Access Your Gmail Using Apple's Mail

Google offers a popular web-based email service called Gmail. All you need to access a Gmail account is an Internet connection and a web browser, which makes it an especially handy service for frequent travelers.

When you're at home, though, you may find it annoying to keep both Mail and a web browser open, just to make sure you receive all of your daily email. It's much easier to use a single application, and it certainly makes keeping your mail organized a much easier task.

You can create an account in Mail specifically for accessing Gmail; no browser necessary. Here's how:

If You Use Mail 3.x or Later

1. Select 'Add Account' from Mail's File menu.
   
   
2. The Add Account guide will appear.
   
   
3. Enter your Gmail email address and password.
   
   
4. Mail will recognize the Gmail address and offer to automatically set up the account.
   
   
5. Place a check mark in the ‘Automatically set up the account’ box.
   
   
6. Click the 'Create' button.
   
   

That’s all there is to it; Mail is ready to grab your Gmail.

If You Use Mail 2.x

You can still create a Gmail account in Mail, but you'll need to set up the account manually, just as you would any other IMAP-based email account. Here are the settings and information you'll need:

1. Account type: Select IMAP.
   
   
2. Email address: gmailusername@gmail.com
   
   
3. Password: Enter your Gmail password.
   
   
4. User name: Your Gmail address without the ‘@gmail.com.’
   
   
5. Incoming Mail Server: imap.gmail.com.
   
   
6. Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP): smtp.gmail.com.
   
   

Once you supply the above information, Mail should be able to access your Gmail account.