> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.kovaaco.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Add an IMAP account to Kova portal

> Add an IMAP inbox in the Kova portal. Learn the required fields, security defaults, and how Kova encrypts and protects your credentials.

To start syncing orders from supported retailers, add an IMAP account in the Kova portal. You only need to do this once per email inbox you want Kova to monitor.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the IMAP Accounts page">
    In the Kova dashboard, navigate to **IMAP Accounts**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start adding an account">
    Click **Add account** to open the account creation form.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Fill in the account details">
    Enter the fields below. Most fields have sensible defaults.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save the account">
    Click **Save**. Kova tests the connection, encrypts your credentials, and creates the account.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Field requirements

| Field                | Requirement                                                        |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Account nickname     | Unique member-facing label, 2 to 40 characters                     |
| Email address        | Valid email address for the inbox                                  |
| IMAP host            | Valid hostname for your provider's IMAP server                     |
| Port                 | Integer 1 to 65535; defaults to 993                                |
| Username             | Usually the full mailbox email address                             |
| App password / token | Required at creation; encrypted before storage                     |
| SSL/TLS              | Enabled by default                                                 |
| Enabled              | Enabled by default; required for profile assignment and order sync |

<Tip>
  Prefer an app-specific password or provider-issued token whenever your email provider supports one. This keeps your primary mailbox password separate and more secure.
</Tip>

<Note>
  After saving, your password or token is **never** returned to the browser. If you later edit the account and leave the password field blank, Kova preserves the existing encrypted secret.
</Note>

## What happens next

After saving, Kova assigns the inbox to supported retailer profiles and begins reading order-related messages from the `INBOX` folder. You can return to the IMAP Accounts page at any time to [test, edit, or manage your inboxes](/imap/manage-accounts).