How to configure Gmail in your Evolution inbox

Gmail introduced IMAP on their email systems this week. It may not be available to you yet, but they are working pretty fast to do so.

You can check if you have it or not by going to your Gmail account, them Settings. Check that on the top menu says “Forwarding and POP/IMAP” instead of just “Forwarding and POP”.

If not, make sure your language is set to “English (US)”.


If/when you do have the option, go to the menu and check the “Enable IMAP” radio button.


Now open your Evolution client and add the following settings:

=> Identity Tab
- Full Name: Name you’d like to be displayed on your messages
- Email Address: You full Gmail address


=> Receiving E-mail
Server Type: IMAP
Server: imap.gmail.com:993
Username: Your complete Gmail address
Security: SSL
Authentication Type: Password
Remember Password: Check (optional)


=> Sending E-mail
Server Type: SMTP
Server: smtp.gmail.com:587
Server Requires Authentication: Check
Security: TLS
Authentication Type: Login
Username: Your complete Gmail address
Remember Password: Check (optional)


After that click on send and receive. You should start getting your messages. I’ve heard some people saying that they had to restart Evolution for it to start working (also complaints that IMAP on Evolution is really slow).

You will see the folders added to the left pane of your Evolution inbox.