How do I add my Gmail account as an IMAP source?

The Cut can pull promos straight from your Gmail inbox over IMAP — audio attachments and SoundCloud links land in your library automatically. Because Google no longer accepts your normal account password for IMAP, you'll create a one-off app password and paste that into The Cut instead. The whole thing takes a couple of minutes.

Step 1 — Turn on 2-Step Verification

App passwords are only available once 2-Step Verification is enabled. If you already use it, skip to Step 2.

1. Open your Google Account security settings.

   Open Google security settings ↗

2. Under "How you sign in to Google," select 2-Step Verification and follow the prompts to turn it on.

   If it's already on, you'll see it marked as enabled — that's all you need.

Step 2 — Create a Gmail app password

1. Open the App passwords page.

   Sign in again if Google asks you to.

   Open Google App passwords ↗

2. Type a name you'll recognise — for example "The Cut" — then select Create.

   The name is just a label so you can find it later; it doesn't change anything.

3. Google shows a 16-character app password. Copy it now.

   It's displayed as four groups of four letters. You won't be able to see it again once you close the window, so copy it before moving on. The spaces don't matter when you paste it.

Step 3 — Add the source in The Cut

1. Go to Settings → Sources → Add Source, then choose IMAP ("Import tracks from any email account").

2. In the Email field, type your full Gmail address (for example you@gmail.com).

   The Cut recognises Gmail and fills in the server details for you — you'll see "Auto-detected: Gmail (imap.gmail.com:993)" and a reminder that Gmail needs an app password.

3. In the Password field, paste the 16-character app password from Step 2 — not your normal Gmail password.

   The Username is pre-filled with your email address; leave it as it is.

4. Tap Test Connection.

   When it works you'll see "Server accepted your credentials." If it fails with an authentication error, double-check you pasted the app password (not your account password) and that 2-Step Verification is on.

5. Optionally give the source a Name (it defaults to your email address), then tap Add.

That's it. The Cut scans your inbox for audio attachments and SoundCloud links and drops them into your library, ready to review. To change which folders or senders are scanned, open the source again from Settings → Sources.

Troubleshooting