# Gmail Push Notifications Revisit — Implementation Plan

> **Archived (2026-02-18):** Historical implementation checklist. Canonical status is tracked in `docs/plans/state.json`; unchecked boxes here are not active backlog unless explicitly re-opened.


**Date**: 2026-02-13  
**Status**: Planned  
**Goal**: Make Gmail notifications operationally reliable and well-documented

## Overview

The Gmail watcher currently supports two modes:
1. **Pub/Sub push notifications** (Google sends HTTP POST to `/gmail/push`)
2. **Polling fallback** (History API queries every N seconds)

Current implementation has operational ambiguity around:
- Deployment patterns (public webhook vs Pub/Sub pull vs hybrid)
- GCP resource setup (topic/subscription/IAM relationships)
- Network reachability constraints (Tailscale-only gateways)
- Configuration surface (implicit vs explicit controls)
- Error diagnostics (vague failure messages)

This plan addresses these gaps without changing core functionality.

---

## Problem Analysis

### Current Behavior

**Push setup flow** (`src/automation/gmail.ts:222-253`):
1. `resolvePubSubTopicName()` reads `pubsub_topic` config or `FLYNN_GMAIL_PUBSUB_TOPIC` env var
2. Calls `gmail.users.watch()` with the topic
3. If watch fails → logs warning, continues with polling only
4. If watch succeeds → schedules renewal every 6 days

**Issues**:
- **Topic ownership mismatch**: OAuth credentials' `project_id` may differ from the Pub/Sub topic's project
- **Network reachability**: Google cannot reach Tailscale-only endpoints (`server.tailscale_only: true`)
- **Implicit disable**: No explicit way to disable push without deleting `pubsub_topic` field
- **Poor error messages**: "Invalid topicName" error includes no actionable guidance
- **Undocumented subscription**: Users must manually create Pub/Sub subscription → push endpoint mapping
- **Doctor check gap**: `flynn doctor` validates OAuth but not Pub/Sub setup

### Deployment Patterns

| Pattern | Reachability | Flynn Config | GCP Setup | Use Case |
|---------|--------------|--------------|-----------|----------|
| **Public webhook** | Public IP + DNS | `pubsub_topic` set | Topic + push subscription → `POST https://example.com/gmail/push` | Production deployment with public ingress |
| **Tailscale Serve** | Tailscale funnel | `pubsub_topic` set, `server.tailscale.funnel: true` | Topic + push subscription → `POST https://flynn.ts.net/gmail/push` | Private deployment with Tailscale funnel enabled |
| **Pub/Sub pull** | Any (no inbound) | `pubsub_subscription_id` set | Topic + pull subscription | Private deployment, Flynn polls subscription |
| **Polling only** | Any (no inbound) | `pubsub_topic` omitted | None | Development, no GCP setup |
| **Hybrid (recommended)** | Any | `pubsub_topic` + `pubsub_subscription_id` | Topic + push subscription + pull subscription | Push when reachable, pull fallback, History API tertiary |

---

## Recommended Changes

### 1. Config Schema Additions

**File**: `src/config/schema.ts`

Add new fields to `gmailSchema`:

```typescript
const gmailSchema = z.object({
  enabled: z.boolean().default(false),
  credentials_file: z.string().optional(),
  token_file: z.string().default('~/.config/flynn/gmail-token.json'),
  
  // ── Push notifications ────────────────────────────────────────────────
  /**
   * Pub/Sub topic for Gmail push notifications (watch API).
   * Format: projects/<project-id>/topics/<topic> or just <topic> (auto-prefixed).
   * If omitted, push notifications are disabled (polling only).
   */
  pubsub_topic: z.string().optional(),
  
  /**
   * Pub/Sub subscription ID for pull-based message retrieval.
   * Format: projects/<project-id>/subscriptions/<subscription> or just <subscription>.
   * When set, Flynn periodically pulls messages from this subscription in addition
   * to waiting for push notifications at POST /gmail/push.
   * Enables hybrid mode: push when reachable, pull fallback.
   */
  pubsub_subscription_id: z.string().optional(),
  
  /**
   * Pull interval for Pub/Sub subscription polling (hybrid mode).
   * Only used when pubsub_subscription_id is set. Default: 60s.
   */
  pubsub_pull_interval: z.string().default('60s'),
  
  /**
   * Maximum messages to pull per request when using pull mode. Default: 10.
   */
  pubsub_max_messages: z.number().min(1).max(100).default(10),
  
  /**
   * Disable watch API even if pubsub_topic is set.
   * Useful for debugging or when push endpoint is temporarily unreachable.
   */
  disable_push: z.boolean().default(false),
  
  // ── Existing fields ────────────────────────────────────────────────────
  watch_labels: z.array(z.string()).default(['INBOX']),
  poll_interval: z.string().default('300s'),  // History API fallback
  history_start: z.string().optional(),
  output: z.object({
    channel: z.string().min(1),
    peer: z.string().min(1),
  }),
  message: z.string().default('New email from {{from}}: {{subject}}\n\n{{snippet}}'),
}).optional();
```

