diff --git a/modules/nixos/zulip.nix b/modules/nixos/zulip.nix
index bae8098..a2b814c 100644
--- a/modules/nixos/zulip.nix
+++ b/modules/nixos/zulip.nix
@@ -26,8 +26,8 @@
 
       # configure mailserver port
       EMAIL_HOST = config.mailserver.fqdn;
-      EMAIL_USE_TLS = false;
-      EMAIL_PORT = 587;
+      EMAIL_USE_TLS = true;
+      EMAIL_PORT = 587; # non-secure port
 
       # setting to allow realm creation; probably unsafe, might delete later :3
       OPEN_REALM_CREATION = true;
@@ -42,6 +42,6 @@
     };
   };
 
-  # needed for non-tls connection through port 587
+  # needed for non-secure connection through port 587
   mailserver.enableSubmissionSsl = true;
 }