Connect Mailboxes

Overview of Mailbox Connection Methods

Connecting your mailbox to Salesnode is essential for sending outbound campaigns, tracking email interactions, and managing conversations from a unified inbox. Salesnode supports multiple connection methods to accommodate different email providers and security preferences, ensuring flexibility and ease of setup.

The two main ways to connect your mailbox are via OAuth authentication and via IMAP/SMTP protocols. Each method offers different advantages depending on your email provider and organizational security policies.

Connecting Your Mailbox via OAuth

OAuth is a modern and secure way to connect your mailbox by allowing Salesnode to access your email account without storing your password. This method uses your email provider’s authentication flow to grant permissions and generate access tokens.

When you connect using OAuth, you will be redirected to your email provider’s login page to authenticate. After granting the necessary permissions, Salesnode receives a token that authorizes sending and receiving emails on your behalf.

Steps to Connect via OAuth

1. Navigate to the Mailboxes tab in Salesnode.
2. Click the Connect button.
3. Select the OAuth option for your email provider (e.g., Gmail, Outlook).
4. Log in to your email account when prompted.
5. Review and accept the permissions requested by Salesnode.
6. Upon successful authorization, the mailbox connection will be established automatically.

Connecting Your Mailbox via IMAP/SMTP

If OAuth is not available for your email provider or you prefer manual configuration, you can connect your mailbox using IMAP for receiving emails and SMTP for sending emails. This method requires specific server details and credentials.

You will need to provide the IMAP and SMTP host addresses, ports, encryption types, and your login credentials. This setup gives you full control but requires accurate information to avoid connection issues.

Required Information for IMAP/SMTP Connection

1. IMAP server hostname (e.g., imap.mailserver.com)
2. IMAP port number (commonly 993 for SSL)
3. SMTP server hostname (e.g., smtp.mailserver.com)
4. SMTP port number (commonly 465 or 587 for SSL/TLS)
5. Encryption type (SSL/TLS or STARTTLS)
6. Email address and password for authentication

Steps to Connect via IMAP/SMTP

1. Navigate to the Mailboxes tab.
2. Click Connect and select the IMAP/SMTP option.
3. Enter the required server details and credentials.
4. Choose the appropriate encryption method.
5. Click Test Connection to verify settings.
6. Save the configuration to finalize the connection.

Verifying and Using Your Connected Mailbox

Once your mailbox is connected, Salesnode will verify the connection by attempting to send and receive test messages. Successful verification means your mailbox will appear in the unified inbox, allowing you to manage all conversations in one place.

New incoming messages will synchronize automatically in real-time, enabling you to respond promptly and keep track of campaign interactions seamlessly.

How to Verify Your Mailbox Connection

1. After connecting, check for a confirmation message indicating successful connection.
2. Navigate to the Unified Inbox tab to see your mailbox listed.
3. Send a test email from Salesnode and verify it arrives in your connected mailbox.
4. Confirm that new incoming emails appear in Salesnode without delay.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues

Sometimes connection problems may occur due to incorrect settings or security restrictions. Troubleshooting common errors can help you resolve issues quickly and get your mailbox up and running.

Common Issues and Solutions

• Authentication failed: Double-check your username and password or reauthorize OAuth permissions.
• Server not found: Verify the IMAP/SMTP hostnames and ports are correct.
• Encryption errors: Ensure the selected encryption matches your email provider’s requirements.
• Two-factor authentication: If enabled, generate an app-specific password for IMAP/SMTP connections.

Security Considerations and Credential Handling

Salesnode prioritizes the security of your mailbox credentials and connection tokens. OAuth tokens are stored securely and refreshed automatically, minimizing exposure to your actual password. For IMAP/SMTP connections, credentials are encrypted and never shared outside the platform.

You should always use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication on your email accounts where possible. Avoid sharing your credentials outside trusted environments to maintain the security of your mailbox connection.

• Credentials are encrypted at rest and in transit.
• OAuth tokens have limited scopes and expiration times.
• IMAP/SMTP passwords are stored securely and used only for authentication.
• You can revoke OAuth permissions anytime from your email provider’s security settings.