IMAP and SMTP services are disabled on Android: 7 ways to get your email back to working

You open an email client on your smartphone, and instead of letters you see an error: "IMAP service is disabled" or "SMTP server is unavailable"? This problem is familiar to many users Android, especially after updating the system, changing the password or installing a new mail application. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved in 5–10 minutes, but to do this you need to understand where exactly the failure occurred: on the server side, application or device settings.

In this article we Let's look at all possible reasons disconnections IMAP/SMTP —from a banal synchronization failure to blocking of ports by the telecom operator. You will learn how to check the status of services, where to find the correct settings for popular email services (Gmail, Yandex, Mail.ru, corporate accounts), and what to do if the problem lies in the settings Android or antivirus. And for those who do not want to delve into the details, we have prepared a quick solution at the end of the article.

We warn you right away: if you use corporate mail (for example, on a company domain), the reason may be the administrator's security policy. In this case, independent actions may lead to account blocking - it is better to check with the IT department for details.

1. Why do IMAP and SMTP stop working on Android?

Protocols IMAP (for receiving letters) and SMTP (for sending) can be disabled for a chain of reasons. Here are the most common:

• 🔄 Synchronization failure: Android has temporarily suspended the background activity of the application (for example, to save battery).
• 🔒 Port blocking: the mobile operator or Wi-Fi network has closed the ports 993 (IMAP) or 465/587 (SMTP).
• 🔑 Incorrect credentials: the mail password has changed, but has not been updated in the client settings.
• 📱 Application errors: bug in the mail client (for example, in Gmail, BlueMail or Microsoft Outlook).
• 🛡️ Antivirus/firewall: security apps block the connection, considering it suspicious.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: some countries block access to foreign mail servers.

The easiest way to diagnose is to try connecting to mail from another device (for example, from a computer through a browser). If everything works there, the problem is definitely on the side Android. If not, the server or network settings are to blame.

2. Quick check: is mail synchronization enabled? data-i="76">🔋 switch to energy saving mode;

More often IMAP/SMTP "turned off" due to the fact that Android Stopped syncing data in the background. This may happen after:

• 🔋 switching to energy saving mode;
• 📵 loss of connection to the network;
• 🔄 forced stop of the application through the settings.

To check and enable synchronization:

1. Open Settings → Accounts (or Users and accounts).
2. Select your email account (for example, Gmail or Yandex).
3. Make sure the slider "Account synchronization" is active.
4. Tap on Data synchronization and enable the option for mail.

If synchronization is already enabled, but letters do not arrive, try force update data: open the email client, pull the screen down (gesture swipe down) and wait for the process to complete. Sometimes rebooting the smartphone helps.

3. Checking the IMAP and SMTP settings in the mail client

If synchronization is enabled, but the error remains, most likely the connection parameters to the server have gone wrong. This is true for third-party clients like BlueMail, FairEmail or K-9 Mail, as well as for corporate accounts. c Gmail the settings may be reset after the update.

Here current parameters for popular email services (data may vary - check with your provider):

Post service	IMAP server	IMAP port	SMTP server	SMTP port	Security requirements
Gmail	imap.gmail.com	993	smtp.gmail.com	465 or 587	SSL/TLS, password authorization or OAuth
Yandex	imap.yandex.ru	993	smtp.yandex.ru	465	SSL/TLS, password or one-time code
Mail.ru	imap.mail.ru	993	smtp.mail.ru	465	SSL/TLS, standard authorization
Outlook/Hotmail	imap-mail.outlook.com	993	smtp-mail.outlook.com	587	STARTTLS, OAuth or password

To change settings in the email client:

1. Open the application and go to the section Account settings (or Manage accounts).
2. Select the problematic account and find the items Incoming mail server (IMAP) and Outgoing mail server (SMTP).
3. Compare the current parameters with the table above and correct if necessary them.
4. Save the changes and restart the application.

4. Problems with passwords and two-factor authentication

One of the most common reasons errors IMAP/SMTP — incorrect credentials. This can happen if:

• 🔑 you changed the email password, but did not update it in the client settings;
• 🛡️ you enabled two-factor authentication (2FA), but not generated application password;
• 🤖 using Gmail with the option enabled "Google Account Security" → "Block less secure applications".

For Gmail and some corporate accounts require special application passwordeven if you know the main password. To obtain it:

1. Go to the page "Application Passwords" in your Google account.
2. Select Mail → Other (enter a name) (for example, "Android Mail").
3. Copy the generated 16-digit password and paste it into the mail client settings instead of the usual one.

For Yandex i Mail.ru similar passwords are generated in the account security settings. If you do not remember the main password, restore it through the web version of the mail.

What to do if you do not receive a confirmation code for 2FA?

