Secure email setup in ClickUp

ClickUp lets you manage email directly inside your workspaces while keeping your connected inboxes secure. This guide explains how the email integration is protected, how data is stored, and what you can do to maintain a strong security posture.

The information here is based on the official documentation so you can confidently decide how to connect and use your email accounts inside the platform.

How ClickUp email integration works

The email feature lets you send and receive messages from tasks and other locations without leaving your workspace. To make this possible, the platform connects to your email provider using secure industry-standard methods.

Two main connection methods are used:

• OAuth for providers that support modern delegated access
• IMAP or SMTP with app-specific passwords for providers that require manual configuration

Both options are designed so that your credentials and message content are protected in transit and at rest.

ClickUp OAuth connections

Whenever possible, the platform connects to your email account using OAuth. This is a secure authorization framework that lets you grant access without sharing your actual password with the application.

Supported providers with OAuth in ClickUp

The following email services typically support OAuth when you connect them:

• Google Workspace and Gmail
• Microsoft 365 and Outlook.com
• Other major cloud email providers that expose OAuth flows

With OAuth, you complete the sign-in process with your provider directly. The workspace never sees your email password.

How OAuth tokens are stored in ClickUp

After you approve access through your provider, the system receives OAuth tokens instead of your login credentials. These tokens are:

• Stored encrypted at rest using strong encryption standards
• Transmitted over HTTPS to prevent interception
• Limited to the minimum scopes the integration needs

If your email provider revokes or expires a token, you may be asked to reconnect the account to restore functionality.

Security benefits of OAuth in ClickUp

Using OAuth helps improve overall security because:

• Your email password is never stored by the application
• You can revoke access from your email provider’s account settings at any time
• Multi-factor authentication policies defined by your provider remain in effect

This method is recommended whenever your provider supports it.

ClickUp IMAP and SMTP connections

Some inboxes use IMAP or SMTP connections instead of OAuth. In these cases, you may need to enter either your password or, ideally, an app-specific password generated in your email account settings.

How ClickUp handles IMAP credentials

When you configure an IMAP or SMTP connection, the platform must store certain details so it can continuously sync your messages. These typically include:

• IMAP or SMTP server address and port
• Username, often your email address
• Encrypted password or app-specific password

Credentials are encrypted at rest and transmitted only over secure connections using TLS. The system uses them solely to sync emails and send messages on your behalf from within the workspace.

Using app-specific passwords with ClickUp

Many providers allow you to generate an app-specific password for third-party tools. Whenever possible, you should:

1. Create an app-specific password from your email security settings
2. Use that unique password only for your workspace connection
3. Revoke the password from your email provider if you no longer use the integration

This keeps your main email password separate and reduces risk if you ever need to change access.

Email content security in ClickUp

Beyond authentication, the platform also protects the actual content of your email messages and related data stored in tasks.

Storage of email messages

When email is synced into your workspace:

• Message content, attachments, and metadata are stored securely in the platform’s infrastructure
• Data is encrypted at rest using strong encryption methods
• Access is controlled by workspace permissions and sharing settings

Only people with access to the relevant tasks or locations can see the synced messages.

Transport layer security

Data in transit is protected with HTTPS and TLS when:

• Connecting to your email provider
• Loading messages in your browser
• Sending outbound messages through the integration

This helps prevent eavesdropping or tampering while messages move between systems.

Managing security settings in ClickUp

You can take several steps inside your workspace to keep email integrations aligned with your organization’s security standards.

Review connected email accounts

Regularly review which inboxes are connected to your workspace. You can:

• Remove connections that are no longer needed
• Limit who is allowed to set up shared inboxes
• Restrict access to sensitive task spaces where email replies appear

Keeping the list of connected inboxes up to date helps reduce unnecessary exposure.

Control user permissions in ClickUp

Workspace admins can strengthen security around email features by:

• Defining who can create or manage email accounts in the workspace
• Using role-based permissions to control which users can send messages
• Restricting sharing settings for tasks that contain sensitive communications

The right permission model ensures that only authorized people can access important messages.

Best practices for secure email use in ClickUp

To keep your integrated email both convenient and secure, consider following these best practices.

Combine provider security with ClickUp controls

Security is strongest when both your email provider and your workspace configuration are aligned. You should:

• Enable multi-factor authentication on your email accounts
• Use strong, unique passwords managed by a secure password manager
• Leverage SSO or enterprise identity providers for workspace access when available

This layered approach protects both the email side and the workspace side.

Handle sensitive data carefully

Even with encryption and access controls, it is wise to limit how much highly sensitive information is included in email threads stored in tasks. Consider:

• Using secure document storage for confidential files instead of large email attachments
• Minimizing personal identifiable information in subject lines and message bodies
• Restricting access to folders or spaces used for sensitive projects

Thoughtful data handling policies help you stay compliant with internal and external requirements.

Where to learn more about ClickUp security

If you need deeper technical details on the email integration, you can review the official documentation at ClickUp email integration security. There you will find the most up-to-date information on how tokens, credentials, and messages are handled.

For broader workflow and implementation guidance, you can also work with specialists who optimize processes around the platform. A consulting partner such as Consultevo can help you design secure configurations, permission structures, and governance procedures that fit your organization.

Summary: keep email secure in ClickUp

The email integration is built on well-established security practices, including encrypted storage, secure transport, and OAuth-based authentication where possible. When OAuth is not available, IMAP and SMTP connections are protected through encryption and, ideally, app-specific passwords.

By reviewing connected inboxes, enforcing strong workspace permissions, and combining provider-level protections with careful data handling, you can safely use integrated email as part of your daily workflows while maintaining robust security.

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