IMAP Setup Guide
Learn how to generate app-specific passwords and configure IMAP access for your email provider.
IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) is a standard way to access your email from different devices and applications. It allows us to read your emails to find subscription receipts.
Important: For security, most email providers require you to create an "app password" instead of using your regular password. This is a special password that only works for specific apps and can be revoked anytime without changing your main password.
Most email providers support IMAP. You'll need to find:
- Your provider's IMAP server address (usually starts with "imap.")
- The IMAP port (typically 993 for secure connections)
- How to generate an app password for your account
Common IMAP Servers:
| Provider | IMAP Server | Port |
|---|---|---|
| Yahoo Mail | imap.mail.yahoo.com | 993 |
| AOL Mail | imap.aol.com | 993 |
| Zoho Mail | imap.zoho.com | 993 |
| FastMail | imap.fastmail.com | 993 |
| GMX Mail | imap.gmx.com | 993 |
Note: ProtonMail requires ProtonMail Bridge for IMAP access.
Having trouble connecting? Here are common solutions:
SSL/TLS Connection Errors:
- Double-check your IMAP server address (no typos)
- Verify you're using port 993 (most common for IMAP with SSL)
- Make sure IMAP is enabled in your email provider's settings
- Try generating a new app password
Authentication Errors:
- Confirm you're using an app-specific password, not your regular password
- Check that two-factor authentication is enabled (required for app passwords)
- Verify your email address is correct
- Some providers require you to enable "less secure app access"
Timeout Errors:
- Check your internet connection
- Verify your firewall isn't blocking IMAP connections
- Try again in a few minutes (server might be temporarily busy)
Still having issues? Some email providers have specific requirements or restrictions. Check your provider's documentation for IMAP-specific setup instructions.
We take your privacy seriously. When you use IMAP discovery, your credentials are:
- Used only once to connect to your email
- Never stored on our servers
- Transmitted securely over encrypted connections
We only read email subject lines and sender information to identify subscription receipts. No email content is stored or saved.
You can revoke app passwords anytime from your email provider's security settings.