Gmail IMAP Setup Guide

🔑 What is an App Password?

An App Password is a special 16-character code that lets apps like EmailWatch securely access your Gmail without using your main Google password. It's required because Gmail has extra security features (2-Step Verification) that prevent apps from using regular passwords.

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Important: You must have 2-Step Verification (2FA) enabled on your Google account before you can create an App Password. If you haven't set this up yet, we'll help you do that first.

Check if 2-Step Verification is Enabled

First, let's make sure your account has 2FA turned on

Click the button below to open your Google Account security settings. This will open in your web browser.

Open Security Settings Open in New Tab

Look for a section called "How you sign in to Google" or "Signing in to Google". You should see "2-Step Verification" listed there.

If it says "On" - Great! Skip to Step 3.
If it says "Off" - Continue to Step 2 to enable it.

Enable 2-Step Verification (if needed)

This adds extra security to your Google account

If 2-Step Verification is not enabled, click the button below to set it up:

Set Up 2-Step Verification Open in New Tab

Follow these steps on Google's page:

Click the blue "Get Started" button
Sign in with your Google password if prompted
Enter your phone number to receive verification codes
Choose to receive codes by Text message or Phone call
Enter the code Google sends you
Click "Turn On" to enable 2-Step Verification

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Tip: You can also use the Google Authenticator app instead of text messages for even better security!

Create Your App Password

Generate a special password for EmailWatch

Now that 2-Step Verification is enabled, you can create an App Password. Click the button below:

Open App Passwords Page Open in New Tab

On Google's App Passwords page:

You may need to sign in again for security
In the "App name" field, type: EmailWatch
Click the blue "Create" button

Copy Your App Password

Save this password - you'll only see it once!

Google will show you a 16-character password that looks something like this:

abcd efgh ijkl mnop

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Copy this password now! Google will only show it once. If you lose it, you'll need to create a new one.

Click the copy icon next to the password, or
Select the password with your mouse and press Ctrl+C (Windows) or Cmd+C (Mac)
The spaces in the password don't matter - you can include them or remove them

Enter the Password in EmailWatch

Complete your email setup in the app

Now open the EmailWatch app and add your Gmail account:

Go to Add Email Account in the app
Select Gmail as your email provider
Enter your full Gmail address (e.g., [email protected])
Paste the 16-character App Password you just copied
Tap Connect or Save

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Pro tip: The IMAP server settings for Gmail are automatically filled in. If you need them manually: Server: imap.gmail.com, Port: 993, SSL: On

🎉 You're All Set!

Your Gmail account should now be connected to EmailWatch. You can start creating alert rules for your important emails!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I just use my regular Gmail password?

Google disabled "Less secure app access" for all accounts in 2022. App Passwords are now required for third-party apps that use IMAP. This is actually more secure because you can revoke individual app passwords without changing your main password.

Is it safe to use an App Password?

Yes! App Passwords are designed specifically for this purpose. They can only be used for email access (not to change your account settings), and you can revoke them at any time from your Google Account security settings.

I don't see the "App passwords" option

Make sure 2-Step Verification is enabled first. If you're using a Google Workspace (business) account, your administrator may need to enable App Passwords for your organization.

Can I delete the App Password later?

Yes! Go to Google App Passwords, find "EmailWatch" in the list, and click the trash icon to revoke it. EmailWatch will no longer be able to access your email until you create a new password.

What if I have a Google Workspace account?

The process is the same, but your organization administrator may need to enable "Less secure apps" or "App passwords" in the Google Admin console. Contact your IT department if you're having trouble.

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