How do I enable IMAP and SMTP for Gmail?

You use Gmail (or Google Workspace) and need IMAP/SMTP turned on at Google before a classic mail client can connect with a password, or you want to confirm server names.

Tip for Neat Mail AI: For @gmail.com / Google Workspace, Sign in with Google (OAuth) inside the app is usually easier than IMAP + password. Use the steps below when you intentionally use IMAP/SMTP.

Step 1 — Open Gmail on the web
Go to mail.google.com and sign in with the same mailbox.
Step 2 — Open all settings
Click the gear (Settings) → See all settings.
Step 3 — Enable IMAP
Open the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab. Under “IMAP access”, choose Enable IMAP. Scroll down and click Save Changes.
Step 4 — SMTP is on by default
Gmail does not have a separate “enable SMTP” switch for normal accounts. Sending uses authenticated SMTP with your account.
Step 5 — If Google blocks “less secure” sign-in
Google no longer supports “less secure apps”. With 2-Step Verification enabled, create an App password (Google Account → Security → App passwords) and use that 16-character value as the password in Neat Mail AI’s IMAP/SMTP form — not your normal Gmail password.
Step 6 — Typical host names in the client
IMAP: imap.gmail.com, port 993, SSL/TLS.
SMTP: smtp.gmail.com, port 587 (STARTTLS) or 465 (SSL), authentication required, same username (full address) and the app password if applicable.

Official reference: Google — Check Gmail through other email platforms.