Set up Gmail in Thunderbird - Here's how
In this practical tip, we will explain how to set up your Gmail account in the free email client Thunderbird. You can use the account either via the IMAP or POP3 protocol.
Preparation: Activate IMAP in Gmail
If you want to use IMAP for your Gmail account in Thunderbird, you may have to activate the protocol in your Gmail account first:
- Open Gmail in your web browser.
- Click the gear icon in the top right, then choose Settings.
- Click "Forwarding and POP / IMAP". Then select "Activate IMAP" and confirm with the "Save changes" button.
Set up a Gmail account in Thunderbird
Regardless of whether you want to use the IMAP or POP3 protocol: the setup is similar in both cases:
- In the Thunderbird menu bar, click "File" → "New" → "Existing Account ..." to start the account wizard. If necessary, you must first show the menu bar by right-clicking on the main toolbar.
- Now enter your name, your Gmail address and your password. Then click on "Next". Thunderbird then automatically searches for the correct settings in the Mozilla ISP database.
- If you want to use the IMAP protocol, select "IMAP", for the POP3 protocol select "POP3". Then click on "Done".
- Confirm the security exception rule to complete the Gmail account setup.
