IH8computers

Q: adding a gmail account to an iMac

I am trying to add my gmail account to my iMac.  AOL added fine, gmail keeps giving me an error message "connection failed"  please help before I throw this machine out the window

iMac, iOS 9

Posted on Aug 7, 2016 12:23 PM

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Q: adding a gmail account to an iMac

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  • by steven_a1,

    steven_a1 steven_a1 Aug 8, 2016 10:30 AM in response to IH8computers
    Community Specialists
    Aug 8, 2016 10:30 AM in response to IH8computers

    Hello IH8computers,

     

    Thanks for your post. I see you’re not able to add your gmail account to your iMac, it’s giving you a connection failed error. I know how important it is to have all your accounts in one location. I’ll be happy to help.

     

    First, I’d recommend trying to log in to your email using a browser to make sure there isn’t an issue with the account, either a password issue, or a security setting like two step authentication with Google. 

     

    Next, if all is well with the account itself, check out this resource with Google on issues with adding your account to an Apple Device: 

    Signing in with an Apple device - Accounts Help

     

    Have an awesome day!

  • by IH8computers,

    IH8computers IH8computers Aug 9, 2016 2:12 PM in response to steven_a1
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 9, 2016 2:12 PM in response to steven_a1

    This is the message I get when I try and add the gmail account now/  I know my password is correct, I can log in through the browser and check my email and I get my gmail on my iPad and iPhone, just can't get it on my iMac.

     

    Logging in to the Google IMAP server “imap.gmail.com” failed. Make sure the user name and password you entered are correct, then click Continue. If the information isn’t correct, you cannot receive messages.

  • by chris_g1,

    chris_g1 chris_g1 Aug 9, 2016 2:33 PM in response to IH8computers
    Community Specialists
    Aug 9, 2016 2:33 PM in response to IH8computers

    Greetings IH8computers,

     

    Thanks for getting back to us and trying those steps. I found an article in the Google support forums that might help. Looks like you’ve done most that’s on that site, but I do want to point out a specific part that could cause that error you’re getting. The resource I found is here:

    I'm having problems downloading mail - Gmail Help

    Did you enable SSL for the IMAP server?

    Make sure SSL is active for IMAP in your mail client. For more information, please review the configuration instructions for your specific client.

    The part about enabling SSL for the IMAP server in the Apple Mail preferences is probably what is going to fix this. Since you know your password is correct, SSL might not be enabled causing the connection to look like an incorrect password. 

     

    Take care.

  • by quiet_imac_fan,

    quiet_imac_fan quiet_imac_fan Aug 28, 2016 4:49 PM in response to IH8computers
    Level 1 (12 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 28, 2016 4:49 PM in response to IH8computers

    i had a horrific time with mail.  first COX was working in mail but not for registering icloud (message not received).  icloud email is not allowed for apple id.  all said and done (allot of password queries during setting up apps between iphone imac - tons - like hours of ID retyping ughg)

     

    then i used gmail.  that worked fine.  next day: CONNECTION failed.  gmail worked online but not on imac

     

    (0) when i first setup i did so using WIFI as i was demonstrating the unit not near a lan jack.

     

    (1) i then enabled LAN and not wifi, that somehow worked i'm suspicious of a that being luck

     

    (2) next i enabled wifi for use with iphone on both iphone imac

     

    (3) things were working for a while

     

    (4) between apple ID sessions (getting on off icloud) gmail STOPPED WORKING

     

    * i completely removed and re-added gmail.  didn't help at all.

     

    ** i looked for google settings by googling it.  everyone should do that (just incase the defaults change to something wrong)

     

    *** newbies to this problem should know smtp settings are accessed by: mail->menu mail->menu preferences (not accounts)->accounts (within preferences)->account info->outgoing mail smtp->edit smtp servers

     

    SOLUTION FOR ME:

     

    i finally figured out: the iMac MUST have switched between wifi and lan.  because my lan's firewall was not setup to forward SSL TSL IMAPS 993, 587, 645 (it blocked them).  i might have know but the iMac used wifi without my knowing: so i never knew my LAN was rejecting these (it was not present in mind it might be).  I've not yet seen a port list of what to "not block" when using a mac.  but added these to go though now

     

    LESSION: be aware if you have LAN and WIFI (and bluetooth?) enabled there may be switching trouble.  enable only one and get that to work, one at a time until they all work.  THEN enable them all

  • by quiet_imac_fan,

    quiet_imac_fan quiet_imac_fan Aug 29, 2016 11:39 AM in response to quiet_imac_fan
    Level 1 (12 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 29, 2016 11:39 AM in response to quiet_imac_fan

    every day of the few days i've had my iMac i have a GMAIL issue - ONLY gmail

     

    today it's a new gmail feature (either new or altered by google - perhaps an attack on competitors)

     

    the feature is: in settings there is an "IMAP DISABLED".  it was disabled i certainly didn't disable it.  it is nebulous on why an internet mail would have imap off by default or if a default (imap was made to support internet mail and not by ggogle).  IT GOES FURTHER to explain that some apple apps will be blocked due to the way they use imap.

     

    GMAIL then goes on to explain "YOU SHOULD NOT USE APPLE'S TWO FACTOR SECURITY our servers interfere with it"

     

    my only question is what tricks will this competitor pull next?

     

    yet another feature of google is "apple users loggin in from apps not from google internet page must WAIT AN HOUR BETWEEN ATTEMPTS" if a misconfigured attempts had been made.  there are maybe 10 settings the possibly number of re-tries needed are ASTOUNDING - meaning an infinite wait to "use gmail" is quite possible for some.

     

    why Apple doesn't steer people away from using a competitor's email for business transaction i have no idea (IE: warn me in the mail setup gmail has a history for trouble causing or dont even show their icon).

     

    it has %100 absolutely prevented me from making at least TWO APP PURCHASES which i may make at some later date - but due to time lost did not