Question 1

How to set up Mox mail server on Ubuntu or Linux?

Accepted Answer

Use the quickstart command after installing the mox binary: run './mox quickstart you@example.com' as root to generate config files and DNS records, then start the service as per the printed instructions. Ensure you have a dedicated machine with proper DNS setup for best results.

Question 2

Mox vs Postfix: which is better for self-hosting email?

Accepted Answer

Mox is better for integrated, low-maintenance setups with built-in webmail and security, while Postfix offers more flexibility and scalability for complex configurations. Mox simplifies deployment but may lack some advanced features present in Postfix's ecosystem.

Question 3

Can Mox send transactional email via an API?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Mox provides a simple HTTP/JSON webapi for sending transactional email and webhooks for delivery events, as mentioned in the features. This avoids SMTP submission and allows programmatic email handling with automatic suppression lists.

Question 4

How to import emails from Gmail or other providers to Mox?

Accepted Answer

Use the import functionality on the accounts web page or the 'mox import maildir'/'mox import mbox' subcommands after exporting your data to compatible formats. For large mailboxes, split them into smaller parts to avoid memory issues, as noted in the FAQ.

Question 5

Is Mox secure against SMTP smuggling attacks?

Accepted Answer

Yes, since version 0.0.9, Mox rejects SMTP transactions with bare carriage returns or sequences like '
.
' that could exploit SMTP smuggling, as detailed in the FAQ. It handles such sequences safely in stored messages but prevents abuse during delivery.

Question 6

What are the minimum system requirements for running Mox?

Accepted Answer

Mox needs minimal resources: at least 512MB RAM, any CPU, and storage based on email volume with 15% overhead for metadata. It runs on Unix systems, and a DNSSEC-verifying resolver like unbound is recommended for security.

Question 7

How to upgrade Mox without losing email data?

Accepted Answer

Backup your config and data with 'mox backup <destdir>', verify with the new binary using 'mox verifydata', then replace the binary and restart. Check release notes for manual steps, as upgrades are typically seamless but may require schema updates.

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