Understanding imap.gmail.com Error: Causes and Fixes
While troubleshooting email issues for users and clients, the most common issue that comes up is imap.gmail.com error. When Gmail fails to sync with your email client application like Thunderbird, Outlook, Apple Mail, or a mobile email app, this issue happens. At first, you will get confused when you see the message The mail server imap.gmail.com is not responding.
You don’t need to worry, as in this guide, I am going to explain why the error happens, how to fix it once and for all. What step can you take to avoid data loss during recurring IMAP issues?
What Does the imap.gmail.com Error Mean?
This error simply means that your email client is unable to connect with the Gmail IMAP server. IMAP stands for Internet Message Access Protocol. This helps your mail app sync emails across devices in real time.
You will face issues if the connection breaks below:
- Emails not loading
- Inbox is taking too long to refresh
- Cannot connect to the server alerts
- The mail server imap.gmail.com is not responding to pop-ups
Related article: Gmail Not Working
Common Reasons Behind the Error
Here are some latest causes I have seen:
- IMAP is disabled in Gmail settings – Always check if IMAP is enabled, as most users forget to enable it. If it’s off, the connection always fails.
- Incorrect login credentials – If you are not entering the correct credentials, then it may break the IMAP connection instantly.
- Gmail blocking sign-in – There is built-in security in Gmail, and it blocks third-party apps if it detects a suspicious login attempt.
- App password needed for 2-Step verification – If you are using 2FA, then you must use an a[[ [password instead of your main Gmail password.
- Incorrect incoming server settings
This must be used by your email client:
- IMAP Server: imap.gmail.com
- Port: 993
- SSL: ON
Any mismatch in the above server settings can trigger the imap.gmail.com error
- Network or firewall issues – If you are using Wi-Fi, VPN, or antivirus then disable it for some time, as it might be possible that it is blocking Gmail IMAP ports.
- Email client corruption – Sometimes, your email client profile corruption can block syncing
How I Fix the imap.gmail.com Error ( Step-by-Step)
I personally follow the steps below while fixing the errors of users:
- #Step 1. Enable IMAP in Gmail
- Open Gmail in your browser
- Go to Settings > See all settings
- Open Forwarding and POP/IMAP
- Set IMAP Access > Enable IMAP
- Save Changes
- #Step 2. Double-Check Email Client Settings
- Use the settings below correctly:
- Incoming mail ( IMAP ): imap.gmail.com
- Port: 993
- Encryption: SSL/TLS
- Authentication: ON
- If any of these settings are wrong, you will keep seeing The mail server imap.gmail.com is not responding.
- #Step 3. Generate an App Password ( If 2FA Is ON )
- Go to your Google Account.
- Now, click on Security > App passwords.
- Lastly, generate one and use that password in Outlook and Thunderbird.
- #Step 4. Allow Access for Less Secure Apps ( Only if needed )
- #Step 5. Clear and Re-Add Your Email Account, as this an fix syncing issues.
- #Step 6. Restart Your Internet or Disable VPN/Firewall Temporarily
- #Step 7. Repair Email App Profile via Outlook’s Repair function.
Also read: Gmail is running out of space issue
Still Facing Issues? It Might Be a Server-Side Problem
Sometimes, there is an issue from the Gmail server’s end, resulting in imap.gmail.com.
This only happens occasionally, so you can check the Gmail service status through Google’s dashboard and wait for some time, then try.
Why I Recommend Backing up Gmail When IMAP Errors Repeat
When the issue persists, most users worry about losing their important emails, it happens when the app stops syncing or crashes. That’s the reason I always recommend maintaining an offline backup.
A reliable solution recommended by many professional users is SysTools Gmail Backup Tool. Try it for free now:
I have used it myself in several migrations, and why it is so helpful are the points:
- Download Gmail email to computer in various file formats, i.e. PST, MBOX, EML, MSG, or PDF
- It protects you from email loss due to IMAP errors.
- It works even if the main server imap.gmail.com is not responding.
- You can download emails, attachments, contacts, and calendars easily.
If you back up Gmail on a regular basis it ensures your data stays safe, even when Gmail is not responding.
Author’s Verdict
The imap.gmail.com error may seem technical when you first encounter it, but once you understand why it happens, fixing it becomes much easier. From my experience, I noticed that most of the time, the root cause is usually IMAP settings, network restrictions, or Gmail Security features.
If the issue still persists after all the manual steps that are shared above so it is a wise decision to depend on the backup tool that I have mentioned above for secure and easy backup
FAQ’s.
Q. How can I fix the imap.gmail.com error quickly and easily?
Most of the time, fixing IMAP settings, checking your internet connection and enabling IMAP in Gmail fixes the issue.
Q. IMAP errors happen because of a network issue?
Yes, sometimes because of unstable Wi-Fi, VPN, or firewalls can block Gmail IMAP ports.
Q. Is it possible that Gmail IMAP go down sometimes?
Yes, it can go down in rare cases, but an outage can temporarily cause IMAP errors.
Q. Is removing and re-adding my Gmail account a safe decision?
Yes, it is completely safe and doing this can fix syncing problems without losing data.
Q. Why is Gmail IMAP not working on Outlook?
It happens due to wrong server settings or blocked sign-in attempts.