In Python3, accessing Gmail folders other than inbox (like [Gmail]/Archive) via imaplib causes command parsing errors; inbox remains accessible. Sample code:
import imaplib
connection = imaplib.IMAP4_SSL('imap.gmail.com', 993)
connection.login('[email protected]', 'mypassword')
connection.select('[Gmail]/Archive') # Expected to fail in Python3
hey try encoding folder names to modified utf-7. i had similiar probs and after converting it worked fine. seems like gmail doesnt treat special folders as plain strings.
In my experience, issues with selecting non-inbox folders often originate from subtle encoding discrepancies. I resolved a similar problem by explicitly retrieving the full list of folder names from Gmail using the LIST command, then confirming that my target folder name exactly matched the returned value. Additionally, I had success by ensuring that the folder name was correctly encoded in modified UTF-7, as imaplib is quite sensitive in its parsing. This method required some extra steps, but it ultimately allowed me to reliably access folders beyond just the inbox.
I encountered similar challenges accessing non-inbox folders with imaplib when working with Gmail. After some trial and error, I discovered that retrieving a list of available mailboxes first using the LIST command can help identify the precise names and encoding needed. Once I had the correct names, wrapping the folder names in double quotes sometimes resolved parsing errors. In one instance, using the folder names exactly as returned by the LIST command made a significant difference. This method helped me bypass the errors without relying solely on modified utf-7 conversions.
I found that a crucial step is ensuring the folder name is exactly as returned by the LIST command, including quotes and any special characters. In my work, I first retrieved a list of all device folders using LIST, then used the exact value when selecting any other folder. On one project, wrapping the folder name in double quotes and verifying that the modified UTF-7 encoding was correctly applied saved the day. Adjusting these details can help overcome the parsing errors encountered with non-inbox Gmail folders.
hey, i had similar probs and switched to using imapclient. its handling of utf-7 folder names is way more reliable than imaplib. might be worth triying if your current approach isn’t working for non-inbox folders.