**Defaults**:
- `pubsub_topic`: `undefined` (no push)
- `pubsub_subscription_id`: `undefined` (no pull)
- `pubsub_pull_interval`: `'60s'`
- `pubsub_max_messages`: `10`
- `disable_push`: `false`
- `poll_interval`: `'300s'` (History API fallback)

---

### 2. Implementation Changes

#### 2.1 Add Pub/Sub Pull Support

**File**: `src/automation/gmail.ts`

Add new method `setupPullSubscription()`:

```typescript
private pullSubscriptionTimer?: ReturnType<typeof setInterval>;
private subscriptionPath?: string;

/**
 * Set up Pub/Sub pull subscription for periodic message retrieval.
 * Alternative/fallback to push notifications when endpoint is unreachable.
 */
private async setupPullSubscription(): Promise<void> {
  if (!this.config.pubsub_subscription_id) {
    return; // Pull mode not configured
  }

  const subId = this.config.pubsub_subscription_id.trim();
  
  // Allow shorthand: just the subscription id (e.g. "gmail-pull")
  if (!subId.includes('/')) {
    if (!this.googleProjectId) {
      console.warn(
        `GmailWatcher: pubsub_subscription_id '${subId}' must be fully qualified ` +
        `(projects/<project-id>/subscriptions/<sub>) because project_id was not found in credentials`
      );
      return;
    }
    this.subscriptionPath = `projects/${this.googleProjectId}/subscriptions/${subId}`;
  } else {
    const isValid = /^projects\/[^/]+\/subscriptions\/[^/]+$/.test(subId);
    if (!isValid) {
      console.warn(
        `GmailWatcher: Invalid pubsub_subscription_id '${subId}'. ` +
        `Expected: projects/<project-id>/subscriptions/<sub>`
      );
      return;
    }
    this.subscriptionPath = subId;
  }

  console.log(`GmailWatcher: Pull subscription registered (${this.subscriptionPath})`);

  // Start periodic pull
  const pullMs = parseInterval(this.config.pubsub_pull_interval ?? '60s');
  this.pullSubscriptionTimer = setInterval(() => {
    this.pullSubscriptionMessages().catch((err) => {
      console.error('GmailWatcher: Pull subscription error —', err instanceof Error ? err.message : err);
    });
  }, pullMs);
}

/**
 * Pull messages from the Pub/Sub subscription and process them.
 */
private async pullSubscriptionMessages(): Promise<void> {
  if (!this.subscriptionPath || !this.oauth2Client) {
    return;
  }

  try {
    const { PubSub } = await import('@google-cloud/pubsub');
    const pubsub = new PubSub({
      projectId: this.googleProjectId,
      authClient: this.oauth2Client,
    });

    const subscription = pubsub.subscription(this.subscriptionPath);
    const [messages] = await subscription.pull({
      maxMessages: this.config.pubsub_max_messages ?? 10,
    });

    for (const message of messages) {
      if (message.data) {
        await this.handlePushNotification(message.data.toString('base64'));
      }
      
      // Acknowledge the message
      await subscription.ack(message);
    }
  } catch (error) {
    console.error(
      'GmailWatcher: Failed to pull Pub/Sub messages —',
      error instanceof Error ? error.message : error
    );
  }
}
```

