Pink PostGuide · 8 min read · Updated November 2026
Connect your email account (SMTP/IMAP)
Short answer: Pink Post connects to a mailbox with SMTP (to send) and IMAP (to read replies). Add the account under Email accounts, enter the host, port, security and login for both, run the connection test, then set daily limits and a signature.
Steps
- Open Email accounts. In the sidebar choose Email accounts, then Add account.
- Enter SMTP details. Add the SMTP host, port, security (SSL or STARTTLS), username and password from your provider.
- Enter IMAP details. Add the IMAP host and port (usually 993 with SSL) and the same login, so replies can be detected.
- Test the connection. Click the connection test and fix any errors it reports.
- Set limits and signature. Set daily and hourly limits, random delays, sender name and signature, and keep warm-up on.
Gmail: use an App password
Your normal Gmail password won't work. In Pink Post pick Gmail / Google Workspace and follow the pink box, or:
- Turn on 2-Step Verification at myaccount.google.com/signinoptions/twosv.
- Create an App password at myaccount.google.com/apppasswords and name it "Pink Post".
- Copy the 16-letter code and paste it in the App password field (spaces are fine).
- IMAP is always on for personal Gmail; Google Workspace admins may need to allow it.
Yahoo also needs an App password (Account security > External connections > Create app password). Outlook.com/Hotmail personal accounts can no longer connect with a password since Microsoft turned it off on 16 September 2024; Microsoft 365 needs your admin to allow Authenticated SMTP, which Microsoft switches off by default at the end of December 2026.
Common provider settings
Always confirm these in your provider's help pages, as they can change.
| Provider | SMTP | IMAP | Password |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gmail / Google Workspace | smtp.gmail.com 587 STARTTLS | imap.gmail.com 993 SSL | App password (2-step verification required), or connect with Google OAuth if your Pink Post server has it configured |
| Zoho Mail | smtp.zoho.com 465 SSL or 587 STARTTLS | imap.zoho.com 993 SSL | Account or app-specific password; IMAP must be enabled in Zoho settings |
| Hostinger | smtp.hostinger.com 465 SSL | imap.hostinger.com 993 SSL | Mailbox password |
| Other hosting | Look for "email client settings" or "manual configuration" in your host's panel | Mailbox password | |
Troubleshooting
- Authentication failed ("Gmail rejected the password"): use an App password, not your normal password, for Gmail, Yahoo and Zoho with two-factor.
- Connection timed out: some cloud servers block outbound port 25 or 587; try 465 or 2525 where the provider supports it.
- An account that keeps failing to log in is paused automatically so it cannot hurt your campaigns.