Gmail Setup

Gmail / Google Workspace

Connect your Gmail account using an App Password. Takes about 2 minutes.

You need an App Password

Gmail won't accept your regular password. You'll create a special App Password that goes straight to your system keychain — secure and separate from your main login.

Create an App Password

First, you need 2FA enabled on your Google account. Most people already have this. If not, enable it at Google Account Security.

Then create an App Password:

Go to myaccount.google.com/apppasswords
Select Other (Custom name), enter "Pontius"
Click Generate
Copy the 16-character password

One-time view

Google only shows the password once. Copy it now — you'll paste it into Pontius next.

Add to Pontius

Run the Pontius TUI and add your account:

$ pontius

Select Add Account
Provider: gmail
Enter your display name and email address
Paste your App Password (it won't display)
Wait for "Account connected!"

Verify It Works

$ pontius list

You should see your recent emails. If you do, you're done.

Google Workspace

Same process as regular Gmail. If App Passwords isn't available, your Workspace admin may need to enable it.

Gmail Aliases

If you send from other addresses (like a custom domain via Gmail), add them to Pontius:

$ pontius alias add [email protected]

The alias must already be configured in Gmail under Settings → Accounts → "Send mail as".

Troubleshooting

Authentication failed

You're probably using your regular password. Use the App Password.
Make sure 2FA is enabled first.
Generate a fresh App Password and try again.

App Passwords option not showing

Enable 2FA first — the option only appears after.
Try the direct link.
Workspace users: ask your admin to enable it.

Connection timeout

Check your internet connection.
Your firewall might be blocking ports 993 or 587.