Apple Mail stopped connecting to gmail server four days ago

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Level 1

8 points

Apple Mail stopped connecting to gmail server four days ago

Hi,

I've used Apple mail for my gmail accounts using imap for years. Suddenly about four days ago, I noticed I wasn't receiving any new mail, and the message I got when clicking on the triangle with the exclamation point inside is: "Connections to the server “imap.gmail.com” on the default ports timed out." My internet connection is fine; all three of the browsers and sites work well. It doesn't seem like gmail has changed anything (and their documentation is completely unhelpful), but in the past, Apple Mail has changed settings when I've done an update. I've read all the documentation I could find in the forums, in apple support, reddit, etc., and I can't find a solution that works. I've wasted a lot of time deleting and adding internet accounts to apple mail; trying every option for the servers, shutting down and rebooting; etc. On the web I can access all of my gmail accounts without a problem.

I've been playing around with one account, and I used the connection doctor and it says "Connection and login to server succeeded." But the mail screen still has the warning icon and no emails.

If anyone can help, I'd greatly appreciate it.

I have a 2020 M1 Macbook Pro with Ventura 13.6.9.

Posted on Aug 13, 2024 4:50 PM

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Answer 1

Ronasara

Level 6

15,519 points

Aug 14, 2024 10:27 AM in response to MariePaul

It is necessary to understand that in order for the email app to connect to the email provider's server, an exchange of information takes place. The user ID and password must then be accurately sent to the server within a specified period of time or a disconnect occurs. If there is any difference in what data is transmitted and what is being looked for, the connection will not occur. Therefore, something is not being sent correctly. You can open the email app and very carefully check what you have entered for the user ID and password and correct it. Or you can delete the account from your email app and create a new one. That often solves the problem. If you choose to delete the account, be sure to first save any email messages to a local folder or they will be lost.

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Answer 2

Owl-53

Level 10

103,303 points

Aug 15, 2024 2:22 AM in response to MariePaul

Apple can fix Apple Services, Applications, Operating Systems and Accessories

Apple can not fix Third Party Services like Google email Services

That clearly falls Out-Side of the Domain of Apple and belongs solely with the Third Party Service

Contact a third-party vendor - Apple Support

Google email services uses a Unique Hybrid of IMAP / POP that is not a Standard Full On IMAP nor a Full ON POP protocol

That is where this gets messy

Log into the Google email Account using the Web Browser of choice

Is there a problem using the Web Portal

I suspect not

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Answer 3

MariePaul Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 22, 2024 4:52 PM in response to Owl-53

Thank you. I realize that. Because both Google (gmail) and Apple often update aspects of their software without really informing the endusers of the specifics, I was trying to find out which was responsible. I still don't know. However, after trying a LOT of options on 2 different accounts, the 2 gmail accounts I hadn't touched or changed anything with just started working. And then they all started working. Without my changing anything back.

So, whatever whoever did what, the problem is resolved... Unfortunately it took a week and a lot of troubleshooting on my part. Thank you for your input.

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Answer 4

MariePaul Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 22, 2024 4:55 PM in response to Ronasara

Thank you. I realize that the information has to go back and forth--I've had to delete and add back accounts a number of times over the decade. This time, I had already tried rebooting, deleting and adding back in accounts, setting up the "server" several different ways. The problem resolved itself, probably without any of the actions I took helping at all. (Two of the gmail accounts--the two I didn't experiment with or try to fix--just suddenly started working about a week later. And then the other two suddenly started working.) But thank you for your help!

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Answer 5

MariePaul Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 13, 2024 5:17 PM in response to MariePaul

UPDATE: Interestingly, if I stay on the server settings, after I choose an Outgoing Mail Account, the setting changes back to "None" all by itself. So it seems that the problem really lies with Apple's Mail app.

Thanks.

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Apple Mail stopped connecting to gmail server four days ago

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