Using email client with VPN

[AOttawa]

I had been using eM Client software to access my bell.net email successfully for a long time, but when I installed NordVPN I could no longer access my bell.net email with the client software.  I can still access it with a web browser.  I have tried all the IMAP and SMTP settings recommended by Bell and NordVPN, but nothing works.  This seems to be a common problem reported when any vpn is installed.  Does anyone have a solution that will allow bell.net emails to be accessed by client email software, when using a vpn?

[Vanadiel]

Likely not. Due to security reasons when using e-mail it has to accessed from a Bell IP.

With a VPN that is not going to work.

[AOttawa]

Thanks for letting me know.

[AOttawa]

Actually I just checked and I can access my Bell bell.net email just fine from behind my vpn (no Bell IP) when I do it using my internet browser and the on-line Bell webmail.  But it doesn't work on the same computer with the same vpn if I try to allow my email client software to get my emails for me.  I'm still hoping someone has figured out what security settings and ports work.

[Vanadiel]

If the IP is not an issue, which I thought it was but I guess it's not, How to use Bell e-mail might be of assistance to you.

I don't use Bell e-mail, so I am not very familiar with it.

[Kats71]

I have Surfshark and was experiencing the same problem. I made some changes and got it to receive mail on my Apple mail app but, when sending mail, I have to pause my VPN connection for it to send otherwise the email just sits in my outbox and does nothing. 
incoming server: imap.bell.net

outgoing server: smtphm.sympatico.ca

Server port: 587 or 25 (mine is 25)

SSL: Switch it off

It’s not perfect but it works. Some incoming emails will come through without disconnecting the VPN. But It’s outgoing that you may have to disconnect or pause the VPN to send. Good luck. 

[dks]

Thank you for this. It's helpful. I found the same to be true with my Microsoft Outlook client a number of years ago on Bell internet. Bell's security prevents outbound mail from being sent when a VPN is used. The reason is that part of the mail protocol is verification of the sender. A VPN prevents that, I understand. There is no other solution than to shut down your VPN when sending mail. Or don't use a VPN at all. 

[Canada73]

I recently decided to get VPN for windows 11 desktop and my laptop when I go on vacation

I use Thunderbird and pop account

I tried 1) Mozilla VPN 2) Nord VPN 3) Skyshark.

I could NOT send email with Thunderbird and SMTP port setting did not make and difference.

Information one support person gave me was that VPN is incompatible will bell smtp to avoid spam

I  am waiting for refund on these programs as they offer 30 day money-back guarantee.

Today I decided to try PROTON VPN with one month purchase.

It is simple and there is NO issue with downloading or sending e-mail. VIOLA!

I read that the VPN program code  is open source.   It does reduce the download and upload speed, which is of no concern to me after getting 1 GB fibre-optic package.