Update `connect()` to call `setupPullSubscription()`:

```typescript
async connect(): Promise<void> {
  this._status = 'connecting';

  try {
    this.oauth2Client = await this.authorize();
  } catch (error) {
    const errMsg = error instanceof Error ? error.message : 'Unknown error';
    console.error(`GmailWatcher: Authorization failed — ${errMsg}`);
    console.error('GmailWatcher: Run "flynn gmail-auth" to set up Gmail credentials.');
    this._status = 'error';
    return;
  }

  // Set up Gmail push watch (Pub/Sub) if not disabled
  if (!this.config.disable_push) {
    try {
      await this.setupWatch();
    } catch (error) {
      const errMsg = error instanceof Error ? error.message : 'Unknown error';
      const hint = this.buildWatchErrorHint(errMsg);
      console.warn(`GmailWatcher: Watch setup failed (push disabled) — ${errMsg}${hint}`);
    }
  } else {
    console.log('GmailWatcher: Push notifications disabled (disable_push: true)');
  }

  // Set up Pub/Sub pull subscription (hybrid mode)
  await this.setupPullSubscription();

  // Start History API polling fallback
  const pollMs = parseInterval(this.config.poll_interval ?? '300s');
  this.pollTimer = setInterval(() => {
    this.pollForNewMessages().catch((err) => {
      console.error('GmailWatcher: Poll error —', err instanceof Error ? err.message : err);
    });
  }, pollMs);

  this._status = 'connected';
  console.log(
    `GmailWatcher: Connected (` +
    `push=${!this.config.disable_push && !!this.config.pubsub_topic}, ` +
    `pull=${!!this.config.pubsub_subscription_id}, ` +
    `poll_interval=${this.config.poll_interval ?? '300s'})`
  );
  auditLogger?.systemStart('GmailWatcher', {
    push: !this.config.disable_push && !!this.config.pubsub_topic,
    pull: !!this.config.pubsub_subscription_id,
    poll_interval: this.config.poll_interval,
  });
}
```

Update `disconnect()` to clear pull timer:

```typescript
async disconnect(): Promise<void> {
  if (this.pollTimer) {
    clearInterval(this.pollTimer);
    this.pollTimer = undefined;
  }
  if (this.watchTimer) {
    clearTimeout(this.watchTimer);
    this.watchTimer = undefined;
  }
  if (this.pullSubscriptionTimer) {
    clearInterval(this.pullSubscriptionTimer);
    this.pullSubscriptionTimer = undefined;
  }
  this.oauth2Client = undefined;
  this._status = 'disconnected';
  auditLogger?.systemStop('GmailWatcher');
}
```

#### 2.2 Improve Error Messages

**File**: `src/automation/gmail.ts`

Add helper method `buildWatchErrorHint()`:

```typescript
/**
 * Build a helpful error hint based on the watch failure message.
 */
private buildWatchErrorHint(errMsg: string): string {
  if (errMsg.includes('Invalid topicName')) {
    const topicHint = this.googleProjectId
      ? `projects/${this.googleProjectId}/topics/gmail-push`
      : '<project-id>/topics/gmail-push';
    
    return `\n` +
      `  Tip: Set automation.gmail.pubsub_topic to "${topicHint}"\n` +
      `  Ensure the topic exists in GCP and the subscription is configured to POST to /gmail/push\n` +
      `  Or set automation.gmail.pubsub_subscription_id for pull-based mode (no webhook required)`;
  }
  
  if (errMsg.includes('Permission denied') || errMsg.includes('Forbidden')) {
    return `\n` +
      `  Tip: Grant Gmail API permission to publish to the Pub/Sub topic:\n` +
      `    gcloud pubsub topics add-iam-policy-binding <topic> \\\n` +
      `      --member=serviceAccount:gmail-api-push@system.gserviceaccount.com \\\n` +
      `      --role=roles/pubsub.publisher`;
  }
  
  if (errMsg.includes('Not found') || errMsg.includes('404')) {
    return `\n` +
      `  Tip: Create the Pub/Sub topic first:\n` +
      `    gcloud pubsub topics create gmail-push --project=<project-id>`;
  }
  
  return '';
}
```

Update `setupWatch()` error handling:

```typescript
try {
  await this.setupWatch();
} catch (error) {
  const errMsg = error instanceof Error ? error.message : 'Unknown error';
  const hint = this.buildWatchErrorHint(errMsg);
  console.warn(`GmailWatcher: Watch setup failed (push disabled) — ${errMsg}${hint}`);
}
```

