The academic messaging system at Dijon relies on the server hermes.ac-dijon.fr, accessible via IMAP and SMTP protocols. Configuring this account on a smartphone involves entering these settings into a messaging application, whether it’s the native Android client, the Mail app on iOS, or third-party software. The process takes a few minutes, provided you know your exact username and choose the correct security settings.
Username and password: the errors that block the ac Dijon connection
The first difficulty does not stem from the technical setup, but from the username itself. On the academic webmail of Dijon, the username can take several forms: firstname.lastname, the shortened alias (initial of the first name attached to the last name, in lowercase, without accents), or a format with a number added in case of name duplication.
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When switching from the webmail accessed in a browser to a mobile application, this distinction becomes a trap. The webmail often accepts the full address ([email protected]), while the “username” field of an IMAP client expects only the part before the @ sign. Entering the full address results in a silent authentication failure.
To clarify, the most reliable method is to first log into the webmail from a browser using the short username. If the login is successful, this is the username to enter into the mobile application. It is also possible to configure the ac Dijon webmail on Insight Mag by following a step-by-step guide that details this step.
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Another common blockage point is the password. During the first login, some academy staff still have the NUMEN as the initial password. This temporary code must be changed upon first authentication on the webmail; otherwise, mobile login will be denied without an explicit error message.
IMAP and SMTP settings for the server hermes.ac-dijon.fr
The protocol recommended by the academy is IMAP, not POP. The difference is significant: IMAP synchronizes messages between the server and all connected devices, while POP downloads emails and deletes them from the server. Choosing POP cuts off access to messages from the webmail or a second device.
Here are the settings to enter in the email client:
- Incoming server (IMAP): hermes.ac-dijon.fr, port 993, security SSL/TLS
- Outgoing server (SMTP): hermes.ac-dijon.fr, port 465, security SSL/TLS
- Username: the short username (firstname.lastname or alias), the same for IMAP and SMTP
- Password: that of the academic webmail, the same for both servers
- SMTP authentication: enabled, with the same credentials as the incoming server
These settings have been stable for several years and have not shifted to another standard. Port 993 for IMAP and port 465 for SMTP remain the norm for the Dijon academy.
The issue of SSL certificates
During validation, both Android and iOS may display a warning related to the server’s security certificate. The official documentation from the academy explicitly mentions the option “accept all certificates” in the security settings.
This message does not indicate a danger, but a discrepancy between the academic server’s certificate and the list of certification authorities recognized by the phone. Accepting the certificate allows you to continue the configuration without compromising the security of the connection.
Configuration on Android and iOS: what changes from one system to another
On Android
The built-in Gmail app, or the native “Email” client depending on the manufacturer, offers the option to add an IMAP account in the settings. The typical path goes through Settings, then Accounts, then Add Account, then choose “Other” or “IMAP”.
Android often requires entering the incoming and outgoing server on two separate screens. A common trap is to validate the SMTP screen too quickly without checking that port 465 and SSL/TLS encryption are correctly selected. By default, some versions of Android offer port 587 with STARTTLS, which does not work with hermes.ac-dijon.fr.
Once the configuration is complete, you need to set the sync frequency. Checking every fifteen to thirty minutes is sufficient for regular professional use without draining the battery.
On iPhone and iPad
From Settings, then Mail, then Accounts, then Add Account, choose “Other” then “Add Mail Account”. iOS first attempts automatic detection, which consistently fails with academic servers. You then need to switch to manual configuration.
iOS combines the IMAP and SMTP fields on the same screen, which limits omissions. However, the Apple Mail app does not always display the “port” field visibly: you need to tap on “Advanced Settings” or “Server Settings” after the first validation attempt to access the ports and encryption type.
Mobile webmail: an alternative without IMAP setup
For staff who do not wish to configure an email client, direct access to the academic webmail from the smartphone browser remains a functional option. The interface adapts to mobile screens and allows reading, composing, and organizing emails without touching the IMAP or SMTP settings.
This method has a clear advantage: no risk of incorrect settings, no certificate to accept, and messages remain exclusively on the server. The downside is the lack of push notifications. You must manually open the browser and log in to check for new messages.
For intensive daily use, IMAP configuration remains preferable. For occasional consultation (checking an email during vacation, responding to an urgent matter), mobile webmail does the job without installing or configuring anything on the device.
The choice between the two approaches mainly depends on the frequency of consultation. A well-configured IMAP account synchronizes messages in the background, while webmail requires a manual action for each consultation. In both cases, the academic username and password are the same.