Inbox By Gmail SMTP Settings
Anant Gupta
CONTENTS
Inbox by Gmail SMTP: A Complete Configuration Guide
Inbox by Gmail was a Google email experience designed to help you focus on what matters, with features like Bundles, Highlights, Reminders, Assists, and Snooze to streamline organization and productivity across web and mobile (Android and iOS).
While the standalone Inbox app and interface have been discontinued, your underlying Gmail account and SMTP/IMAP/POP access continue to work through standard Gmail settings so you can still send and receive mail in desktop and mobile clients.
This guide covers the SMTP configuration you’ll use with a Gmail account (formerly used by Inbox), plus IMAP and POP details for reliable incoming mail.
Why Configure SMTP for Gmail?
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) handles outgoing messages. Configuring Gmail’s SMTP server in your email client lets you send mail from your Gmail address within Outlook, Apple Mail, Thunderbird, or other apps. With proper authentication and encryption, your messages are delivered securely and recognized as coming from your Gmail account.
Inbox by Gmail SMTP Settings
Use these details to configure outgoing mail in any email client:
- SMTP Server Address: smtp.gmail.com
- Username: Your full Gmail address (e.g., example@gmail.com or your Google Workspace address)
- Password: Your Google account password or an app-specific password if 2-Step Verification is enabled
- Port (Submission with TLS): 587 (STARTTLS)
- Authentication: Required
Tips:
- If you use 2-Step Verification, generate an app password for your mail client in your Google Account > Security.
- Some clients support port 465 with SSL/TLS. Port 587 with STARTTLS is the recommended submission port.
Gmail POP3 and IMAP Settings
Choose IMAP for syncing across multiple devices, or POP3 if you prefer one-device download workflows.
Gmail IMAP Settings (recommended for multiple devices)
- IMAP Server: imap.gmail.com
- Port: 993
- SSL Required: Yes
- Username: Your full Gmail address
- Password: Your Google account password or app-specific password (with 2SV)
Gmail POP3 Settings (single-device download)
- POP Server: pop.gmail.com
- Port: 995
- SSL Required: Yes
- Username: Your full Gmail address
- Password: Your Google account password or app-specific password (with 2SV)
Note: In Gmail web settings, enable IMAP (and POP if needed) under Settings > See all settings > Forwarding and POP/IMAP.
Step-by-Step: Configure Gmail SMTP in Your Email Client
The process is similar in Outlook, Apple Mail, and Thunderbird.
- Open your email client’s Accounts/Preferences.
- Add a new account and enter your name and Gmail address.
- Incoming mail:
- Select IMAP (imap.gmail.com, port 993, SSL on) or POP (pop.gmail.com, port 995, SSL on).
- Outgoing mail (SMTP):
- Server: smtp.gmail.com
- Port: 587
- Security: STARTTLS (TLS)
- Authentication: Required; use your full Gmail address and password (or app password).
- Save and test by sending a plain-text email to another address.
Step-by-Step: Configure Gmail SMTP in Your Email Client
The process is similar in Outlook, Apple Mail, and Thunderbird.
- Open your email client’s Accounts/Preferences.
- Add a new account and enter your name and Gmail address.
- Incoming mail:
- Select IMAP (imap.gmail.com, port 993, SSL on) or POP (pop.gmail.com, port 995, SSL on).
- Outgoing mail (SMTP):
- Server: smtp.gmail.com
- Port: 587
- Security: STARTTLS (TLS)
- Authentication: Required; use your full Gmail address and password (or app password).
- Save and test by sending a plain-text email to another address.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Two-factor authentication: If 2-Step Verification is on, use an app-specific password for legacy clients. Many modern clients support OAuth 2.0 sign-in.
- Less secure apps: Google no longer allows “less secure app” access. Use OAuth 2.0 or app passwords.
- Sending limits: Gmail enforces daily send limits and recipient caps to prevent abuse—suitable for everyday emails, not bulk campaigns.
- Aliases and “Send mail as”: If you send from aliases, verify them in Gmail web settings > Accounts and Import > Send mail as.
- Security best practices: Always use SSL/TLS or STARTTLS and require SMTP authentication.
Conclusion
Even though Inbox by Gmail’s unique interface has sunset, your Gmail account remains fully compatible with standard email clients via SMTP, IMAP, and POP.
Configure smtp.gmail.com on port 587 with STARTTLS for secure, authenticated sending, pair it with IMAP on port 993 for seamless syncing, and you’ll have a reliable, modern email setup across all your devices.
For routine communication, Gmail’s SMTP works well; if you need high-volume sending, consider a dedicated email delivery service that supports your scale and compliance needs.