---

### 3. Doctor Checks

**File**: `src/cli/doctor.ts`

Enhance `checkGmail` to validate Pub/Sub setup:

```typescript
const checkGmail: Check = async (ctx) => {
  if (!ctx.config) {
    return { status: 'skip', label: 'Gmail configured', detail: '(config invalid)' };
  }
  const gmail = ctx.config.automation.gmail;
  if (!gmail?.enabled) {
    return { status: 'skip', label: 'Gmail configured', detail: '(not enabled)' };
  }

  // 1. Check credentials file
  const credentialsPath = expandPath(gmail.credentials_file ?? '~/.config/flynn/gmail-credentials.json');
  if (!existsSync(credentialsPath)) {
    return { status: 'fail', label: 'Gmail configured', detail: `credentials file not found: ${credentialsPath}` };
  }

  // 2. Check token file
  const tokenPath = expandPath(gmail.token_file ?? '~/.config/flynn/gmail-token.json');
  if (!existsSync(tokenPath)) {
    return { status: 'warn', label: 'Gmail configured', detail: 'run `flynn gmail-auth` to authenticate' };
  }

  // 3. Parse credentials to get project_id
  let projectId: string | undefined;
  try {
    const creds = JSON.parse(readFileSync(credentialsPath, 'utf-8'));
    projectId = creds.installed?.project_id ?? creds.web?.project_id;
  } catch {
    // Ignore parse errors — already validated above
  }

  // 4. Check Pub/Sub configuration
  const modes: string[] = [];
  const warnings: string[] = [];

  if (gmail.pubsub_topic && !gmail.disable_push) {
    const topic = gmail.pubsub_topic.trim();
    if (!topic.includes('/') && !projectId) {
      warnings.push('pubsub_topic requires project_id in credentials');
    } else {
      modes.push('push');
      
      // Warn if tailscale_only is enabled (Google cannot reach tailnet-only endpoints)
      if (ctx.config.server?.tailscale_only && !ctx.config.server?.tailscale?.funnel) {
        warnings.push('push requires public endpoint or Tailscale funnel');
      }
    }
  }

  if (gmail.pubsub_subscription_id) {
    const sub = gmail.pubsub_subscription_id.trim();
    if (!sub.includes('/') && !projectId) {
      warnings.push('pubsub_subscription_id requires project_id in credentials');
    } else {
      modes.push('pull');
    }
  }

  if (modes.length === 0) {
    modes.push('poll');
  } else {
    modes.push('poll-fallback');
  }

  const modeStr = modes.join(' + ');
  const detail = warnings.length > 0
    ? `${modeStr} (⚠️  ${warnings.join(', ')})`
    : `${modeStr} → ${gmail.output.channel}/${gmail.output.peer}`;

  return {
    status: warnings.length > 0 ? 'warn' : 'pass',
    label: 'Gmail configured',
    detail,
  };
};
```

---

### 4. Documentation Updates

#### 4.1 README.md

**File**: `README.md`

Update Gmail section (lines 461-512):

```markdown
### Gmail Watcher

Monitor a Gmail inbox for new messages and trigger agent responses. Flynn supports three retrieval modes:

1. **Push notifications** (Pub/Sub watch) — Google sends HTTP POST to `/gmail/push`
2. **Pull subscription** (Pub/Sub pull) — Flynn periodically pulls messages from a subscription
3. **History API polling** (fallback) — Flynn queries the History API every N seconds

**Recommended deployment**: Hybrid mode (push + pull + polling) for maximum reliability.

#### Prerequisites

1. **Google Cloud Project** with Gmail API and Pub/Sub API enabled
2. **OAuth2 credentials** (Desktop application) — download JSON from Cloud Console
3. **Pub/Sub topic** (for push or pull):
   ```bash
   gcloud pubsub topics create gmail-push --project=your-project
   ```
4. **Grant Gmail API publish permission**:
   ```bash
   gcloud pubsub topics add-iam-policy-binding projects/your-project/topics/gmail-push \
     --member=serviceAccount:gmail-api-push@system.gserviceaccount.com \
     --role=roles/pubsub.publisher
   ```
5. **Authenticate**:
   ```bash
   flynn gmail-auth
   ```

#### Deployment Patterns

| Mode | Config | GCP Setup | Network | Use Case |
|------|--------|-----------|---------|----------|
| **Push only** | `pubsub_topic` | Topic + push subscription → `POST https://example.com/gmail/push` | Public IP or Tailscale funnel | Production with ingress |
| **Pull only** | `pubsub_subscription_id` | Topic + pull subscription | Any (no inbound) | Private deployment |
| **Hybrid** ⭐ | Both | Topic + push + pull subscriptions | Any | Maximum reliability |
| **Polling only** | Neither | None | Any | Development/testing |

#### Push Notifications Setup

When `pubsub_topic` is set, Flynn calls `gmail.users.watch()` to register for push notifications.

1. Create a **push subscription** in GCP:
   ```bash
   gcloud pubsub subscriptions create gmail-push-sub \
     --topic=gmail-push \
     --push-endpoint=https://your-domain.com/gmail/push
   ```

2. If using **Tailscale Serve**, enable funnel:
   ```yaml
   server:
     tailscale:
       serve: true
       funnel: true  # ← Required for Google to reach your endpoint
   ```

3. Set `pubsub_topic` in config:
   ```yaml
   automation:
     gmail:
       enabled: true
       pubsub_topic: projects/your-project/topics/gmail-push
   ```

**Important**: Push notifications require a publicly reachable endpoint. If `server.tailscale_only: true` and funnel is disabled, push will fail (Flynn falls back to pull/poll).

#### Pull Subscription Setup

When `pubsub_subscription_id` is set, Flynn periodically pulls messages from the subscription.

1. Create a **pull subscription** in GCP:
   ```bash
   gcloud pubsub subscriptions create gmail-pull-sub \
     --topic=gmail-push \
     --ack-deadline=60
   ```

2. Set `pubsub_subscription_id` in config:
   ```yaml
   automation:
     gmail:
       enabled: true
       pubsub_subscription_id: projects/your-project/topics/gmail-pull-sub
       pubsub_pull_interval: "60s"
   ```

**Note**: Pull mode works with any network setup (no inbound connections required).

#### Hybrid Mode (Recommended)

Combine push + pull for maximum reliability:

