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

# Connect an inbox with IMAP

> Connect an inbox at any provider over IMAP so Billpal imports documents from it.

IMAP connects inboxes at any provider that doesn't have its own tile in Billpal, for example GMX, IONOS, Fastmail, or your web host. Gmail, Microsoft, iCloud, and Yahoo have their own guides under [Email inbox](/en/email).

<Note>
  Some providers, such as GMX and WEB.DE, require you to turn on IMAP access in your mailbox settings first.
</Note>

<Steps>
  <Step title="Choose IMAP">
    Go to **Settings > Email**, click **Add**, and choose **IMAP**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter your details">
    In **Connect IMAP**, enter your address under **Email** and your password below it. If your provider uses two-factor authentication, you need an app password from your provider instead. **Display name** sets what the inbox is called in Billpal.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check the server settings">
    Billpal usually detects the mail server from your address, so you can skip this step. If it doesn't, open **Server settings** and enter your provider's details:

    * **IMAP host**, for example imap.example.com
    * **IMAP username**. Leave it blank if it's the same as your email address.
    * **Port**, usually 993
    * **TLS / SSL**, normally on

    You'll find these details in your provider's help pages, usually under "IMAP" or "set up an email app".
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set the start date and connect">
    Use **Start date** to choose how far back Billpal imports documents. If you send your own invoices by email, also check **Also import invoices from your Sent folder**. Then click **Connect**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

For the start date options and what Billpal imports from your inbox, see [Import documents from your inbox](/en/email).

## If something goes wrong

| Message | Cause | Fix |
| - | - | - |
| "We could not detect your mail server. Enter the IMAP host from your provider." | Billpal couldn't work out the server from your address. | Open **Server settings** and enter the IMAP host. |
| "Login was rejected. Check the password, or the host" | The password is wrong, your provider requires an app password, or the host is wrong. A common mistake is a host that starts with "web" instead of "imap". | Check the password and host. If you use two-factor authentication, create an app password. |
| "Could not reach the mail server" | The host or port is wrong, or TLS / SSL is off although the server requires it. | Compare the server settings with your provider's details. |
| "Too many connect attempts" | Too many failed attempts in a short time. | Wait the time shown, then try again. |
| **Expired** | You changed the password or revoked the app password. | Under **Settings > Email**, click **Reconnect** on the inbox and enter the new password. |


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