Don't Be Hillary Clinton: How To Add Multiple Email Accounts To iOS, Android, BlackBerry, Windows Phones

Memo to hdr22@clintonemail.com: Running multiple email accounts on a single device isn’t that hard.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s excuse for using a personal email to conduct state business came down to one thing: convenience. “Looking back, it would have been better for me to use two separate phones and two separate e-mail accounts,” Clinton said at a press conference Tuesday. “I thought using one device would be simpler. Obviously, it hasn't worked out that way.”

In 2015, when smartphones can do almost anything, that excuse sounds absurd. In fairness, when Clinton was in office that may have had some weight, according to the Washington Post. President Obama’s former speechwriter Jon Favreau noted this on Twitter, explaining that prior to 2011-2012, only White House emails were allowed on government-issued BlackBerrys (Clinton served as U.S. Secretary of State from January 2009 to February 2013).

@jpodhoretz you couldn't with WH accounts (and I guess State too) until maybe 2011-12

— Jon Favreau (@jonfavs) March 10, 2015

It wasn’t until 2013 that Blackberry introduced a feature called BlackBerry Balance, which kept personal data and secure work emails separate, according to USA Today. That may have not been released in time for Clinton to fix her email problem. But if you want to avoid the backlash Clinton received, it’s not too difficult to add multiple email addresses to your own smartphone.

Apple iOS

Hopping into “Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars,” users can then tap “Add Account.” The on-screen instructions there are fairly straightforward, including adding company email accounts.

After adding the relevant information (you may have to call on your IT department to get server addresses, port numbers and the like), a user can tap “Done” to complete the process. To add a second account, just hit “Add Account” and go through the same process again. This may vary slightly depending on company IT policy. Apple has a more detailed tutorial located on its website.

Google Android

With Android 5 Lollipop, it’s possible to do the same thing by opening the Gmail App, tapping the menu button and hitting “Add Account.” After following the on-screen instructions, repeat the process to add another email address.

Note: If your work email is managed through Google Apps for Work, adding it to Gmail on Android may also give your company device management features, such as the ability to remote wipe, reset a device code and lock it. This is dependent on a company’s device policy and is disclosed whenever a Google Apps for Work account is added to a new device.

BlackBerry

For nonsecure email addresses, the process is just as straightforward. Users can click the setup icon from the home screen, select “Email Accounts,” select “Internet Mail Account” and follow the on-screen instructions. Up to 10 accounts are supported by BlackBerry, according to the company’s website.

Corporate emails can also be added through the same process. But select “Enterprise Account” instead of “Email Accounts” to add it. This may vary slightly from company to company.

Microsoft Windows Phone

Windows Phone users can add multiple email addresses as well by navigating to “Settings,” and then tapping “Email + accounts.” Press “Add an account,” choose your account type and follow on-screen instructions. Repeat to add another account.

The process for setting up multiple email accounts is fairly straightforward for all four major platforms, a fact Clinton should take note of should she ultimately occupy the White House.