Glossary definition

IMAP smoke test

An IMAP smoke test verifies that one managed inbox can authenticate over IMAP and access its mailbox using stored credential metadata.

How GTM Inboxes uses this term

GTM runs IMAP probes as part of go-live connectivity preflight and seed-mailbox polling, and composes IMAP metadata into inbox readiness alongside SMTP checks.

How IMAP and SMTP smoke tests differ

An SMTP smoke test proves the mailbox can submit a controlled message. An IMAP smoke test proves the mailbox can be opened and read. Launch-safe inboxes need both, because sending without read access breaks reply and evidence workflows.

Where GTM runs it

IMAP probes run inside operator connectivity preflight and the seed-mailbox pollers that read controlled test messages. Results are recorded with redacted errors and never expose mailbox contents or credentials.

Related glossary terms

SMTP smoke test

An SMTP smoke test checks whether one managed inbox can decrypt its stored credentials, authenticate, and submit a controlled test message.

SMTP readiness

SMTP readiness is the operational check that an inbox can authenticate and submit mail through the managed SMTP path without exposing its password.

Seed placement

Seed placement is pre-launch evidence from controlled mailbox tests that shows inbox, spam, or missing counts by provider.

Related workflows

Inbox readiness checklist

See how SMTP and IMAP checks combine into export-safe readiness.

Check a real domain

Move from the definition to a practical DNS and authentication check.

Seed placement workflow

How the concept shows up in the pre-launch evidence workflow.

Browse the glossary

Every cold email infrastructure term GTM models, checks, or gates.

Next step

Review the signals GTM composes before treating an inbox as ready.

Check inbox readiness inputs