For most users, macOS Mail is the easiest source. Use a direct IMAP/SMTP connection only when you need it.
Recommended option: macOS Mail
First confirm that the email account works in the Mail app on your Mac. Assistela can then use Mail without asking you to enter the IMAP/SMTP password again.
Open Email settings
In Assistela, choose Assistela → Settings → Email.
Add macOS Mail
Click + at the lower left and choose macOS Mail.
Enable the source
Turn on Allow Assistela to use macOS Mail. In the macOS dialog, allow Assistela to control Mail.
Load mailboxes
Click Refresh mailboxes. Mail can be open or closed; macOS may launch it while loading.
Select the scope
Check only the mailboxes Assistela may search and read, such as Inbox and Sent. You can leave a private or archive account disabled.
Configure sending
If you also want to send from this source, make macOS Mail the default sending source. Assistela uses the sender identity from Mail.
If you dismissed or denied the system dialog, open Settings → Permissions → Mail Automation and click Allow. You can also change it under System Settings → Privacy & Security → Automation.
Direct IMAP/SMTP account
Choose this option if you do not want to use Apple Mail or need a separate connection. Obtain the server addresses, ports, username, and password or app password from your email provider.
Add the account
Under Settings → Email, click + and choose Regular email account (IMAP/SMTP).
Enter the identity
Enter the account Name and Email address.
Enter IMAP details
Under incoming mail, enter the IMAP server, port, username, password, and secure connection setting exactly as specified by the provider.
Enter SMTP details
Under outgoing mail, enter the SMTP server, port, username, From address, security setting, and password.
Check the connection
Click Save and check account. Make the account the default if Assistela should send from it.
Use the values in your email provider documentation. If the account uses two-factor authentication, the provider may require a separate app password instead of your normal password.
Test the feature
- Ask: “Find the latest email from [name].”
- Confirm that Assistela searches only the selected mailboxes.
- To test sending, ask Assistela to prepare a draft first. Before it is actually sent, verify the recipient, subject, and message.