How to Use IMAP With Gmail

Using IMAP with Gmail isn't as complicated as it sounds. With a few simple clicks and keystrokes, you can be on your way to becoming an expert IMAP user. Use the following tips to learn how to set up and use IMAP with Gmail.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Enable IMAP by signing into your Gmal account using your account name and password, clicking on "Settings," selecting "Forwarding and POP/IMAP" and choosing "Enable IMAP."

2. Determine what device you want to use with IMAP. You may choose to use IMAP with a computer or a wireless device.

3. Access the "Help" center, the "Forwarding & POP/IMAP" section and the "Supported IMAP Client List."

4. Select "Outlook Express," "Outlook 2003" or "Outlook 2007" for Windows, "Apple Mail" or "Apple Mail 3.0 for Leopard," "Windows Mail" or "Thunderbird 2.0" as your email client. Choose "iPhone," "Blackberry," "Symbian," "Windows Mobile 5," "Windows Mobile 6" or "SnapperMail." You may also select "Other" if your device or email client doesn't fit into any of these categories.

5. Follow the directions to configure your email client or device.

6. Finish setting up your email client or wireless device to work with IMAP. Verify that your email client or wireless device works with IMAP by watching your email messages download onto your client or device and sort using your labels and folders.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't attempt to use IMAP with Gmail's Basic HTML interface. Standard view is necessary to perform all the functions.
• Gmail doesn't provide support for configuration of email clients or devices.