Top Solutions to Fix Imap.gmail.com is not Working Error

What Results in IMAP.Gmail.com Is Not Responding?

Before we jump directly to the solutions, it’s worthwhile to mention that the following could be contributing to the imap.gmail.com errors:

• Incorrect IMAP settings in the Gmail/G Suite email programs
• Outdated or disabled app passwords for Gmail (with 2FA enabled)
• Less secure apps are disabled in the Google account
• Firewall/Antivirus blocks on ports restricting the authentication
• A bad Internet connection that interrupts connectivity
• Gmail server may be down (generally, rare, but it happens)

How to Fix Imap.Gmail.com is Not Working Error?

Several manual troubleshooting ways are available that you can follow to resolve the issue. If you are ever in doubt or need to just secure your mailbox emails beforehand, then use a professional tool. The descriptions for both with a complete stepwise process are given briefly in this section.

Resolve Imap.Gmail.com Cannot be Verified Manually

Here, understand the various techniques that not just eliminate the error but also update your Gmail settings for IMAP tasks. The fixes are mentioned as follows:

1) Confirm IMAP Settings for Gmail

Make sure your Gmail email client follows the correct IMAP configuration:

For Incoming Mail (IMAP):

Host Server: imap.gmail.com

Port: 993

Does it require SSL?: Yes

For Outgoing Mail (SMTP):

Host Server: smtp.gmail.com

Port: 587

Does it require SSL?: Yes

Requires Authentication: Yes

Also, confirm you have your full Gmail address and correct email password.

2) Enable IMAP in Gmail Settings

If IMAP is disabled in your Gmail account, then your sync will not work, and you will receive the imap.gmail.com is not working error. To enable it:

1. Open Gmail in your browser (Microsoft Edge/Chrome/Opera).
2. After that, click the gear icon and press See all settings to open.
3. Next, go to the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab from the above options.
4. Further, under IMAP access, select Enable IMAP. Turn the toggle on.
5. Lastly, tap on Save Changes.

3) Create an App Password (if 2FA is enabled)

If 2-Step Verification is enabled, Gmail will block login attempts from apps that just use the main password. To generate an app password in Gmail:

1. First, open your Google Account settings.
2. Then, select Security and under it, click App passwords.
3. Further, select “Mail” and your device, and press Generate.
4. Use the generated password in your email client instead of your normal password for login.

4) Test IMAP Connection in Another App

To eliminate app-specific bugs (if any), test your account in another client:

• Add the same Gmail account in Thunderbird, Outlook, or Apple Mail.
• Let’s say you sync Gmail with Outlook.
• If it works, the problem is specific to the original application.

However, if you still find that IMAP.Gmail.com is not working, then try another solution.

5) Allow Less Secure Apps Access

Older apps and clients may not be OAuth 2.0 compatible. Even though Google has since deprecated less secure app access into accounts, some managed workspaces or older installations still allow it. To allow access:

1. Visit myaccount.google.com/lesssecureapps
2. Then, turn the toggle ON (if your account type allows it).

If not available, you will have to switch to app passwords or use OAuth-supported clients.

6) Temporarily Disable Antivirus or Firewall

Antivirus or firewall software can block Gmail’s ports or processes. To fix them:

• Temporarily disable antivirus or firewall.
• Try reconnecting the client app to your email.

If you can connect again to your Gmail, whitelist the same in the firewall settings.

These are the fixes you can try to manage the imap.gmail.com is not working error on your Windows OS. But, there is a chance that even after so much effort, you are unable to hold on to your data, or sometimes, it can be put at risk.

Furthermore, you may be worried about the Mac environment. So, for all the Mac users, continue below.

What if Imap.Gmail.com Cannot Be Verified on Mac?

macOS users are often faced with a variation. It can be fixed as follows:

1. Firstly, open System Preferences and click on Internet Accounts.
2. From there, remove the Gmail account.
3. Later, re-add the Gmail account and also select IMAP.
4. Additionally, use an app password if you have 2FA enabled.
5. In the end, when a certificate prompt appears, select Always Trust.

That’s how you can resolve the error and get access back to your Gmail on Mac.

Pro Tip: Check Google IMAP Quota Limits

Google limits the number of IMAP connections per user. If you are syncing with too many devices, it may be blocking further connections. Gmail allows 15 simultaneous IMAP connections per user. So, log out of any idle devices or sessions.

Resolve Imap.Gmail.com is Not Working via Local Backup

If the syncing issues or consistent errors persist, then use the SysInfo Gmail Backup Tool. It saves emails on the system in many formats, or you can backup Gmail emails to another Gmail account or other accounts. Moreover, the software is secure and ensures 100% accuracy for the entire mailbox.

Take a look at the real user scenario for the same:

IMAP.Gmail.com Is Not Responding: Take A Backup!

1. Launch the Gmail Email Backup Software and sign in as an admin.
2. Further, proceed and select the folders from the root folder’s mailbox list.
3. Click Next and choose any desired file format to backup Gmail to hard drive.
4. Subsequently, apply the filters you need for its customization. Click Next.
5. Finally, select the Save Path for your resultant data and click on Download.

Note: Do you need help to backup a Gmail account or troubleshoot your IMAP server?

Talk to our chat support for a free assessment of the automated tool’s trial version.

Conclusion

The “imap.gmail.com is not working” error can seem overwhelming, but it can be addressed with the right method. Either correct the IMAP settings, utilize app-specific passwords, or backup your account. But if you are managing many Gmail accounts within an enterprise configuration. Then, always have a local email backup to prevent and shorten the potential problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Author:

Suman Rawat

Suman Rawat is a technical content writer and expert in the fields of email migration, data recovery, and email backup. Her passion for helping people has led her to resolve many user queries related to data conversion and cloud backup.