> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ochats.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ochats.io/module-tutorial/connect-to-channels/email.md).

# Connect Your Email Account

Connect your existing email inbox via SMTP and IMAP settings.

Connect to your existing email account via SMTP. Then, receive and reply email from oChats. Here is a simple guide on how to fill in the required field in the form

* **From Email**: Insert your email address
* **SMTP Settings**
  * **Email**: Insert your email address
  * **Password**: Insert your email password
  * **Server**: Insert your stmp server link. You can get this information from your **email provider**. Usually it comes in this format <*stmpserver.inbox.com*> or <*mail.companyname.com*>.
  * **Port**: Insert port number. You can get this information from your email provider. The number is usually:
    * Port **465**
    * Port **993**
    * etc
  * **Username**: Insert your email address
  * **Secure connection (TLS/SSL)**: This server requires a secure connection (TLS/SSL): You can check this information with your email provider whether your email requires secure connection or not.

{% hint style="info" %}
Enable **IMAP access** & use **2-step verification password** for IMAP. Check out this guide for more information.
{% endhint %}

* **IMAP Settings**
  * **Server**: Insert your stmp server link. You can get this information from your **email provider**. Usually it comes in this format <*stmpserver.inbox.com*> or <*mail.companyname.com*>.
  * **Port**: Insert port number. You can get this information from your email provider. The number is usually:
    * Port **465**
    * Port **993**
    * etc
  * **Username**: Insert your email address
  * **Secure connection (TLS/SSL)**: This server requires a secure connection (TLS/SSL): You can check this information with your email provider whether your email requires secure connection or not.

## Connecting a Gmail account

Gmail uses its own fixed SMTP/IMAP servers and requires an **App Password** instead of your regular account password when connecting a third-party app like oChats.

### Step 1: Email credentials

* **Email**: your Gmail address
* **Password**: your Gmail **App Password** (see note below — not your regular Gmail password)

### Step 2: SMTP settings (for sending mail)

* **Server**: `smtp.gmail.com`
* **Port**: `587`
* **Username**: your Gmail address
* **Secure connection (TLS/SSL)**: Yes

### Step 3: IMAP settings (for receiving mail)

* **Server**: `imap.gmail.com`
* **Port**: `993`
* **Username**: your Gmail address
* **Secure connection (TLS/SSL)**: Yes

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Important notes:**

* Gmail requires an **App Password** rather than your regular account password when connecting third-party apps. You'll need **2-Step Verification** turned on for your Google account to generate one (Google Account → Security → App Passwords).
* Make sure **IMAP access** is enabled in Gmail: Settings → See all settings → Forwarding and POP/IMAP → Enable IMAP.
  {% endhint %}