Are AOL and AIM email the same?

Connecting AIM email with your AOL account allows you to manage your messages seamlessly within the AOL ecosystem. Since AIM email was once linked to AOL, integrating these services is straightforward. This integration helps keep your communication organized and accessible across devices.

If you use AIM email and want to access it through your AOL account, or vice versa, knowing how they work together can save you time and confusion. Here are the main ways AIM email integrates with AOL accounts and how you can set everything up.

1. Using AIM email within AOL Mail
   If your AIM email account still exists or has been migrated, you can add it to your AOL Mail inbox. This way, you view and send messages from both accounts in one place. To do this, log into your AOL Mail account, go to Settings, then select Accounts and Import. Choose “Add an email account” and enter your AIM email address and password. Follow prompts to verify and link your AIM email, enabling incoming and outgoing messages from your AOL interface.
2. Linking AOL and AIM for unified messaging
   Though AIM messaging itself was discontinued in 2017, its email service was integrated into AOL Mail. If you had previously used AIM chat or services, your contacts might be available through your AOL contact list. AOL now offers integrated messaging features that can connect you with AIM contacts, provided they migrated their accounts as well.
3. Syncing contacts and calendars
   To enhance integration, you can sync your AOL contacts and calendar to AIM-compatible apps. In AOL Mail, visit your account settings for contacts and export your contacts to a CSV file. Then, import this file into your AIM-compatible email client or personal information manager. This keeps your contacts and schedules in sync across platforms.
4. Accessing AIM email on mobile devices
   To access AIM email from your phone, set up your AOL account on your device’s email app. Use IMAP or SMTP settings provided by AOL. For example, the incoming server is usually “imap.aol.com” with port 993. Enter your AOL login credentials, and your AIM email will be accessible alongside other emails. This also allows you to send messages from your AIM address through your mobile device.

Keep in mind, since AIM chat and messaging services have been discontinued, the primary integration points now focus on email and contacts within the AOL ecosystem. Troubleshooting common issues includes ensuring your passwords are correct, checking server settings, and confirming account permissions. If integration does not work, recheck your account details or contact AOL support for help. Overall, understanding these points ensures you make the most of both AIM email and AOL accounts for a smoother communication experience.