Accessing Gmail via IMAP Using App Passwords

TLDR

• Gmail has enforced IMAP by default since January 2025; there is no need to manually enable it in settings.
• To access Gmail via IMAP, you must first enable "2-Step Verification" for your Google account.
• You must use an "App Password" instead of your regular Gmail login password.
• IMAP connection settings: server is imap.gmail.com, port is 993, and encryption method is SSL/TLS.

IMAP Service Status

When you might encounter this issue: When you try to set up Gmail in a third-party email client and cannot find the "Enable IMAP" setting option.

According to official Google documentation, as of January 2025, the system no longer provides an option to "Enable IMAP" or "Disable IMAP." Gmail now enables IMAP access by default, and users do not need to perform any additional configuration.

Enabling 2-Step Verification and App Passwords

When you might encounter this issue: When you are using the correct Gmail account password but cannot successfully log in via the IMAP protocol.

Since Google has disabled access for "less secure apps," you must follow these steps to allow third-party applications to connect via IMAP:

1. Enable 2-Step Verification

Go to Google Account / Security and enable "2-Step Verification" in the "How you sign in to Google" section. You can choose passkeys, Google prompts, authenticator apps, phone numbers, or backup codes as your second verification method.

2. Create an App Password

After enabling 2-Step Verification, go to the App Passwords page:

• The system will ask you to verify your identity using your configured 2-Step Verification method.
• Enter a custom name for the app in the input box (for identification purposes only).
• Click "Create," and the system will generate a 16-character password.
• This password is displayed only once; please save it securely, as you will use it to replace your original Gmail login password.

Important Note

App passwords have full access to your Google account. Do not write them down or share them with anyone.

Gmail IMAP Connection Parameters

When you might encounter this issue: When you are unable to connect due to incorrect parameters while setting up an IMAP connection in third-party software.

To access Gmail via a program or email client, please use the following settings:

• IMAP Server: imap.gmail.com
• Port: 993
• Encryption Method: SSL/TLS
• Username: Your full Gmail address (e.g., [email protected])
• Password: The 16-character "App Password" generated in the steps above.

Change Log

• 2025-03-05 Initial document creation.