```yaml
automation:
  gmail:
    enabled: true
    credentials_file: ~/.config/flynn/gmail-credentials.json
    token_file: ~/.config/flynn/gmail-token.json
    
    # Push notifications (when endpoint is reachable)
    pubsub_topic: projects/your-project/topics/gmail-push
    
    # Pull fallback (always works)
    pubsub_subscription_id: projects/your-project/subscriptions/gmail-pull-sub
    pubsub_pull_interval: "60s"
    
    # History API tertiary fallback
    poll_interval: "300s"
    
    watch_labels: [INBOX]
    message: "New email from {{from}}: {{subject}}\n\n{{snippet}}"
    output:
      channel: telegram
      peer: "123456789"
```

#### Configuration Reference

| Field | Required | Default | Description |
|-------|----------|---------|-------------|
| `enabled` | no | `false` | Enable the Gmail watcher |
| `credentials_file` | yes | — | Path to OAuth2 credentials JSON |
| `token_file` | no | `~/.config/flynn/gmail-token.json` | Path to stored refresh token |
| `pubsub_topic` | no | — | Pub/Sub topic for push notifications (format: `projects/<project>/topics/<topic>`) |
| `pubsub_subscription_id` | no | — | Pub/Sub subscription for pull mode (format: `projects/<project>/subscriptions/<sub>`) |
| `pubsub_pull_interval` | no | `60s` | Pull interval when using subscription |
| `pubsub_max_messages` | no | `10` | Max messages per pull request (1-100) |
| `disable_push` | no | `false` | Disable watch API even if `pubsub_topic` is set |
| `watch_labels` | no | `[INBOX]` | Gmail labels to watch |
| `poll_interval` | no | `300s` | History API fallback interval |
| `history_start` | no | — | ISO date — only process emails after this date |
| `message` | no | `New email from {{from}}: {{subject}}\n\n{{snippet}}` | Template for agent message |
| `output.channel` | yes | — | Channel to route responses (e.g. `telegram`) |
| `output.peer` | yes | — | Peer/chat ID on output channel |

#### Template Variables

| Variable | Description |
|----------|-------------|
| `{{from}}` | Sender email address |
| `{{to}}` | Recipient email address |
| `{{subject}}` | Email subject line |
| `{{snippet}}` | Gmail-provided snippet (first ~200 chars) |
| `{{date}}` | Email date header |
| `{{id}}` | Gmail message ID |
| `{{labels}}` | Comma-separated label names |

#### Troubleshooting

**"Watch setup failed — Invalid topicName"**
- Ensure `pubsub_topic` format is correct: `projects/<project>/topics/<topic>`
- Verify the topic exists: `gcloud pubsub topics list`
- Check IAM permissions (Gmail API must be able to publish)

**"Permission denied" or "Forbidden"**
- Grant publish permission to Gmail API:
  ```bash
  gcloud pubsub topics add-iam-policy-binding <topic> \
    --member=serviceAccount:gmail-api-push@system.gserviceaccount.com \
    --role=roles/pubsub.publisher
  ```

**Push notifications not arriving**
- Verify endpoint is reachable: `curl -X POST https://your-domain.com/gmail/push`
- Check subscription configuration: `gcloud pubsub subscriptions describe <sub>`
- Enable Tailscale funnel if using `tailscale_only: true`
- Fall back to pull or polling mode

**Check status**:
```bash
flynn doctor  # Validates config and reports active modes (push/pull/poll)
```
```

