Cognlay connects through SMTP and IMAP. If verification fails, the mailbox provider usually rejected the login, blocked external access, or received a host/port/security combination it does not allow.
Try these first
SMTP: smtp.gmail.com, TLS 587 or SSL 465. IMAP: imap.gmail.com, SSL 993.
Turn on 2-Step Verification, then create an App Password for Mail.
Paste the app password exactly as Google gives it. Cognlay removes spaces for Gmail hosts before saving.
Use the actual Google Workspace login address. Aliases often fail SMTP or IMAP authentication.
Confirm IMAP is enabled in Gmail settings. Workspace admins can also block IMAP or app passwords at the organization level.
SMTP: smtp.office365.com, STARTTLS/TLS 587. IMAP: outlook.office365.com, SSL 993.
Some Microsoft accounts block basic password-based SMTP or IMAP access. OAuth-only policies can prevent connection.
Check whether SMTP AUTH is disabled for the mailbox or tenant.
If MFA is enabled and app passwords are allowed, use the app password, not the normal account password.
Consumer Outlook.com and business Microsoft 365 tenants can behave differently. Check the exact account type.
SMTP: smtp.zoho.com or smtppro.zoho.com, TLS 587 or SSL 465. IMAP: imap.zoho.com, SSL 993.
Enable IMAP access inside Zoho Mail before connecting.
If 2FA, SAML, or federated login is used, create an application-specific password.
Free or region-specific Zoho plans may not include IMAP access.
Organization policies can block IMAP or SMTP even when the password is correct.
SMTP: smtp.mail.yahoo.com, SSL 465 or TLS 587. IMAP: imap.mail.yahoo.com, SSL 993.
Use a Yahoo app password for third-party mail clients.
Confirm the account is not locked after repeated failed login attempts.
Double-check the full email address and the selected security mode.
If app password generation is unavailable, Yahoo may not allow this mailbox to connect through SMTP/IMAP right now.
Use the exact SMTP and IMAP settings from your mailbox provider.
Do not guess ports from another provider. Copy the host, port, and security mode from your mail host.
Use the mailbox username your provider expects. Some hosts want the full email address, others want only the local username.
If SSL fails, try the provider-recommended TLS port, usually 587 for SMTP.
Ask the provider whether outbound SMTP or external IMAP access is enabled for your plan.
Username and Password not accepted
The mail server was reachable, but it rejected the login.
Check app password, real login email, alias mismatch, 2FA, and admin policy.
Connection timed out
Cognlay could not reach the mail server on that host and port.
Check host spelling, port, security mode, provider status, and firewall restrictions.
Certificate or TLS error
The server responded, but the selected security mode does not match the certificate or port.
Use SSL with 993 for IMAP, TLS with 587 for SMTP, or the provider-specific setting.
IMAP not enabled
The mailbox or organization does not allow IMAP client access.
Enable IMAP in mailbox settings and confirm the admin has not disabled it.
Send the error text, provider name, SMTP host, IMAP host, and whether the mailbox is a Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Zoho, Yahoo, or custom-hosted account to support@cognlay.com. Do not send passwords or app passwords.