FairEmail E-Mail client
Usage and Features of FairEmail and FairEmail Pro on Android
FairEmail is a privacy-friendly, open-source email client for Android, distinguished by high security standards and a minimalist user interface. The app is available for free via the F-Droid store or directly from GitHub. For advanced features, there is the paid FairEmail Pro version. This guide covers installation, usage, features, and key settings, including backup and restoration.
Installation of FairEmail
FairEmail can be installed in two ways:
Via F-Droid
- Open the F-Droid store on your Android device.
- Search for “FairEmail.”
- Install the app directly from the store.
Via GitHub
- Visit the official GitHub repository at github.com/M66B/FairEmail.
- Download the latest APK file.
- Enable installation from unknown sources in Android settings.
- Install the APK file manually.
Note: The F-Droid version does not support OAuth login for Google accounts, as this feature is restricted to official builds. In this case, use app-specific passwords or enable “Less secure apps” (not recommended).
Features of FairEmail
FairEmail offers numerous features with a focus on privacy and security:
Privacy and Security
- Support for encryption/decryption with OpenPGP and S/MIME.
- Protection against phishing through message reformatting.
- Confirmation before displaying images or opening links to prevent tracking.
- Detection and disabling of tracking images.
- Warning for unauthenticated messages.
Ease of Use
- Quick setup with a wizard for most email providers (e.g., Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo).
- Intuitive navigation without unnecessary elements.
- Support for IMAP, POP3, and SMTP (no support for Microsoft Exchange Web Services or ActiveSync).
Efficiency
- Fast and resource-efficient.
- Support for IMAP IDLE (push notifications).
- No data storage on third-party servers.
- No ads or tracking (error reports via Bugsnag are optional).
Pro Features
The paid Pro version (approximately €5.99) offers advanced features, including:
- Account, identity, and folder colors, as well as avatars.
- Colored stars for message marking.
- Notification settings per account, folder, or sender (from Android 8 Oreo).
- Snooze function for messages.
- Scheduled sending of messages.
- Synchronization scheduling.
- Reply templates.
- Management of calendar invitations.
- Filter rules and automatic message classification.
- Biometric or PIN authentication.
- Export of settings.
Setting Up an Email Account
- Open FairEmail and confirm the license agreements.
- In the settings screen, select “Wizard” and then “Other provider.”
- Enter your name, email address, and password, then tap “Check.”
- FairEmail automatically detects server settings (IMAP/SMTP). If this fails, use manual setup:
- Tap “Manual setup and account options” > “Accounts” > “+” > “IMAP.”
- Enter the server details (e.g., from your email provider) manually.
- After successful setup, tap “OK” to confirm folder mapping.
Note: Disable battery optimization in Android settings to ensure reliable push notifications.
Key Settings
FairEmail offers extensive customization options accessible via the “Settings” menu. Here are the most important options:
General Settings
- Appearance: Select the default inbox (e.g., set a specific account as favorite) or adjust the account order.
- Main Identity: Set the default sender address for new emails (Settings > Manual Setup > Identities).
- Synchronization: Configure synchronization intervals or enable IMAP IDLE for real-time notifications.
- Privacy: Enable confirmation for opening links, images, or attachments to avoid tracking and phishing.
Notifications
- Customize notification sounds per account or sender (Pro feature, from Android 8).
- Enable the snooze function to manage notifications by time.
Security
- Enable OpenPGP or S/MIME for encrypted communication.
- Use biometric authentication (Pro feature) for additional protection.
Backup and Restoration
FairEmail does not store emails on third-party servers but locally on the device. The backup and restoration function is available in the settings:
Creating a Backup
- Go to “Settings” > “Export settings” (Pro feature).
- Select the accounts, identities, and settings to back up.
- Save the backup file (XML format) on your device or an external cloud (e.g., Nextcloud, not Google Backup).
- Optionally: Back up the local database (containing messages and attachments) using an Android backup tool or manually from the directory `/data/data/eu.faircode.email` (requires root access).
Restoration
- Install FairEmail on the new device (via F-Droid or GitHub).
- Go to “Settings” > “Import settings.”
- Select the previously saved XML backup file.
- FairEmail restores accounts, identities, and settings.
- For locally stored emails: Manually copy the database back (requires root access) or resync emails via IMAP.
Important Note: Since FairEmail does not use Google Backup services, you must manage backups manually. Store the backup file in a secure location to avoid data loss.
Tips and Notes
- Contacts Access: FairEmail can suggest contacts if you grant permission. Without permission, the app creates its own address list from sent/received emails.
- Troubleshooting: For issues (e.g., crashes), check the FAQ at GitHub or contact the developer at marcel+fairemail@faircode.eu.
- Battery Usage: Increase the IMAP IDLE interval (e.g., to 24 minutes) in settings to reduce battery consumption.
- Support: The developer is active and responds to GitHub or email inquiries.
Conclusion
FairEmail is an excellent choice for users who prioritize privacy and security. The free version offers comprehensive features, while FairEmail Pro provides additional convenience and security features. Installation via F-Droid or GitHub is straightforward, and the backup function ensures secure management of settings. With the right settings, FairEmail offers a powerful, privacy-friendly email solution for Android.
