Due to Google’s increased security, you may find yourself unable to send or receive with your email program of choice. If you want to keep using an older email client like to read your Google email, here’s what you need to know, because Google has made some significant changes to how third-party apps access your account.GmailOutlook
What Changed with Google’s Security?
Google fully disabled “Less Secure Apps” access on September 30, 2024. If you were previously using that toggle to let your email program connect to Gmail, that option is permanently gone. But don’t panic! There are still ways to use your favorite email program with Gmail.
The Modern Way: OAuth (Sign In with Google)
If your email program supports it, the best option is OAuth, also known as “Sign in with Google.” Many modern email clients support this method, including:
Outlook (current versions)
Thunderbird (Mozilla’s free email client)
Apple Mail (built into macOS and iOS)
When you set up your Gmail account in one of these programs, it’ll open a Google sign-in page where you authenticate directly. This is Google’s preferred and most secure method. If your program supports it, use it!
The Fallback: App Passwords
If your email program doesn’t support OAuth (common with older software), you can still use app passwords. Here’s how:
Step 1: Turn on 2-Step Verification. You must have this enabled before you can create app passwords. Go to Google’s 2-Step Verification page and follow the prompts. Google will ask for a phone number if your account doesn’t have one. You’ll receive a numeric code via text message or phone call to verify your identity. The code can be sent via text or an automated phone call where the code is spoken out loud.
Step 2: Create an App Password. Go to and look for App Passwords. You’ll need to provide a name for the app that needs the password, something like “Outlook 2010” or “Thunderbird.” Google will generate a random 16-character password.Google’s Security Settings
Step 3: Use the App Password. Enter this generated password in your email program instead of your regular Google account password. This password is specific to that one app; your overall Google account password stays the same.
Important Notes
2-Step Verification is required before you can create app passwords. You cannot skip this step.
Each app password is for one program. If you use Gmail in multiple older apps, you’ll need to create a separate app password for each one.
Your regular Google password is still your regular password for signing into Google directly. App passwords only work for the specific apps you create them for.
Google recommends using OAuth whenever possible. App passwords are a fallback for older software that genuinely can’t support modern authentication.
FAQ
Why can’t I connect my email program to Gmail anymore?
Google disabled “Less Secure Apps” access on September 30, 2024. This means older programs that relied on simple username and password login can no longer connect to Gmail that way. You need to use either OAuth or app passwords with 2-Step Verification.
What’s an app password?
An app password is a 16-character code that Google generates for you. It lets older programs that don’t support modern authentication still access your Gmail. You use it in place of your regular Google password in that specific program.
Do I need 2-Step Verification to use app passwords?
Yes. 2-Step Verification must be turned on before Google will let you create app passwords.
What if my email program supports “Sign in with Google”?
Use that option instead of app passwords. It’s more secure and is Google’s preferred method. Modern versions of Outlook, Thunderbird, and Apple Mail all support this.
Where do I find App Passwords in my Google account?
Go to Google’s Security Settings, make sure 2-Step Verification is on, then look for the App Passwords option in the security section.
Conclusion
If you have questions or need assistance with this process or any other tech-related matter, Web Friendly Help is here for you. I provide tech support and training services. Get in touch if you have questions or need a hand.
I hope this post helps you successfully continue to use Google services on whatever device or software you prefer.
Qapla!
It should be noted that the app password is specific to each device, and a separate app password must be created for each device you own.
In other words, if you are using Outlook 2021 on a particular computer, you must create an app password for that instance of Outlook 2021, however, if you attempt to use that same password on another computer running Outlook 2021, you will not be able to, and must use another app password you create for that second computer.
There is no way of getting around this.
You can use the same app password should you have to re-install the software on the same computer, but you cannot use it on another computer.
It might be helpful to name your app password “Outlook 2021 HP”, or “Outlook 2021 laptop” to distinguish the various password in your password list of app passwords.
It would also be helpful if you keep the password jotted down in another location, as Google will not show you the app password you created, once you have the app passwrod, it will not let you see it again.
I have a folder on my Dropbox account with different text files of various passwords I have created for various services, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.