Gmail IMAP Settings at a Glance
To connect Gmail to any email client — Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail, or a sending platform like DitLead — you need two sets of settings: IMAP for receiving and SMTP for sending.
| Setting | Incoming (IMAP) | Outgoing (SMTP) |
|---|---|---|
| Server | imap.gmail.com | smtp.gmail.com |
| Port | 993 | 587 (TLS) or 465 (SSL) |
| Security | SSL/TLS | STARTTLS or SSL/TLS |
| Username | Your full Gmail address (you@gmail.com) | |
| Password | An app password (regular passwords no longer work — see below) | |
Once configured, you can confirm everything works with our free IMAP tester and SMTP tester.
Step 1: Enable IMAP in Gmail
- Open Gmail on the web and click the gear icon → See all settings.
- Go to the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.
- Under "IMAP access," select Enable IMAP.
- Click Save Changes.
Note: Google Workspace admins may need to enable IMAP for the organization first under Admin console → Apps → Google Workspace → Gmail → End User Access.
Step 2: Create an App Password
Google no longer allows clients to sign in to IMAP/SMTP with your regular account password. You need an app password, which requires 2-Step Verification:
- Turn on 2-Step Verification at myaccount.google.com → Security.
- Visit myaccount.google.com/apppasswords.
- Name the app (e.g. "Outlook" or "DitLead") and click Create.
- Copy the 16-character password — use this in place of your normal password in any IMAP/SMTP login.
Step 3: Add Gmail to Your Email Client
Outlook
File → Add Account → enter your Gmail address → choose IMAP. Enter imap.gmail.com:993 (SSL) incoming and smtp.gmail.com:587 (STARTTLS) outgoing, with your app password.
Thunderbird / Apple Mail
Both auto-detect Gmail settings. If manual entry is needed, use the same servers and ports from the table above.
Cold email platforms
Sending platforms need both protocols: SMTP to send and IMAP to track replies and bounces. In DitLead, connect a Gmail account with the same servers, ports and app password — reply detection, bounce handling and email warmup all run over IMAP.
Common Gmail IMAP Errors and Fixes
- "Invalid credentials" / authentication failed: you're using your regular password. Create an app password (Step 2).
- "IMAP is disabled for your account": enable IMAP in Gmail settings (Step 1), or ask your Workspace admin.
- Connection timeout on port 993: a firewall or antivirus is blocking the port. Allow outbound 993 (IMAP) and 587 (SMTP).
- "Too many simultaneous connections": Gmail caps IMAP at 15 connections per account. Close other clients or reduce connection count.
- Mail sends but replies don't sync: IMAP isn't connected or the client is set to POP3. Verify with an IMAP connection test.
Gmail IMAP FAQs
What is the Gmail IMAP server address?
imap.gmail.com, port 993, SSL/TLS required.
IMAP or POP3 — which should I use?
IMAP. It syncs across devices and keeps mail on the server; POP3 downloads and (usually) deletes it. Reply tracking in outreach tools requires IMAP.
Do these settings work for Google Workspace?
Yes — identical servers and ports; just use your custom-domain address as the username.
How do I test my Gmail IMAP connection?
Use DitLead's free IMAP tester — enter the server, port and credentials and it verifies the connection live.