#### 4.2 config/default.yaml

**File**: `config/default.yaml`

Update Gmail example (lines 128-136):

```yaml
#   gmail:
#     enabled: false
#     credentials_file: ~/.config/flynn/gmail-credentials.json
#     token_file: ~/.config/flynn/gmail-token.json
#     
#     # Push notifications (requires public endpoint or Tailscale funnel)
#     pubsub_topic: projects/<your-project>/topics/gmail-push
#     # pubsub_topic: gmail-push  # Shorthand when project_id is in credentials
#     
#     # Pull subscription (works with any network setup)
#     # pubsub_subscription_id: projects/<your-project>/subscriptions/gmail-pull-sub
#     # pubsub_pull_interval: "60s"
#     # pubsub_max_messages: 10
#     
#     # Disable push even if pubsub_topic is set (for debugging)
#     # disable_push: false
#     
#     watch_labels: [INBOX]
#     poll_interval: "60s"           # History API fallback interval
#     message: "New email from {{from}}: {{subject}}\n\n{{snippet}}"
#     output:
#       channel: telegram
#       peer: "123456789"
```

---

### 5. Dependencies

**File**: `package.json`

Add `@google-cloud/pubsub` for pull subscription support:

```json
{
  "dependencies": {
    "@google-cloud/pubsub": "^4.0.0"
  }
}
```

