> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.resifactory.net/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.resifactory.net/imap/clients/refract.md).

# Refract

{% hint style="warning" %}

## The one thing to get right

In Refract, enter the IMAP server as:

```
mail.resifactory.net:993
```

**With the port, in the server field itself.** Refract does not append the port for you. Entering `mail.resifactory.net` on its own will not connect properly — and this is by far the most common reason a Refract setup fails.
{% endhint %}

## Settings

<figure><img src="/files/raDRRSoqkWzPAY6sNC0c" alt="Refract IMAP settings with the server field containing mail.resifactory.net:993"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

| Field           | Value                                                                 |
| --------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **IMAP server** | `mail.resifactory.net:993`                                            |
| **Username**    | Your login email, e.g. `you@buyers.resifactory.net`                   |
| **Password**    | An [app password](/imap/app-passwords.md) — not your sign-in password |
| **SSL / TLS**   | On                                                                    |

## Step by step

1. **Create an app password** in the console: **App passwords → New**.
   * Label it `refract-desktop` (or whatever identifies this machine).
   * Scope: **Unified**.
   * Inbox window: **Last 24 hours** is a good default for Refract. Use **Last 7 days** if you also want it to catch order mail.
   * Copy the password — it is shown once.
2. **In Refract**, add the email account.
3. **IMAP server**: type `mail.resifactory.net:993`. Check it before moving on.
4. **Username**: your login email.
5. **Password**: paste the app password.
6. Save and let it connect.

## Checking it worked

Back in the console, **App passwords** should show a **Last used** time on the `refract-desktop` row within a few seconds of Refract connecting.

<figure><img src="/files/LV8IyKVGDoX9l8eMYgKw" alt="The app passwords list with last-used times"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If it still reads `–`, Refract never authenticated — go back and check the server string first.

## The failure to recognise

<figure><img src="/files/z8DAV4WWhd3F8x60j5bh" alt="The server field without the port, struck through"><figcaption><p>Missing <code>:993</code> — this is the one that catches people.</p></figcaption></figure>

Symptoms of the missing port:

* Refract hangs on "connecting" and eventually times out.
* A connection error that names no specific cause.
* Nothing at all appears in **Last used** in the console.

The fix is to add `:993` to the end of the server field. Nothing else needs to change.

## Getting the mailboxes into Refract

Refract reads the **unified inbox**, so it sees mail for every mailbox you own through the one connection — you do not add mailboxes to it one by one.

Each message carries its real recipient in the `To:` header, which is how Refract tells them apart.

If you also need the individual mailbox logins and passwords for something else, export them from **Accounts** — see [Exporting credentials](/credentials/exporting.md).

## Tuning

| Symptom                                         | Change                                                                                      |
| ----------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Codes take too long to appear                   | Narrow the [inbox window](/imap/inbox-window.md) to **Last 1 hour** or **Last 15 minutes**. |
| Missing order confirmations from a few days ago | Widen the window to **Last 7 days** or **Last 14 days**.                                    |
| First sync is very slow                         | The window is too wide. Narrow it.                                                          |

## Other Refract notes

* **No outgoing server.** If Refract asks for SMTP settings, leave them blank. This server does not send mail.
* **One folder.** `INBOX` is all there is; there is no Sent or Junk to map.
* **Revoking access.** If you stop using this machine, revoke the `refract-desktop` app password. Its live connection drops immediately and nothing else you run is affected.


---

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