IMAP MCP server
To connect any IMAP mailbox to an AI agent, enter your IMAP and SMTP server details and password in Prubex, then add Prubex to your agent as an MCP server. Ready-made settings cover iCloud, Yahoo, AOL, GMX and Fastmail; any other server works with its own details.
Connect IMAP in 4 steps
- In Prubex, choose Connect an account, then your provider, or Other server.
- Enter your address and password (an app password where your provider offers one). For Other server, add the IMAP and SMTP hosts and ports.
- Optionally add a CalDAV address to connect calendars too.
- Add Prubex to your agent: in Claude or ChatGPT as a connector (you approve it in Prubex), or with an API key for Cursor, VS Code and other clients.
What your agent can do with IMAP
| Capability | Supported |
|---|---|
| Read mail | Yes |
| Search mail | Yes |
| Conversations | Yes, by PrubexThreads are rebuilt from References and In-Reply-To headers. |
| Folders | Yes |
| Drafts | Yes |
| Send, reply and forward | YesSent over SMTP, with a copy saved to Sent. |
| Flag, label, move and trash | YesMoves need a server with MOVE; labels are single words (IMAP keywords). |
| See what changed | Yes, by PrubexNew mail since the last look, and flag changes where the server reports them. |
| Read calendars | YesWhere the provider offers CalDAV (iCloud, Yahoo, Fastmail, many hosts). |
| Create and change events | Yes |
| Answer invitations | Yes, by PrubexOnly where the server sends the reply itself (CalDAV scheduling); without a comment. |
| Propose a new time | No |
| Free/busy | Yes, by PrubexComputed from the account’s own calendars. |
| Attendees’ free/busy | No |
| Online-meeting links | No |
Good to know
Checked .
- Encrypted connections only: TLS or STARTTLS.
- Server addresses are checked before Prubex connects, so a private or internal address is refused.
- Sent messages are saved to Sent unless your server does it itself.
- Moves need a server that supports IMAP MOVE; most do.
IMAP questions
Does Prubex keep a copy of my mailbox?
No. Prubex connects when your agent asks and reads only what it needs. It keeps no copies; only a send waiting for your approval is held, purged 7 days after it is decided or expires.
My company server is on our internal network. Can Prubex reach it?
Prubex connects from the internet and refuses private addresses, so the server must be reachable publicly over TLS.
What if my provider changes its settings?
Prubex marks the account “Reconnect needed” and emails you; reconnect with the new details and your agents carry on.