CLI-Mail is a simple email app you run in your Windows terminal. It helps you read, send, and manage your email without opening a web browser.
CLI-Mail is a terminal email client built with Python. It has a clean and easy-to-use interface. Instead of using a mouse or browser, you type commands in your terminal. This can speed up your email work once you get used to it.
You can connect your email accounts using common email services (IMAP for receiving, SMTP for sending). CLI-Mail works well with most email providers, including Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo.
- Send and receive emails directly in the terminal
- Support for IMAP and SMTP protocols
- Interactive interface with simple commands
- Read, reply, forward, and delete emails
- Manage multiple email accounts
- Search through your email quickly
- Works offline with cached emails
- Secure login and connection
- Windows 10 or later version
- At least 4 GB of RAM
- Python 3.7 or later installed (How to install Python on Windows)
- Internet connection to send and receive emails
- Terminal application like Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Windows Terminal
Before you start, make sure you have Python installed on your computer. You can check this by opening the Command Prompt and typing:
python --version
If Python is installed, you will see a version number. If not, download and install it from the official Python page.
To get CLI-Mail, visit this page:
This page contains the latest versions of the app. Look for the Windows executable or the ZIP file with all files included.
- Open your browser and go to the CLI-Mail releases page.
- Find the latest release. It should have files like
CLI-Mail.exeor a ZIP archive. - If you see a
.exefile, download and run this file directly. The program will start automatically or prompt you for setup. - If you download a ZIP file:
- Right-click the file and select "Extract All".
- Choose a folder you will remember.
- Open that folder and double-click
CLI-Mail.exeor runpython cli_mail.pyfrom the terminal in that folder.
- If you don't see an
.exefile, you may need Python installed to run the program.
When you open CLI-Mail for the first time:
- The app will ask you for your email provider (e.g., Gmail, Outlook).
- Enter your email address and password when asked.
- The app uses IMAP (for incoming email) and SMTP (for sending email) to connect. For most providers, these settings are automatic.
- If needed, you can enter server addresses manually:
| Provider | IMAP Server | SMTP Server | Port (IMAP) | Port (SMTP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gmail | imap.gmail.com | smtp.gmail.com | 993 | 587 |
| Outlook | outlook.office365.com | smtp.office365.com | 993 | 587 |
| Yahoo | imap.mail.yahoo.com | smtp.mail.yahoo.com | 993 | 587 |
- The app stores your login details securely on your computer.
- Open your terminal and start CLI-Mail.
- The inbox loads your latest emails.
- Use the arrow keys to move through mails.
- Press Enter to open a message.
- Press
Nto start a new email. - Enter the recipient’s address, subject, and message.
- Press Ctrl+S or the Send command to send your email.
R: Reply to the current emailF: Forward the current emailD: Delete the selected email/: Search your emailsQ: Quit CLI-Mail
The interface displays tips at the bottom to guide you.
Check the releases page regularly. Download the newest version to stay up to date.
- CLI-Mail does not start: Make sure Python is installed if using the Python script version. Try running the
.exefile instead. - Cannot connect to email: Check your internet. Make sure your email password and server settings are correct.
- Email login fails: Some providers require app-specific passwords or extra security steps. Check your email provider’s support page.
- Interface is hard to use: Refer back to commands above or restart the app to see tips again.
For detailed instructions and troubleshooting, visit the CLI-Mail GitHub page. You will find documentation and issue tracking there.