Start with meaning, then move to detail.
This lesson explains Email as part of getting started with Hermes correctly. You will learn what it does, when it matters, and the smallest safe test that proves it works.
If you are new, do not memorize names. Focus on three questions: what problem does this solve, what access does it need, and how can you verify the result?
For practice, inspect the first example, identify its effects, run it on test data, and compare the result with the source claim.
For advanced readers, inspect Prerequisites, Gmail Setup, Outlook / Microsoft 365, then verify failure modes and version compatibility.
No prior experience is required; follow the steps on a safe test setup first.
A clear outcome before you read.
- Understand Email without assumed prior knowledge.
- Separate the source description from what still needs testing in your environment.
- Read the first command and identify its inputs and outputs before copying it.
Short definitions before the details.
- Provider
- The service that runs or provides access and authentication to a model.
- Gateway
- The process that connects Hermes to channels such as Telegram or Discord and routes messages.
Set up Hermes Agent as an email assistant via IMAP/SMTP
What does the source say, and in what order?
- 01Prerequisites
Start here to understand the core idea or structure.
- 02Gmail Setup
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 03Outlook / Microsoft 365
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 04Other Providers
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 05Step 1: Configure Hermes
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 06Manual Configuration
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 07Step 2: Start the Gateway
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 08How It Works
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 09Receiving Messages
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 10Sending Replies
Finish here to verify the result and special cases.
Copy only after you understand the effect.
hermes gateway setup# Required
EMAIL_ADDRESS=hermes@gmail.com
EMAIL_PASSWORD=abcd efgh ijkl mnop # App password (not your regular password)
EMAIL_IMAP_HOST=imap.gmail.com
EMAIL_SMTP_HOST=smtp.gmail.com
# Security (recommended)
EMAIL_ALLOWED_USERS=your@email.com,colleague@work.com
# Optional
EMAIL_IMAP_PORT=993 # Default: 993 (IMAP SSL)
EMAIL_SMTP_PORT=587 # Default: 587 (SMTP STARTTLS)
EMAIL_POLL_INTERVAL=15 # Seconds between inbox checks (default: 15)
EMAIL_HOME_ADDRESS=your@email.com # Default delivery target for cron jobshermes gateway # Run in foreground
hermes gateway install # Install as a user service
sudo hermes gateway install --system # Linux only: boot-time system serviceRead the first command and identify its inputs and outputs before copying it.
Match every command to your installed Hermes version, review the files and accounts it can reach, and use non-sensitive data for the first test. If this explanation differs from the source, the official source wins.