---

## Test Plan

### 5.1 Unit Tests

**File**: `src/automation/gmail.test.ts`

Add tests for new functionality:

```typescript
describe('GmailWatcher - Pub/Sub Pull', () => {
  it('should set up pull subscription with full subscription path', async () => {
    const config = {
      ...baseConfig,
      pubsub_subscription_id: 'projects/test-project/subscriptions/gmail-pull',
      pubsub_pull_interval: '30s',
    };
    const watcher = new GmailWatcher(config, channelLookup);
    await watcher.connect();
    
    // Verify subscriptionPath is set
    expect(watcher['subscriptionPath']).toBe('projects/test-project/subscriptions/gmail-pull');
    expect(watcher['pullSubscriptionTimer']).toBeDefined();
    
    await watcher.disconnect();
    expect(watcher['pullSubscriptionTimer']).toBeUndefined();
  });

  it('should auto-prefix subscription with project_id when shorthand is used', async () => {
    const config = {
      ...baseConfig,
      pubsub_subscription_id: 'gmail-pull',
    };
    const watcher = new GmailWatcher(config, channelLookup);
    await watcher.connect();
    
    expect(watcher['subscriptionPath']).toBe('projects/test-project/subscriptions/gmail-pull');
    await watcher.disconnect();
  });

  it('should skip pull setup when pubsub_subscription_id is not set', async () => {
    const watcher = new GmailWatcher(baseConfig, channelLookup);
    await watcher.connect();
    
    expect(watcher['subscriptionPath']).toBeUndefined();
    expect(watcher['pullSubscriptionTimer']).toBeUndefined();
    await watcher.disconnect();
  });

  it('should warn on invalid subscription path format', async () => {
    const consoleSpy = vi.spyOn(console, 'warn').mockImplementation(() => {});
    
    const config = {
      ...baseConfig,
      pubsub_subscription_id: 'invalid-format',
      credentials_file: '~/.config/flynn/gmail-credentials-no-project.json',
    };
    
    // Mock credentials without project_id
    vi.mocked(readFileSync).mockImplementation((path: string) => {
      if (path.includes('credentials')) {
        return JSON.stringify({
          installed: {
            client_id: 'test-client-id',
            client_secret: 'test-client-secret',
            // No project_id
          },
        });
      }
      return JSON.stringify({ access_token: 'token' });
    });
    
    const watcher = new GmailWatcher(config, channelLookup);
    await watcher.connect();
    
    expect(consoleSpy).toHaveBeenCalledWith(
      expect.stringContaining('pubsub_subscription_id \'invalid-format\' must be fully qualified')
    );
    
    await watcher.disconnect();
    consoleSpy.mockRestore();
  });
});

describe('GmailWatcher - disable_push', () => {
  it('should skip watch setup when disable_push is true', async () => {
    const config = {
      ...baseConfig,
      pubsub_topic: 'projects/test-project/topics/gmail-push',
      disable_push: true,
    };
    
    const watcher = new GmailWatcher(config, channelLookup);
    await watcher.connect();
    
    // Watch should not be called
    const mockWatch = vi.mocked(google.gmail().users.watch);
    expect(mockWatch).not.toHaveBeenCalled();
    
    await watcher.disconnect();
  });

  it('should log push disabled message when disable_push is true', async () => {
    const consoleSpy = vi.spyOn(console, 'log').mockImplementation(() => {});
    
    const config = {
      ...baseConfig,
      pubsub_topic: 'gmail-push',
      disable_push: true,
    };
    
    const watcher = new GmailWatcher(config, channelLookup);
    await watcher.connect();
    
    expect(consoleSpy).toHaveBeenCalledWith(
      'GmailWatcher: Push notifications disabled (disable_push: true)'
    );
    
    await watcher.disconnect();
    consoleSpy.mockRestore();
  });
});

describe('GmailWatcher - buildWatchErrorHint', () => {
  it('should return topic hint for Invalid topicName error', () => {
    const watcher = new GmailWatcher(baseConfig, channelLookup);
    const hint = watcher['buildWatchErrorHint']('Invalid topicName');
    
    expect(hint).toContain('Set automation.gmail.pubsub_topic');
    expect(hint).toContain('projects/test-project/topics/gmail-push');
  });

  it('should return IAM hint for Permission denied error', () => {
    const watcher = new GmailWatcher(baseConfig, channelLookup);
    const hint = watcher['buildWatchErrorHint']('Permission denied');
    
    expect(hint).toContain('gcloud pubsub topics add-iam-policy-binding');
    expect(hint).toContain('gmail-api-push@system.gserviceaccount.com');
  });

  it('should return creation hint for Not found error', () => {
    const watcher = new GmailWatcher(baseConfig, channelLookup);
    const hint = watcher['buildWatchErrorHint']('Not found');
    
    expect(hint).toContain('gcloud pubsub topics create');
  });
});

describe('GmailWatcher - connection logging', () => {
  it('should log all active modes on connect', async () => {
    const consoleSpy = vi.spyOn(console, 'log').mockImplementation(() => {});
    
    const config = {
      ...baseConfig,
      pubsub_topic: 'gmail-push',
      pubsub_subscription_id: 'gmail-pull',
    };
    
    const watcher = new GmailWatcher(config, channelLookup);
    await watcher.connect();
    
    expect(consoleSpy).toHaveBeenCalledWith(
      expect.stringContaining('push=true, pull=true, poll_interval=')
    );
    
    await watcher.disconnect();
    consoleSpy.mockRestore();
  });
});
```

### 5.2 Doctor Check Tests

**File**: `src/cli/doctor.test.ts`

Add tests for enhanced Gmail validation:

```typescript
describe('doctor - checkGmail enhanced', () => {
  it('should detect push mode', async () => {
    const config = {
      ...baseConfig,
      automation: {
        gmail: {
          enabled: true,
          credentials_file: '/mock/credentials.json',
          token_file: '/mock/token.json',
          pubsub_topic: 'projects/test/topics/gmail-push',
          output: { channel: 'telegram', peer: '123' },
        },
      },
    };
    
    const result = await checkGmail({ config });
    expect(result.status).toBe('pass');
    expect(result.detail).toContain('push + poll-fallback');
  });

  it('should detect pull mode', async () => {
    const config = {
      ...baseConfig,
      automation: {
        gmail: {
          enabled: true,
          credentials_file: '/mock/credentials.json',
          token_file: '/mock/token.json',
          pubsub_subscription_id: 'projects/test/subscriptions/gmail-pull',
          output: { channel: 'telegram', peer: '123' },
        },
      },
    };
    
    const result = await checkGmail({ config });
    expect(result.status).toBe('pass');
    expect(result.detail).toContain('pull + poll-fallback');
  });

  it('should detect hybrid mode', async () => {
    const config = {
      ...baseConfig,
      automation: {
        gmail: {
          enabled: true,
          credentials_file: '/mock/credentials.json',
          token_file: '/mock/token.json',
          pubsub_topic: 'gmail-push',
          pubsub_subscription_id: 'gmail-pull',
          output: { channel: 'telegram', peer: '123' },
        },
      },
    };
    
    const result = await checkGmail({ config });
    expect(result.status).toBe('pass');
    expect(result.detail).toContain('push + pull + poll-fallback');
  });

  it('should warn when push requires public endpoint but tailscale_only is enabled', async () => {
    const config = {
      ...baseConfig,
      server: {
        tailscale_only: true,
      },
      automation: {
        gmail: {
          enabled: true,
          credentials_file: '/mock/credentials.json',
          token_file: '/mock/token.json',
          pubsub_topic: 'gmail-push',
          output: { channel: 'telegram', peer: '123' },
        },
      },
    };
    
    const result = await checkGmail({ config });
    expect(result.status).toBe('warn');
    expect(result.detail).toContain('push requires public endpoint or Tailscale funnel');
  });

  it('should pass when tailscale funnel is enabled', async () => {
    const config = {
      ...baseConfig,
      server: {
        tailscale_only: true,
        tailscale: { funnel: true },
      },
      automation: {
        gmail: {
          enabled: true,
          credentials_file: '/mock/credentials.json',
          token_file: '/mock/token.json',
          pubsub_topic: 'gmail-push',
          output: { channel: 'telegram', peer: '123' },
        },
      },
    };
    
    const result = await checkGmail({ config });
    expect(result.status).toBe('pass');
    expect(result.detail).not.toContain('⚠️');
  });
});
```

