. Then you will need to proceed with two-factor authentication. To do this, follow steps 2 and 3 below.
  2. Confirm your identity by clicking “Allow” button on your Apple device.
  3. Enter the 6-digit verification code that will pop-up on your Apple device on this screen.

  1. Scroll down to the Security section and click on “Generate Password...”. If you don’t have an option to generate passwords, you’ll have to set up two-factor authentication for your Apple ID.
  2. Name the label for this app-specific password and hit the “Create” button.

Once you generate an App Password, copy it to your clipboard and remember it, as you will need to enter it in Spark in the next steps detailed below.

How to Add iCloud Email to Mac

  1. If you haven’t already, download and install Spark mail app on your Mac to get started. If you’re already using Spark and want to add a iCloud account, follow these instructions here instead.
  2. Launch Spark for Mac

  1. Type in your iCloud email address on the welcome screen.

  1. On the next screen, enter your iCloud app-specific password and click Next. Then, click on the blue ‘Allow’ button to grant Spark access to your email account, so you can use your iCloud within Spark.


That’s it! There are no Settings to configure and no servers to specify. Just sign into your iCloud account and start using Spark for Mac.

How to Add iCloud Email to Spark for Mac

If you are already using Spark Mail app on your Mac and want to add your iCloud account, simply follow these steps.

  1. Download and install Spark mail app on your Mac
  2. Launch Spark for Mac
  3. At the top menu, click on "Spark Desktop" > "Add an account…"
  4. Click on the "iCloud" icon from the grid of email service providers
  5. When you see the Sign in with iCloud screen, enter your iCloud email and app-specific password and click Next. Then, click on the blue "Allow" button to grant Spark access to your email account, so you can use your iCloud within Spark.

That's it! There are no Settings to configure and no servers to specify. Spark will automatically set up your iCloud account on Mac and all you emails will be available to use on your Mac.

Download Spark for Free to start using your iCloud email account on Mac.