My Python script that checks Gmail using IMAP has stopped working. It runs every 2 minutes via cron job. Here’s what’s happening:
import imaplib
def check_gmail():
try:
mail = imaplib.IMAP4_SSL('imap.gmail.com')
mail.login('[email protected]', 'mypassword')
mail.select('inbox')
# Rest of the code...
except imaplib.error as e:
print(f'Error: {e}')
# This used to work, now it fails
check_gmail()
I’m getting two different errors:
- ‘Invalid credentials’
- ‘Temporary System Error’
Oddly, the script works fine on another computer. Could my IP be blocked? I can’t use the Gmail API because it’s a company account. Any ideas on how to fix this?
Hey there, I’ve run into similar issues with Gmail IMAP access before. One thing that worked for me was using an app-specific password instead of my regular account password. Go to your Google Account settings, look for ‘Security’, and then ‘App passwords’. Generate a new one for your script and use that in your code.
Also, check if your company’s IT policies have changed recently. They might have tightened security on external email access. If that’s the case, you might need to get IT to whitelist your script or the IP you’re running it from.
Lastly, I’d suggest logging the exact error messages you’re getting. Sometimes Gmail returns more detailed info that can help pinpoint the issue. You could add something like:
except imaplib.IMAP4.error as e:
print(f'Detailed error: {str(e)}')
This might give you more clues to work with. Hope this helps!
Have you considered using OAuth 2.0 for authentication? It’s more secure and less likely to be blocked by Gmail. You’ll need to set up a project in Google Cloud Console, enable the Gmail API, and get client credentials. Then use a library like google-auth-oauthlib to handle the OAuth flow. It’s a bit more setup, but it’ll solve your authentication issues and is more robust long-term.
If OAuth isn’t an option, try implementing exponential backoff and retry logic in your script. Sometimes these ‘Temporary System Errors’ resolve themselves if you wait and retry. Also, check your company’s IT policies - they might have recently changed something that’s affecting external access to company email accounts.
Lastly, ensure your script isn’t hammering Gmail’s servers too frequently. If you’re checking every 2 minutes, try increasing the interval to 5 or 10 minutes to avoid potential rate limiting.
hey, might be a network issue. try running ur script from a different wifi or use a vpn. sometimes gmail blocks certain IPs. also check if ur company firewall is messing with imap ports. if that doesnt work, maybe enable less secure app access in ur gmail settings or use an app password if u have 2FA on. good luck!