Yahoo Mail IMAP Setup Guide

🔑 What is an App Password?

An App Password is a unique password generated specifically for third-party apps like EmailWatch. It lets you connect securely without using your main Yahoo password. Yahoo requires this for better account security.

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Note: Yahoo has made two-step verification optional for App Passwords. You can create an App Password even without 2FA enabled, but we recommend enabling it for better account security.

Sign Into Your Yahoo Account

Access your Yahoo Account Security settings

First, you need to access your Yahoo Account security settings. Click the button below to go directly to the account security page:

Open Yahoo Security Open in New Tab

If you're not already signed in, Yahoo will ask you to log in with your email and password.

Enable Two-Step Verification (Recommended)

Add extra security to your Yahoo account

While not strictly required, we strongly recommend enabling two-step verification for your Yahoo account. This adds an extra layer of security.

Set Up Two-Step Verification Open in New Tab

If you choose to enable it:

Click on "Two-step verification"
Click "Get started" or "Turn on"
Enter your phone number
Choose Text or Call to receive your verification code
Enter the code Yahoo sends you
Click "Verify" to complete setup

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Tip: If you already have two-step verification enabled, you can skip this step and go directly to creating an App Password.

Generate an App Password

Create a special password for EmailWatch

Now let's create the App Password that EmailWatch will use. Click the button below to go to the App Password page:

Open App Passwords Page Open in New Tab

On Yahoo's App Password page:

Look for a section called "Generate and manage app passwords"
Click on "Generate app password" or "Generate password"
When asked for an app name, select "Other App" or type EmailWatch
Click "Generate"

Copy Your App Password

Save this password - you won't be able to see it again!

Yahoo will display a 16-character password. It will look something like this:

abcd efgh ijkl mnop

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Important: Copy this password immediately! Yahoo will only show it once. If you lose it, you'll need to generate a new one.

Click the copy button next to the password, or
Select the password and press Ctrl+C (Windows) or Cmd+C (Mac)
You can include or remove the spaces - they don't affect the password
Click "Done" when you've copied the password

Enter the Password in EmailWatch

Complete your email setup in the app

Now open the EmailWatch app and add your Yahoo account:

Go to Add Email Account in the app
Select Yahoo Mail as your email provider
Enter your full Yahoo email 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 settings for Yahoo are automatically filled in. Manual settings if needed: Server: imap.mail.yahoo.com, Port: 993, SSL: On

🎉 You're All Set!

Your Yahoo Mail account should now be connected to EmailWatch. Start creating alert rules for your important emails!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need two-step verification for Yahoo App Passwords?

No, Yahoo doesn't require two-step verification to create App Passwords. However, we strongly recommend enabling it for better account security. Without 2FA, your account is more vulnerable to unauthorized access.

My App Password isn't working. What should I do?

Make sure you're copying the password correctly without any extra spaces at the beginning or end. If it still doesn't work, try generating a new App Password. Sometimes the first one can have issues.

Can I see my App Password again after creating it?

No, Yahoo only shows the App Password once when you create it. If you lose it, you'll need to revoke the old one and create a new App Password.

How do I revoke an App Password?

Go to Yahoo App Passwords, find "EmailWatch" in the list, and click the trash/delete icon. EmailWatch will no longer be able to access your email.

I have a Yahoo Japan or Yahoo UK account. Does this work?

Yes! The process is the same for all Yahoo regional accounts. Just make sure you're signing into the correct regional Yahoo account when accessing the security settings.

What about AT&T email (powered by Yahoo)?

If you have an AT&T email address that uses Yahoo Mail, the process is similar. You may need to access your AT&T account settings instead. Visit AT&T Account Management for more information.

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