### 5.3 Integration Tests

Manual testing checklist:

- [ ] **Push only**: Set `pubsub_topic`, start daemon, send test email, verify POST arrives at `/gmail/push`, verify agent response
- [ ] **Pull only**: Set `pubsub_subscription_id`, start daemon, send test email, verify pull retrieves message, verify agent response
- [ ] **Hybrid**: Set both, start daemon, send test email, verify either push or pull handles it (no duplicate processing)
- [ ] **Polling only**: Omit both, start daemon, send test email, verify History API poll finds it
- [ ] **Disable push**: Set `disable_push: true` with `pubsub_topic`, verify watch is not called
- [ ] **Doctor check**: Run `flynn doctor` with each mode, verify output shows correct modes
- [ ] **Error messages**: Trigger watch failure (invalid topic), verify hint contains actionable guidance
- [ ] **Tailscale warning**: Set `tailscale_only: true` without funnel, verify doctor warns about push

---

## Files to Modify

### Core Implementation

| File | Changes |
|------|---------|
| `src/config/schema.ts` | Add `pubsub_subscription_id`, `pubsub_pull_interval`, `pubsub_max_messages`, `disable_push` fields |
| `src/automation/gmail.ts` | Add `setupPullSubscription()`, `pullSubscriptionMessages()`, `buildWatchErrorHint()`, update `connect()` / `disconnect()` |
| `src/cli/doctor.ts` | Enhance `checkGmail` with Pub/Sub mode detection and Tailscale reachability check |
| `package.json` | Add `@google-cloud/pubsub` dependency |

### Documentation

| File | Changes |
|------|---------|
| `README.md` | Rewrite Gmail section with deployment patterns, setup instructions, troubleshooting |
| `config/default.yaml` | Update Gmail example with new fields and comments |
| `docs/plans/state.json` | Mark `gmail-push-revisit` as completed |

### Tests

| File | Changes |
|------|---------|
| `src/automation/gmail.test.ts` | Add tests for pull mode, `disable_push`, error hints, connection logging |
| `src/cli/doctor.test.ts` | Add tests for enhanced Gmail validation (mode detection, Tailscale warning) |

---

## Summary

This implementation plan makes Gmail notifications operationally reliable by:

1. **Supporting three deployment patterns**: Push (public endpoint), Pull (private), Hybrid (both)
2. **Clarifying config surface**: Explicit `pubsub_subscription_id`, `pubsub_pull_interval`, `disable_push` fields
3. **Improving error messages**: Actionable hints for common setup failures (invalid topic, missing IAM, etc.)
4. **Enhancing diagnostics**: `flynn doctor` reports active modes and warns about reachability issues
5. **Comprehensive documentation**: Setup guides for each pattern, GCP resource instructions, troubleshooting

**Recommended default**: Hybrid mode (push + pull + polling) for maximum reliability across all network configurations.

**Estimated effort**: 1-2 days (implementation + testing + docs)

**No breaking changes**: Existing `pubsub_topic`-only configs continue to work (push + polling)



