How to retrieve e-mail when away from home or work

Updated: 07/13/2023 by Computer Hope
Tip

If you do not plan on reading your e-mail, consider setting up an out of office notification. For help setting up an out of office notification, see: How to create an out of office reply in Microsoft Outlook.

E-mail message

Sometimes, when you're away from your computer for an extended time, you may want to access and read your incoming e-mail. Below are some methods to get your e-mail when away from your computer.

Tip

If you have an e-mail account with Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail (now called Outlook.com), you can access your e-mail from any computer using a web browser. Access the Gmail, Hotmail, or Yahoo e-mail login page and log in to access your e-mail online.

Note

If you are trying to access Outlook.com e-mail while abroad, you may be asked for a code to access the account. This feature of Outlook.com requires you to have a mobile device where you can receive a code to activate your account.

Retrieving e-mail when away from home

Note

The following suggestions require Internet access. If you're not going to have Internet access while away, see: Where can I get Internet access when away from home or work?

E-mail client

If you plan on taking a laptop on the road, you can receive messages by configuring the e-mail client on the laptop with your e-mail (POP () and SMTP (simple mail transfer protocol)) settings. Your e-mail provider should be able to provide instructions on how to set this up.

Tip

To have e-mail on your laptop and computer at home, set up the e-mail client to leave a copy of messages on the e-mail server.

Web e-mail

Today, many ISPs (Internet service providers) and e-mail providers offer some form of web e-mail. If available, you can access your e-mail from anywhere you can access the Internet.

To see if this option is available, contact your Internet service provider or visit their web page and look for a personal page or online e-mail section. If offered, they should be able to provide instructions on how to set this up.

Forward the e-mail or a copy of the e-mail

Rules can be set up in the e-mail client on your computer to forward all messages or only specific e-mails you receive to another e-mail account.

Note

For this to work, your home computer must remain on while you're away. If your computer is turned off or restarted, this could cause you to not receive your mail.

Below is a basic example of how this could be done using Microsoft Outlook.

  1. Create an alternative online e-mail address with a service such as Gmail or Hotmail.
  2. Open Microsoft Outlook.
  3. In Outlook 2003 or earlier, click Tools > Rules Wizard, then click the New button.
  4. In Outlook 2007 and later, on the Home tab, click the Rules option and select Create Rule.
  5. Click the New button.
  6. Set up the new rule with details similar to the rule below:
  • Check Messages when they arrive.
  • Where my name is in the To box.
  • Forward it to people or distribution list.
  • Enter an alternative e-mail address.

E-mail on a smartphone

You can receive your e-mail on your smartphone device. Check with your e-mail provider to determine if this option is available for your account and how to configure your smartphone.

Retrieving e-mail when away from work or school

Caution

Before trying any of these suggestions, realize some companies prohibit access to e-mail or other company confidential information from outside your office. Ask your employer first, and while asking, see if they have any solutions already set up that allow you to access mail while not at work.

Note

The following suggestions require Internet access. If you're not going to have Internet access while away, see: Where can I get Internet access when away from home or work?

Webmail

Many businesses have webmail solutions that allow users to access their e-mail from anywhere with Internet access.

If your employer offers this solution, logging into your company's webmail site should provide you access to your e-mail.

Check with your employer to see if this option is available. And, if available, the steps required to get access.

VPN or virtual office

If available at your work, connecting to your work through a VPN (virtual private network) or virtual office lets you access e-mail from your work computer.

Forward e-mail

Corporate networks with e-mail servers can set up e-mails to be forwarded to alternative accounts if needed. Contact your network administrator or e-mail administrator to see if this is possible.

Alternatively, your work computer could also be set up to forward e-mails to an alternative e-mail address using the above home instructions.

E-mail on a smartphone

Many companies now allow e-mail to be retrieved, viewed, and sent from a smartphone. Android and Apple iPhones can send and receive e-mail. If your company offers this feature, your smartphone can be configured to receive your work e-mail.

Check with your company's IT (information technology) department to see if this option is available and for help configuring your phone.