Easy Solutions to Fix Imap.gmail.com is not Working Error

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  • Updated on February 4th, 2025

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Summary: Gmail is a widely used email client among tech users for communication, management, backup, and security. It relies on IMAP, POP, and SMTP servers to perform these tasks efficiently. However, sometimes the IMAP server encounters issues, preventing proper communication. In this blog, we will explore various methods to fix the “imap.gmail.com is not working” error. Additionally, we will discuss a professional method that not only resolves the issue but also ensures the safety of your data.

Common Causes for IMAP.Gmail.com Not Working

There are various reasons for IMAP errors. A few of them are mentioned below. Go through all of them:

  1. Misconfiguring the IMAP settings in your email client.
  2. An outdated email client may cause compatibility issues.
  3. A slow or unstable internet connection might also block IMAP.
  4. Your security software may be blocking the IMAP connections.
  5. A corrupted email profile can stop the proper IMAP authentication.
  6. Gmail might block the IMAP access due to the suspect login attempts.
  7. If IMAP has been turned off in your Gmail, then your email won’t be able to sync.

How to Fix the IMAP.Gmail.com is Not Working Issue?

You can use the following methods to fix the IMAP server error. We will first explore some manual solutions before moving on to a professional tool.

Manually Solve “IMAP.Gmail.com is not responding” Error

If you are getting the “IMAP is not responding” error, it means your email client fails to connect with Gmail’s IMAP server. It could be because of improper settings, network problems, or security restrictions. Below are the step-by-step troubleshooting methods for you to manually resolve the problem.

#1: Verify Internet Connection

Before trying advanced or technical troubleshooting, ensure your internet is stable and active. For this, open any web page to assure yourself about connectivity. If the internet is unstable or inactive, restart and check the router’s or network’s configuration.

#2: Check Gmail IMAP Settings to Solve “imap.gmail.com is not working”

After checking internet connectivity, make sure your IMAP is enabled to sync messages. For this, follow the below steps to verify:

  1. First, open a Gmail account in your preferred browser.
  2. After that, go to the settings (⚙️) option and select the See All Settings option.
  3. Next, click on the Forward and POP/IMAP option.
  4. Under IMAP access, mark the IMAP enable option.
  5. In the end, click on the Save button to save changes if any were made.

#3: Verify Incoming and Outgoing Server Settings

Incorrect server settings may prevent an email client from syncing with Gmail. IMAP and SMTP settings need to be configured correctly as follows:

SMTP (Outgoing Mail Server)

  • SMTP Server: smtp.gmail.com
  • Port: 465
  • Authentication Required: Yes
  • Username: Your full Gmail address
  • Password: Your Gmail account password or App Password

IMAP (Incoming Mail Server)

  • IMAP Server: imap.gmail.com
  • Port: 993
  • SSL/TLS: Enabled
  • Authentication Required: Yes

#4: Disable Firewall and Antivirus Temporarily

Sometimes, security software such as firewalls and antivirus programs will block IMAP connections. Try the following:

  1. Try to disable your firewall/antivirus temporarily
  2. If IMAP starts working, add an exception for your email client.

#5: Clear Cache and Cookies to Solve “imap.gmail.com is not working”

If an IMAP issue arises in a browser-based email client, clearing your cookies and cache helps you. For this, follow the steps:

For Chrome Users”:

  1. First, open the Chrome application on your default system.
  2. After that, go to the menu (three-dot) option.
  3. Next, under the menu, select Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data.
  4. Now, mark and check Cookies and site data and the cached image and file option.
  5. Click on the clear data option
  6. Again, open and verify to see if the issue is fixed.

Eliminate “imap.gmail.com Cannot be Verified” Error Effortlessly

The IMAP error may occur for reasons like configuration settings, security restrictions, and connectivity issues. To avoid interference and data loss, the use of a Gmail Backup Tool would be the ideal solution. A Gmail Backup Tool securely backs up your entire account, including your emails, contacts, and attachments, in the formats PST, MBOX, and EML. You could then retrieve emails at any point without relying on IMAP by keeping a backup. This tool gives you smooth, uninterrupted access to your Gmail data.

Quick Steps to Solve “imap.gmail.com is not working”

  1. First, download and install the Gmail Backup Tool on your default system.
  2. After that, to verify your authentication, enter your username and third-party app password.
  3. Next, select Gmail as a source icon/mail client.
  4. A tree structure will appear containing Gmail folders; check the folders that you want to backup and click Next.
  5. Now, select PDF as a destination file format.
  6. Next, choose the additional feature provided by the application.
  7. After that, provide a destination location to save your file.
  8. In the end, click on the Save button.

Conclusion

In this blog, we have covered both manual and professional methods to resolve the “imap.gmail.com is not working” issue. Tech-savvy users can opt for the manual approach, while both technical and non-technical users can benefit from a professional tool. The professional tool is user-friendly, featuring an intuitive graphical interface that simplifies the process, making it accessible to everyone.

About The Author:

Suman Rawat is a technical content writer and expert in the fields of email migration, data recovery, and email backup. Her passion for helping people has led her to resolve many user queries related to data conversion and cloud backup.

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