Problems connecting to IMAP server using Apple Mail Version 16

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Problems connecting to IMAP server using Apple Mail Version 16

Problems connecting to gmail servers with Mail. Keep getting this message - "Connections to the server “imap.gmail.com” on the default ports timed out." I'm using Ventura 13.7.8 on my older iMac and I also have a Macbook and iPhone 16 and have no problems on those two devices. I can run Gmail in a webpage but can't send or receive messages and can't seem to refresh the settings. I tried to turn off the firewall, turn off the VPN and I've even tried deleting the internet accounts and reinstalling them. Looked at all the ideas online to try to fix the problem to no avail. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

iMac 27″ 5K, macOS 13.7

Posted on Sep 12, 2026 2:24 PM

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Answer 1

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PreCognition

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Sep 12, 2026 2:39 PM in response to dougfromking city

Since Gmail works in a browser and on your other devices, I’d focus on the Gmail account setup on that iMac.

When you added the account back, did you choose Google in System Settings > Internet Accounts, rather than adding it manually as an IMAP account? Google now expects the “Sign in with Google” method for Apple Mail, and that handles the authentication automatically.

I’d also open Mail > Window > Connection Doctor and see whether the failure is specifically on IMAP, SMTP, or both.

Since you’ve already removed and re-added the account, I wouldn’t keep changing server settings manually. If it still times out after adding it through the Google option, the Connection Doctor result would help narrow down what’s blocking that Mac.

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