---
title: "Connect Gmail With SMTP"
description: "Step-by-step guide to connect Gmail with SMTP. Seamlessly set up email configuration for efficient communication."
url: https://helpcenter.smartlead.ai/en/articles/4-connect-gmail-with-smtp
collection: "Email Disconnection Errors"
updated: 2026-10-27
language: en
---

# Connect Gmail With SMTP

Step-by-step guide to connect Gmail with SMTP. Seamlessly set up email configuration for efficient communication.

Follow these simple steps to connect your Gmail account securely with Smartlead using IMAP and SMTP.

### 1\. Confirm IMAP is Enabled in Gmail

**Note:**  
Gmail now enables IMAP by default for personal accounts. The traditional **Enable/Disable IMAP** buttons may no longer appear in the Gmail interface. Instead, you'll see a message like:

> _"Access Gmail from other clients using IMAP"_

If you see this, IMAP is already active and no further action is needed.

#### If You’re Using a Google Workspace Account:

In some cases, especially in corporate or school accounts, IMAP might be disabled by your admin. If that’s the case:

1.  Ask your Google Workspace Admin to go to [admin.google.com](https://admin.google.com)
    
2.  Navigate to:  
    **Apps > Google Workspace > Gmail > End User Access**
    
3.  Ensure **IMAP Access** is enabled for your organizational unit
    

Once enabled, you can proceed with the steps below.

See screenshot:

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/NekW0f5QtG4mjziROkoaeaHLlaiXkROYpVmp93ZnWl2Gm949aOWfZUOtvgZJ49AW26VVV5sDdeS.png)

### 2\. Enable 2-Step Verification

1.  Open your **Google Account** at [myaccount.google.com](https://myaccount.google.com).
    
2.  Click on the **Security** tab in the left menu.
    
3.  Scroll to **“Signing in to Google”** and click **2-Step Verification**.
    
4.  If it’s not enabled, click **Get Started**.
    
5.  Enter your Google account password when prompted.
    
6.  Add your phone number and verify using the OTP sent to you.
    
7.  Click **Turn On** to complete the process.
    
8.  You’ll now see a checkmark next to 2-Step Verification in your Security tab.
    

[Learn more](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/185839?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop).

### 3\. Generate an App Password

1.  In your Google Account’s **Security** tab, go to **2-Step Verification**.
    
2.  Scroll to the bottom and click **App passwords**.
    
3.  For the app, select **Mail**.
    
4.  For the device, choose **Other (Custom name)** and enter a label like “Smartlead”.
    
5.  Click **Generate**.
    
6.  Copy the generated 16-character password.
    

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/tvFzGWe0iA9SLv9ApCEiHRIbjzMV8IJtdgC0qfKbrTaAXau3CMkzL8LSg9vVaa4gg1gqCplETtP.png)

### 4\. Add Your Gmail Account in Smartlead

1.  Go to [app.smartlead.ai](https://app.smartlead.ai) and log in.
    
2.  Navigate to the **Email Accounts** tab.
    
3.  Click **Add Account**.
    
4.  Enter your Gmail address and **app password** (not your regular Gmail password).
    
5.  Use the following server settings:
    
    -   **SMTP Host:** `smtp.gmail.com`
        
    -   **SMTP Port:** `465`
        
    -   **SSL:** `True`
        
    -   **IMAP Host:** `imap.gmail.com`
        
    -   **IMAP Port:** `993`
        
    -   **SSL:** `True`
        
6.  Click **Test Connection**.
    
7.  You’ll receive a test email on your Gmail account.
    
8.  If successful, you’ll see a confirmation message.
    

### ⚠ Recommended: Use OAuth Instead

While connecting via IMAP and App Password works, **Google OAuth is the more secure and reliable method**. It doesn’t require storing passwords and reduces the risk of disconnection due to security policy changes.

To set up OAuth instead, follow Smartlead’s official guide to [Google OAuth setup](https://helpcenter.smartlead.ai/en/articles/18-gmailgoogle-oauth-1-click-authentication.md).