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Connect Gmail via IMAP (Free Alternative) ​

If you don't want to pay for the Google Workspace premium integration, you can connect a personal Gmail account for free using IMAP with an App Password.

Google Workspace / work accounts

If your email is managed by a company or school (e.g. you@yourcompany.com powered by Google), see Connecting a Google Workspace Account below — App Passwords are often disabled by your admin, and OAuth is needed.

Personal Gmail Accounts (@gmail.com) ​

Prerequisites ​

  • A @gmail.com or @googlemail.com address
  • 2-Step Verification enabled (enable it here)

Step 1 — Generate an App Password ​

  1. Go to Google Account Security
  2. Under "How you sign in to Google", click 2-Step Verification
  3. Scroll to the bottom and click App passwords
  4. Under "Select app" choose Mail, under "Select device" choose Other and type Ascend
  5. Click Generate
  6. Copy the 16-character password — you won't be able to see it again

⚠️ This password grants full read access to your inbox. Store it securely or delete it from your Google account when you disconnect Ascend.

Step 2 — Connect in Ascend ​

  1. Go to Settings → Integrations
  2. Click Connect on Other Email Provider (IMAP)
  3. Click the Gmail preset tile — server settings fill in automatically
  4. Enter your Gmail address and the App Password from Step 1
  5. Click Connect

IMAP settings (filled automatically by the Gmail preset):

SettingValue
IMAP Hostimap.gmail.com
Port993
SecuritySSL/TLS

Enable IMAP in Gmail (if not already on) ​

If you get a connection error, check that IMAP is enabled:

  1. Open Gmail → click the gear ⚙️ → See all settings
  2. Go to Forwarding and POP/IMAP
  3. Under IMAP Access, select Enable IMAP
  4. Click Save Changes

Google Workspace Accounts (work/school email) ​

Google Workspace accounts (you@yourcompany.com) are managed by your organisation's Google Admin. There are two scenarios:

The premium Google Workspace integration connects via OAuth and works with all Workspace accounts regardless of admin restrictions. It also syncs Google Calendar, which IMAP cannot do.

  1. Go to Settings → Integrations
  2. Click Connect on the Google Workspace card
  3. Sign in with your work Google account and grant permissions

This requires a paid Ascend plan or the $2/mo Google add-on.

Option B — IMAP with App Password (if permitted by your admin) ​

Some Workspace admins allow App Passwords. To check:

  1. Go to myaccount.google.com/security
  2. Look for App passwords under the 2-Step Verification section
  3. If the option is not visible, your admin has disabled it — use Option A instead

If App passwords is available, follow the same steps as personal Gmail above.

Ask your IT admin

Some Workspace admins can enable App Passwords for your account on request, or may have a specific process for connecting third-party email clients.

Limitations vs. the Google Workspace Integration ​

FeatureIMAP (free)Google Workspace (premium)
Gmail inbox sync✅✅
Google Calendar sync❌✅
Real-time push updates❌ (polling)✅
Works with Workspace (org) accounts⚠️ Admin dependent✅ Always
Automatic token renewal❌ (reconnect if changed)✅

Troubleshooting ​

"Authentication failed"

  • Make sure you used the App Password, not your regular Gmail password
  • Check that 2-Step Verification is still enabled — disabling it revokes all App Passwords

"App passwords" option not visible

Gmail not syncing

  • Confirm IMAP is enabled in Gmail settings (see Enable IMAP above)

Related: IMAP Setup for other providers · Integrations Overview