Why IMAP Support Matters
Not everyone uses Gmail or Outlook. In many organizations, email is hosted by specialized providers: OVH, Infomaniak, Gandi, Zimbra, or on-premise Exchange servers.
What all these services have in common? The IMAP protocol (Internet Message Access Protocol). It's the universal standard that lets an email client read and sync messages from a remote server.
Virtus Lever supports IMAP natively, which means no matter your email provider, you can apply the Inbox Control method to your inbox.
How to Connect an IMAP Account
Setup in 4 Steps
- In Virtus Lever, select "Other provider (IMAP)"
- Enter your email address and password (or app password)
- Enter the IMAP server settings:
- Server: imap.yourprovider.com
- Port: 993 (SSL) or 143 (STARTTLS)
- Encryption: SSL/TLS recommended
- Test the connection and confirm
Tested and Compatible Providers
| Provider | IMAP Server | Port | |----------|-------------|------| | OVH | ssl0.ovh.net | 993 | | Infomaniak | mail.infomaniak.com | 993 | | Gandi | mail.gandi.net | 993 | | ProtonMail (Bridge) | 127.0.0.1 | 1143 | | Zimbra | your-server.zimbra.com | 993 | | Free | imap.free.fr | 993 |
For Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo Mail, and iCloud Mail, we recommend the dedicated OAuth connections — simpler and more secure.
App Passwords
Some providers (especially those with 2FA enabled) require an app password rather than your main password. Check your provider's documentation to generate one.
What Virtus Lever Brings to Your IMAP Inbox
Smart Prioritization
Your IMAP email client displays messages by date. Virtus Lever analyzes them with the Domino algorithm and ranks them by real impact. No more endless scrolling through an overloaded inbox.
The Daily One Thing
Every morning, Virtus Lever identifies the most impactful message across all your accounts — including your IMAP accounts. It's the From Inbox to One Thing method, applied automatically.
Follow-ups Without the Forgetting
Virtus Lever tracks threads awaiting a response across all your accounts. An email sent from your OVH mailbox 5 days ago with no reply? You'll be notified.
Unified View
The real power of IMAP + Virtus Lever: combine your professional IMAP inbox with personal Gmail or work Outlook in a single prioritized view. No more juggling between 3 email clients.
Best Practices: IMAP + Virtus Lever
1. Always Use SSL/TLS
Always configure the connection with port 993 (SSL/TLS). Avoid port 143 without encryption — your credentials would be transmitted in plain text.
2. Prefer App Passwords
When your provider supports it, use a dedicated app password for Virtus Lever. This lets you revoke access without changing your main password.
3. Check Your Server Limits
Some hosting providers limit the number of simultaneous IMAP connections. If you're already using Thunderbird + your smartphone, verify your server allows an additional connection.
4. Apply the 10 min/day Routine
The Inbox Control method works regardless of your provider:
- Morning (5 min): check your One Thing, handle it
- Afternoon (3 min): review high-impact emails
- End of day (2 min): review follow-ups
Security & Privacy
- SSL/TLS encryption for the IMAP connection
- HTTPS encryption for all communications with Virtus Lever
- Secure credential storage
- Instant disconnect: remove your IMAP account from Virtus Lever at any time
- No write access: Virtus Lever reads your emails, it does not modify them
FAQ
Are all IMAP providers compatible?
Any provider supporting IMAP4 with SSL/TLS is compatible. If your provider offers IMAP access, there's a very good chance the connection will work.
Is IMAP less secure than OAuth?
IMAP requires sharing your credentials, whereas OAuth never shares them. That's why we recommend app passwords when your provider supports them. For Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo, always prefer the OAuth connection.
Can I connect ProtonMail?
Yes, via ProtonMail Bridge, which exposes a local IMAP server (127.0.0.1:1143). ProtonMail Bridge must be installed and running on your machine.
Is IMAP sync real-time?
Virtus Lever syncs your emails at regular intervals. It's not strict real-time, but the delays are short enough that your One Thing is always up to date.
Can I combine IMAP with Gmail or Outlook?
Absolutely. Virtus Lever supports multi-account: IMAP + Gmail + Outlook + Yahoo in a single unified view.
Take Action
Your email provider supports IMAP? Then Virtus Lever can turn your inbox into a decision-making tool — no matter who hosts it.