How to Configure IMAP and SMTP Settings in Adobe Acrobat Reader
Question details
The user needs to find and configure the correct IMAP and SMTP server and port settings to add a webmail account in Adobe Reader.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Setting up a webmail account to send and share PDF documents directly from the Adobe Reader interface.
- Observed behavior
- The user is prompted to enter incoming and outgoing server details but does not know the correct IMAP and SMTP addresses or port numbers for their specific email provider.
Make sure you know your webmail provider (such as Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook) and have enabled IMAP access within your email account's security settings.
Configure Gmail IMAP and SMTP Settings
Use the official Google server settings to securely connect your Gmail account to Adobe Reader.
To use a Gmail account, you must provide Adobe Reader with Google's specific server addresses, port numbers, and encryption methods. If you have Two-Step Verification turned on, you will also need to generate an App Password.
Log in to your Gmail account in a web browser. Go to Settings (gear icon) > See all settings > Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab, and select 'Enable IMAP'. Save the changes.
Open Adobe Reader, navigate to Edit > Preferences > Email Accounts. Click the 'Add Account' button and select 'Add Webmail'.
Enter your email address. For the Incoming mail server, type 'imap.gmail.com'. Set the Port to 993 and check the box that indicates the server requires an encrypted connection (SSL).
For the Outgoing mail server, type 'smtp.gmail.com'. Set the Port to 465 with SSL encryption, or Port 587 with STARTTLS encryption.
Enter your Google account password. If you use Two-Step Verification, you must generate and use an 'App Password' from your Google Account security settings instead of your normal password.
Find Settings for Yahoo and Other Email Providers
Apply the correct server addresses and ports based on your specific webmail provider.
Use WPS Office to View, Edit, and Share PDF Documents
WPS Office features a comprehensive PDF toolkit that allows you to effortlessly view, edit, convert, and share your PDF files without the hassle of configuring complex manual email server settings.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office Free on your Windows, Mac, or mobile device.
- 2. Open Your PDF: Launch the application and open your PDF document using the built-in WPS PDF reader.
- 3. Click the Share Button: Navigate to the top right corner of the application window and click the 'Share' button.
- 4. Send via Default Email: Select the 'Email' option to instantly attach the PDF to your system's default email client, bypassing manual IMAP/SMTP setups entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Adobe Reader reject my correct Gmail IMAP/SMTP settings?
Google requires an App Password for third-party applications like Adobe Reader if you have Two-Step Verification enabled. Your regular Google account password will be rejected to protect your account security.
What is the difference between IMAP and SMTP?
IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) is used for receiving incoming emails from the server, while SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is responsible for sending outgoing emails. Both are required to fully configure a webmail account in Adobe Reader.
Do I always have to use SSL or TLS encryption?
Yes, nearly all modern email providers require secure connections. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security) encrypts your data to ensure your login credentials and documents are transmitted securely.
Can I use my computer's default mail app instead of webmail in Adobe Reader?
Yes. In Adobe Reader, you can go to Edit > Preferences > Email Accounts and set 'Default email application' (such as Microsoft Outlook or Apple Mail) as your primary choice. This allows you to share PDFs without manually entering IMAP and SMTP settings.
