Where your email provider stores this information
Your IMAP username and password are the same credentials you use to log into your email account on the web. If you can sign into Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo Mail, or your company email in a browser, you already know both pieces. The username is usually your full email address or the part before the @ symbol, depending on your provider.
The password is what you typed when you set up your account or last changed it. If you have forgotten it, you will need to reset it through your email provider's website before you can connect an app or device using IMAP.
Some email providers also create app-specific passwords — a separate, temporary password just for connecting phones, tablets, or desktop apps. Gmail, Microsoft Outlook, and Yahoo all offer this option for security reasons. If your provider requires one, you will generate it from your account settings, not from IMAP itself.
Key Takeaways
- Your IMAP username is almost always your full email address, and your password is the same one you use to log in on the web.
- If you have forgotten your password, reset it through your email provider's website before trying to set up IMAP on a device or app.
- Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo require an app-specific password for IMAP connections on phones and third-party apps — you generate this from your account settings, not from the app itself.
- Your email provider's support page or account settings menu will tell you the exact IMAP server address and port number your device needs.
How to find your username in Gmail
In Gmail, your IMAP username is your full email address — the one that ends in @gmail.com. You can confirm this by signing into Gmail on the web, clicking your profile picture in the top right, and selecting "Manage your Google Account." Your email address appears at the top of the page under the "Personal info" tab.
If you need an app-specific password for a phone or third-party email app, go to your Google Account settings, select "Security" from the left menu, scroll down to "App passwords," and follow the prompts. Google will generate a 16-character password that works only for that app or device. Write it down or paste it directly into your app — you will not see it again.
How to find your username in Outlook and Microsoft 365
Your Outlook.com or Microsoft 365 email username is your full email address. Sign into Outlook on the web, click the gear icon in the top right, select "View all Outlook settings," and go to "Mail" > "Sync email." The page will show you your email address and confirm whether IMAP is turned on.
Microsoft requires an app-specific password for IMAP on phones and some desktop apps. Go to your Microsoft account page at account.microsoft.com, select "Security," click "App passwords," and choose "Mail" and your device type. Microsoft will generate a password to use instead of your regular one. Store it somewhere you can find it — the app will ask for it during setup.
How to find your username in Yahoo Mail
Your Yahoo Mail IMAP username is your full email address or Yahoo account name. Sign into Yahoo Mail on the web, click your account icon in the top right, select "Account info," and go to "Account security." Your email address is listed there.
Yahoo requires an app-specific password for IMAP connections. From your Yahoo account page, go to "Security" and select "Generate app password." Choose "Other App" from the dropdown, type the name of the app or device you are setting up, and Yahoo will create a password for you. Use this password in your app, not your regular Yahoo password.
How to find your username in company or work email
If your email is through your employer, school, or organization, your IMAP username may be different from your personal email accounts. It could be your full email address, your network login name, or something else entirely. The best source is your IT department or help desk — they can tell you the exact username format and whether your account supports IMAP at all.
Many companies also require a special app password or have restrictions on which apps can connect to their email. Ask your IT team for the IMAP server address, port number, and whether you need any additional security settings. Some organizations use Microsoft Exchange or other systems that do not support standard IMAP, so it is worth checking before you spend time troubleshooting.
What to do if you have forgotten your password
Go to your email provider's login page and click "Forgot password?" or "Can't sign in?" You will be asked to verify your identity — usually by entering a recovery email address, phone number, or answering security questions you set up when you created the account. Once you verify, you can create a new password.
After you reset your password on the web, use the new password the next time you set up IMAP on a device or app. If you have already set up IMAP with the old password, the app will stop working and ask you to update your credentials. Delete the account from the app and add it again with your new password.
Where to find the IMAP server address and port number
Your app or device will ask for more than just your username and password — it will also need the IMAP server address and port number. These are specific to your email provider and do not change. Gmail uses imap.gmail.com on port 993, Outlook uses imap-mail.outlook.com on port 993, and Yahoo uses imap.mail.yahoo.com on port 993. Most providers use port 993 for find IMAP connections.
If you are setting up a work or school email, your IT department should provide these details. If you are unsure, your email provider's support page or knowledge base will list the exact server address and port for IMAP setup. Entering the wrong server address is one of the most common reasons IMAP setup fails, so double-check before you try to connect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my IMAP password different from my regular email password?
Not usually. Your IMAP password is the same as your email password unless your provider requires an app-specific password. Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo all let you create a separate app password for extra security, but it is optional. If your provider asks for an app password during setup, use that instead of your regular password.
Can I use the same IMAP password on multiple devices?
Yes, you can use your regular email password on as many devices as you want. However, if your provider offers app-specific passwords, you can create a different one for each device or app for better security. If one device is lost or compromised, you can delete just that app password without changing your main email password.
What if my email provider does not support IMAP?
Some email services, especially older or smaller ones, do not support IMAP. Check your provider's support page or contact their help desk to confirm. If IMAP is not available, you may be able to use POP3 instead, which works similarly but downloads emails rather than syncing them across devices.
Why does my app say my password is wrong when I know it is correct?
The most common reasons are a typo in your username or password, using your regular password when an app-specific password is required, or entering the wrong IMAP server address. Try resetting your password on the web first, then delete the account from the app and set it up again. If the problem continues, contact your email provider's support team.