> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.n8n.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.n8n.io/integrations/builtin/credentials/imap/gmail.md).

# Gmail

Documentation for Gmail IMAP credentials. Use these credentials to authenticate Gmail IMAP in n8n, a workflow automation platform.

Follow these steps to configure the IMAP credentials with a Gmail account.

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**Searching these docs as an agent**

Ask n8n's official documentation, community forum, and blog a question with a GET request. No authentication needed.

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## Prerequisites <a href="#prerequisites" id="prerequisites"></a>

To follow these instructions, you must first:

1. [Enable 2-step Verification](#enable-2-step-verification) on your Gmail account.
2. [Generate an app password](#generate-an-app-password).

### Enable 2-step Verification <a href="#enable-2-step-verification" id="enable-2-step-verification"></a>

To enable 2-step Verification:

1. Log in to your [Google Account](https://myaccount.google.com/).
2. Select **Security** from the left navigation.
3. Under **How you sign in to Google**, select **2-Step Verification**.
   * If 2-Step Verification is already enabled, skip to the next section.
4. Select **Get started**.
5. Follow the on-screen steps to configure 2-Step Verification.

Refer to [Turn on 2-step Verification](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/185839) for more information.

If you can't turn on 2-step Verification, check with your email administrator.

### Generate an app password <a href="#generate-an-app-password" id="generate-an-app-password"></a>

To generate an app password:

1. In your Google account, go to [App passwords](https://myaccount.google.com/apppasswords).
2. Enter an **App name** for your new app password, like `n8n credential`.
3. Select **Create**.
4. Copy the generated app password. You'll use this in your n8n credential.

Refer to Google's [Sign in with app passwords documentation](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/185833?hl=en) for more information.

## Set up the credential <a href="#set-up-the-credential" id="set-up-the-credential"></a>

To set up the IMAP credential with a Gmail account, use these settings:

1. Enter your Gmail email address as the **User**.
2. Enter the app password you generated above as the **Password**.
3. Enter `imap.gmail.com` as the **Host**.
4. For the **Port**, keep the default port number of `993`. Check with your email administrator if this port doesn't work.
5. Turn on the **SSL/TLS** toggle.
6. Check with your email administrator about whether to **Allow Self-Signed Certificates**.

Refer to [Add Gmail to another client](https://support.google.com/mail/answer/7126229?hl=en) for more information. For personal Google accounts, IMAP access is always enabled. Google removed the **Enable IMAP** / **Disable IMAP** toggle in January 2025. If you're using a Google Workspace account and IMAP doesn't work, check with your email administrator whether they allow IMAP access for your account.