If an SMS or letter with a code does not arrive, check:

- whether the operator is blocking messages from short numbers (for example, from MTS or Beeline);

- is the “Do Not Disturb” mode enabled on the phone;

- is the device memory full (sometimes this interferes with SMS delivery).

If the problem persists, try using backup codes or contact the support of the mail service.

5. Blocking of ports by the operator or firewall

If the mail settings are correct, but the connection is still not established, this may be the culprit: port blocker. data-i="170">port blocker

• 📡 public Wi-Fi networks (hotels, airports, cafes);
• 📱 mobile operators (especially in roaming);
• 🛡️ antiviruses or built-in firewalls (for example, Avast, Kaspersky, 360 Security).

To check whether the network is blocking ports:

1. Connect to another network (for example, switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data).
2. If mail works, the problem is in the previous network. Try using VPN (for example, ProtonVPN or Warp from Cloudflare).
3. If changing the network did not help, check your antivirus settings:
   • Open the antivirus and find the section Firewall or Network.
   • Add your mail client to the list exceptions.
   • Temporarily disable network protection and check your mail.

Important: some operators (for example, Tele2 or Iota) block SMTP ports to combat spam. In this case, sending letters is only possible through the web interface or using a VPN.

6. Resetting mail settings and reinstalling the client

If none of the methods help, all that remains is radical solution to reset your mail account settings or reinstall the application. This helps in cases where:

• 🗄️ client configuration files are damaged;
• 🔄 a conflict has arisen after updating the application;
• 🤖 account settings will “hang” in the system cache.

Reset instructions (for example Gmail):

1. Open Settings → Applications.
2. Find Gmail (or another client) and tap on it.
3. Select Storage → Clear data and Clear cache.
4. Restart the application and add the account again.

If resetting did not help, uninstall the application and install it again from Google Play. For corporate accounts you may need installation of specialized clients (for example, Microsoft Outlook for Exchange or Nine for business mail).

⚠️ Attention: before resetting your settings, export important letters or make a backup copy via the web version of mail. Some clients (for example K-9 Mail) allow you to save letters to a file .eml.

7. Alternative solutions: web version and third-party clients

If restoration of work IMAP/SMTP failed, there are alternative ways to access mail:

• 🌐 Web version: use a browser (for example, Chrome or Firefox) to enter the mail site service. Minus - there are no notifications about new letters.
• 📱 Official applications: for Gmail, Yandex or Mail.ru download branded clients - they often work more stable than universal ones.
• 🔄 Forwarding (forwarding): set up automatic forwarding of letters from a problematic account to another (for example, from Yandex to Gmail).
• 📧 Push notifications: some services (for example, ProtonMail) offer alternative protocols for instant notifications.

For corporate users, the best solution may be Microsoft Outlook with support Exchange ActiveSync - this protocol often bypasses blocking IMAP/SMTP.

If all else fails, contact the support of the mail service with description of the problem. Indicate:

• smartphone model and version Android;
• name of the email client;
• exact text of the error (for example, "Could not connect to the IMAP server").

🚀 Quick solution: checklist in 5 minutes

If you don’t have time to understand the details, go through this list:

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about IMAP and SMTP on Android

Why does Gmail write “IMAP disabled” even though the settings are correct?

Most likely, the option is enabled in your Google account "Blocking less secure applications". Disable it here or use application password (see section 4). Also check if two-factor authentication is enabled - it requires a special password.

Is it possible to use SMTP without IMAP?

Technically yes, but it is inconvenient. SMTP responsible only for sending emails, and IMAP for them reception and synchronization. If IMAP does not work, you will be able to send emails, but will not see your inbox. The alternative is setting POP3, but this protocol is outdated and does not synchronize folders.

Why does mail work over Wi-Fi, but not over the mobile data?

This is a typical operator blocking of ports. Many Russian providers (for example, MTS, Beeline) limit SMTP to combat spam. Solutions:

• Use VPN (for example, Warp or ProtonVPN).
• Send letters via the web version of mail.
• Call operator support and find out if it is possible to unblock ports for your tariff.

How to check if IMAP/SMTP ports are open on my device?

For this you can use special applications, for example Network Scanner or Ping & Port Scanner from Google Play. Enter the server address (for example, imap.gmail.com) and port (993), then check availability. If the port is closed, the problem is on the network or operator side.

What to do if mail stops working after updating Android?

System updates sometimes reset permissions for applications. Try:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → [your email client] → Permissions and enable all the necessary options (storage, contacts, SMS, etc.).
2. Clear the application cache (see section 6).
3. Install an update for the email client via Google Play.

If the problem persists, perhaps the new software Android conflicts with the client - try an alternative application (for example, FairEmail).