> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.huntreach.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect a Gmail Account

> Learn how to securely connect a Gmail address to HuntReach via SMTP/IMAP.

***

## 🔗 Step 1: Sign In to Your Gmail Account

The first step is to sign in to your Gmail account. This step is essential before configuring your address on HuntReach.

### How to sign in to Gmail:

1. **Open Gmail**: Go to Gmail via your browser or mobile app.
2. **Enter your login info**: Input your Google email address or phone number, followed by your password.
3. **Access your inbox**: Once signed in, make sure everything is working properly.

## 📝 Step 2: Enable IMAP on Gmail

To allow HuntReach to access your Gmail account, it’s crucial to **enable IMAP**. This protocol lets third-party apps sync your emails without deleting them from the server.

### 📌 What is IMAP?

IMAP (*Internet Message Access Protocol*) allows your email client to access messages directly on the server, unlike **POP3**, which downloads and deletes them.

### 🚀 Why enable IMAP?

HuntReach uses IMAP to retrieve and manage your emails without interfering with your inbox.

### ✅ How to enable IMAP on Gmail:

1. **Go to Gmail settings**:
   * Click the gear icon in the top-right corner.
   * Select **"See all settings"**.
2. **Open the "Forwarding and POP/IMAP" tab**.
3. **Enable IMAP**:
   * Under **"IMAP access"**, select **"Enable IMAP"**.
   * Click **"Save Changes"**.

🎉 Once completed, IMAP is successfully enabled!

## 🔐 Step 3: Enable Two-Factor Authentication on Your Gmail Account

To secure your account, it’s recommended to **enable two-factor authentication (2FA)**. This layer of security is required to connect Gmail to HuntReach.

### 🔑 How to enable 2FA:

1. **Access your Gmail account**.
2. **Go to this link**:\
   👉 [Enable Two-Step Verification](https://myaccount.google.com/signinoptions/two-step-verification)
3. **Enable two-factor authentication**:
   * In the **"Signing in to Google"** section, click **"2-Step Verification"**.
   * Follow the steps to activate it.
4. **Set your verification method**:
   * Choose between **SMS, an authenticator app (like Google Authenticator), or a physical security key**.

## 🔑 Step 4: Create and Activate an App Password for Gmail

HuntReach cannot use your main Gmail password. **Google requires an app-specific password** to ensure secure connections.

### 🎯 How to create an app password:

1. **Go to Google App Passwords**:\
   👉 [Generate an app password](https://myaccount.google.com/apppasswords)
2. **Select the app and device**:
   * Choose **"Mail"** in the dropdown menu.
   * Select **"Other (Custom name)"**, and name it something like **"HuntReach"**.
3. **Generate the password** and **save it securely**.
   * **Important**: This password **will only be shown once**!

🔐 **Store your app password securely**, as it cannot be retrieved later.

## ✅ Step 5: Connect Your Gmail to HuntReach

You're now ready to connect your Gmail address to HuntReach and start your cold email campaigns.

### 📌 Steps to connect Gmail to HuntReach:

1. **Log in to your HuntReach account**.
2. **Go to the email settings**:\
   👉 [HuntReach Email Settings](https://app.huntreach.com/dashboard/settings/emails)
3. **Connect your email**:
   * Click **"Connect Email"**.
   * Select **"Gmail"**.
   * Enter your Gmail address and the **app password** you generated.
4. **Add your signature**:
   * Include a custom signature that will appear in your cold email campaigns.
5. **Complete the connection** by clicking **"Connect Email"**.

🎉 **Congratulations!** Your Gmail account is now connected to HuntReach.

## 🔍 Step 6: Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you run into problems, here are some common solutions:

| Issue                | Solution                                                          |
| -------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Connection error** | Make sure your app password is entered correctly.                 |
| **IMAP disabled**    | Double-check that IMAP is enabled in your Gmail settings.         |
| **2FA not enabled**  | Enable two-factor authentication before creating an app password. |

❌ **Need help?** If the issue persists, contact HuntReach support for personalized assistance.