> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.botcadence.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Email

> Receive and reply to customer Gmail in Conversations

The Email channel is your Gmail **inbox** in Botcadence. Customers email you; threads appear in **Conversations**.

This is not [Gmail on Integrations](/docs/build/integrations/gmail). That connection **sends** campaign and tool email. You still connect Gmail under Integrations first, then attach it here.

## Prerequisites

* A [Gmail integration](/docs/build/integrations/gmail) that is **Connected** on this project
* Permission to create channels
* The same Gmail address you will use as the channel identifier

## Connect

<Steps>
  <Step title="Connect Gmail on Integrations">
    Open **Integrations**, connect **Gmail**, and finish Google sign-in.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open Channels">
    In the project sidebar, select **Channels**. Select **Email (Gmail)**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select the Gmail connection">
    Choose the connected Gmail account. Set **Gmail Address** to that mailbox (for example `support@company.com`).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Finish">
    Complete the wizard until the email channel is created.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Verify

<Check>
  Send a test message to that Gmail address from another account. It appears in [Conversations](/docs/operate/conversations). Reply from the inbox and confirm the customer receives it.
</Check>

## Use it

Open the channel settings to:

* Choose which Gmail tabs to ingest (**Primary**, **Promotions**, **Social**, **Updates**, **Forums**). Keep at least one category on.
* Set optional reply criteria so the agent only drafts replies that match your rules.
* Enable reply automation, image extraction, and the chat workflow like other messaging channels.

## Limits

* Inbox requires the Email channel. Integrations Gmail alone does not create Conversations threads.
* Google can revoke access; reconnect Gmail on Integrations, then reopen the Email channel if mail stops arriving.

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="No Gmail connection to pick">
    Connect Gmail under **Integrations** first, then return to Channels.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Mail never appears">
    Confirm the identifier matches the connected mailbox, the channel is enabled, and the Gmail category of the test message is selected in inbound filters.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Replies do not send">
    Confirm the Gmail integration is still **Connected** and the channel is enabled.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>