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Overview
University email may contain confidential or regulated university data. For this and other reasons, it is critically important that university email be accessed and stored only within email clients that have been reviewed and approved by Technology Solutions. Microsoft Outlook is the recommended and supported email client for use with university email accounts. In addition to Outlook, Technology Solutions permits the use of certain third‑party email applications that meet specific security and compliance criteria.
Microsoft Outlook
Technology Solutions fully supports and recommends:
- Outlook for Windows
- Outlook for Mac
- Outlook for iOS and Android
- Outlook on the web
Support from Technology Solutions is limited to these official Microsoft clients. See How can I check my UIC email? for more information.
Other Email Clients
- Email clients using legacy authentication, POP, IMAP, or deprecated protocols are not allowed
- Apps that request excessive permissions or fail security checks are not allowed
- Third‑party email apps may be allowed for use only if they:
- Support modern authentication
- Connect using currently supported Microsoft Exchange Online methods
- Comply with university security, conditional access, and data‑protection requirements
Technology Solutions may restrict or remove access at any time to protect the university environment.
Which email clients are permitted?
As of May 2026, the following email clients have been confirmed by Microsoft and UIC Technology Solutions to meet the above requirements. These clients are currently permitted for use with university email accounts, but are not supported by the university.
- Apple Mail
- Android Gmail
- eM Client
- Samsung Email (Samsung Android OS)
- Spark Email
- Thunderbird
This list is subject to change.
Important Limitations
If you are a member of the University Hospital or have access to hospital systems, you will not be eligible to utilize a third-party email client.
For all others, if you choose to use a third‑party mail app:
- You agree and confirm that your university email account cannot be used to send, receive, or store PHI (protected health information).
- You are responsible for setup, configuration, and maintenance
- You understand that Technology Solutions does not provide troubleshooting or support
- You understand that some Microsoft 365 features may not work correctly
- If the app stops working or no longer meets security requirements, you may be directed to use Outlook instead
Requesting Access
Access to permitted third‑party email apps must be requested and approved in advance. Request access via the 3rd Party Email Client Access Request button on this page. Approval is not guaranteed.