# IMAP Overview
IMAP allows Stellar to automatically pull verification codes that websites email you for a faster and smoother experience when running tasks.
***
### **Using Tasks Without IMAP**
When creating tasks, you’ll see an option to select an **IMAP Session**. If you prefer **not** to use IMAP for email verification codes, you may leave this field **empty**.
**What happens if IMAP is not selected:**
* Stellar will prompt you to **manually enter verification codes** when required
* A window will automatically open when it’s time to input the code
* This behavior applies across **all supported sites**
**Requirements for Manual Code Entry:**
* [**Google Chrome**](https://www.google.com/chrome/) must be installed on your computer
* You must have **at least one** [**captcha harvester**](/stellar/navigating-stellaraio/what-is-the-captchas-tab/how-do-i-set-up-the-captcha-harvester.md) created
Using IMAP is recommended for a faster, hands-free experience but manual entry remains fully supported if you prefer more control.
***
### **Step 1: Setting Up an IMAP Session in Stellar**
**Important:**
* Make sure **2FA** and **Account Recovery Phone** are removed from your retail accounts.
* Follow the steps below to set up IMAP in Stellar.
1. Go to the **Identities** tab in Stellar > **Sessions** folder > select **IMAP**.
2. Click on **Add Session** and give your session a name.
3. Fill out the fields as follows:
* **Host**: Select which applies to you
* **Account Email**: Enter your email address
* **Account Password**: This is **not** your email account password. You’ll need to create an **App Password** (see instructions below)
4. Save your session. Once set up correctly, it should show as **Ready** in the Sessions tab.
***
### **Step 2: Creating an App Password**
**Google (Gmail):**
1. Open Google Chrome and sign into your Gmail account.
2. Click on your profile picture in the top right corner and select **Manage Your Google Account**.
3. Go to the **Security** section.\
4. Scroll down to **2-Step Verification** and turn it **On** (this step is required to enable App Passwords).
5. Search for **App Passwords** and re-enter your Gmail password if prompted. \
6. Name the App Password something memorable (e.g., "Stellar").
7. Copy the generated App Password and paste it into the **Account Password** field in the Stellar IMAP Session setup.\
8. Click **Save**. Your session should now say **Ready**.\
**Outlook:**
{% hint style="warning" %}
Outlook has deprecated authentication to IMAP via app password. The only way to use Outlook emails is to setup forwarding to Gmail for example and select Gmail for IMAP host
{% endhint %}
***
### **Step 3: Using a Master Email with Forwarding (Optional)**
If you want to simplify your IMAP setup, you can use a **master email** to consolidate verification codes from multiple accounts.
**Benefits:**
* Only one IMAP session is needed for Stellar.
* All account emails are forwarded to one central inbox.
**Setting Up Forwarding:**
1. **Login to the email account you want to forward:**
* For **Gmail**:
* Go to *Settings > Forwarding and POP/IMAP > Add a Forwarding Address*.
* Enter your **master email address**.
* Confirm the forwarding request by clicking the link sent to your master email.
* Select **Forward a copy of incoming mail** and save changes.
* For **Outlook**:
* Go to *Settings > Mail > Rules* and set a rule to forward all incoming mail to your master email.
2. **Test the Forwarding Setup:**
* Send a test email to your forwarding account.
* Check if it successfully appears in your master email inbox.
3. **Configure Stellar with Your Master Email:**
* In the IMAP Session setup, enter your **master email credentials**.
* Use an App Password for the master email as outlined above.
***
### **Tips for Success:**
* **Email Filters:** Set up filters in your master email inbox to label forwarded emails for easy identification.
* **Regular Checks:** Periodically check that forwarding is working correctly for all accounts.
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