Using Claws Mail with Gmail
Gmail account setup
In your Gmail settings, turn on "Enable less secure app access". (Gmail's "enable less secure app access" is a euphemism for "apps that don't support OAUTH2", it does not mean programs such as Claws Mail, are less secure.)
You will also need to use an App Password to log in if using two factor authentication on your account.
Claws Mail account setup
Open your account preferences, and make sure these options are set:
- on 'Basic' page
- server for receiving: imap.gmail.com
- SMTP server (send): smtp.gmail.com
- User ID: [your complete gmail email address]
- on 'Receive' page
- Authentication method: Automatic
- IMAP server directory: [leave empty]
- on 'Send' page
- [x] SMTP Authentication (SMTP AUTH)
- Authentication method: Automatic
- on 'SSL/TLS' page
- IMAP: Use SSL/TLS
- Send (SMTP): Use STARTTLS command to start encrypted session
- on 'Advanced' page
- SMTP port: 465 (if SSL is used) or 587 (if TLS is used)
- IMAP port: 993
Optional: make a wastebin of [Gmail]/Trash folder: right-click > Properties > General > Folder type > Wastebin, so that emptying wastebin really deletes the messages it contains.
Additionally, since Gmail can't handle auto-saves to the drafts folder, you have to turn off 'Automatically save to Drafts folder every n characters' on the /Configuration/Preferences/Compose/Writing page in the Preferences or to configure the Gmail account to use a Drafts folder in a local MH mailbox.