diff --git a/src/paperless/settings.py b/src/paperless/settings.py
index 85d756bf4..db74d9cea 100644
--- a/src/paperless/settings.py
+++ b/src/paperless/settings.py
@@ -209,7 +209,7 @@ MAIL_CONSUMPTION = {
     "PORT": os.getenv("PAPERLESS_CONSUME_MAIL_PORT"),
     "USERNAME": os.getenv("PAPERLESS_CONSUME_MAIL_USER"),
     "PASSWORD": os.getenv("PAPERLESS_CONSUME_MAIL_PASS"),
-    "USE_SSL": True,  # If True, use SSL/TLS to connect
+    "USE_SSL": os.getenv("PAPERLESS_CONSUME_MAIL_USE_SSL", "y").lower() == "y",  # If True, use SSL/TLS to connect
     "INBOX": "INBOX"  # The name of the inbox on the server
 }