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Gmail App Password: Create & Access Your Google Account

Valeria / Updated 16 june

How to Create an App Password for Gmail: Access Your Google Account

Do you use older email programs or specific apps to access your Gmail? Standard passwords might not work for these connections anymore.

This unique code provides a secure alternative for any email client or app you use.

Google has enhanced security measures to protect your account.

This guide will walk you through how to generate and use an app password from your Google security page.

Understanding App Passwords and Why You Need Them

What is an App Password and How Does it Enhance Security?

An app password is a 16-digit passcode for connecting an app.

It allows an app or device to connect to your Google account securely.

This happens without needing your main Google password for that specific app.

It significantly boosts your safety, especially with 2-Step Verification enabled for your Google services.

Why Standard Passwords Fall Short for Your Gmail Account and Devices

Regular passwords are great for web browsers.

However, many older apps or email clients do not support modern protection protocols.

Using your main Gmail account password directly with these can be risky.

An app password solves this compatibility issue securely for your Gmail access.

Common Scenarios Where an App Password is Essential (e.g., Mail Fetcher, Older Apps)

You need an app password for several common uses.

This includes setting up a mail fetcher in another email service.

Older desktop email clients like Outlook or Thunderbird often require one for your Gmail.

Even some mobile apps might ask for this specific app password for secure login.

Scenario Why App Password Helps
Desktop Email Clients Outlook, Thunderbird often need it for secure connection.
Mobile Mail Apps For secure setup on Android or iOS devices.
Mail Fetcher Services Allows other email services to pull your Gmail securely.
Older Applications Any app not supporting modern Google sign-in methods.

Prerequisites for an App Password

Enabling 2-Step Verification for Your Google Account

Before you can create an app password, you must enable 2-Step Verification.

This adds an extra layer of protection to your Google account.

Visit your Google Account settings to turn it on and enable this feature.

It ensures only you can get into your account, enhancing its security.

Verifying Your Identity Before Creating an App Password

Google will ask you to verify your identity.

This happens before you can generate an app password.

You might need to sign in again or confirm with a code for your account.

This step protects your account from unauthorized changes and strengthens verification.

Requirement Action
2-Step Verification Must be enabled on your Google Account for enhanced security.
Identity Verification Google will ask you to confirm your identity before creation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Create an App Password

Navigating to the App Passwords Page in Your Google Account Settings (Sign In if Prompted)

Go to your Google security page.

This is where to find application specific passwords for Gmail for your Google services.

Find the "How you sign in to Google" option to continue.

Then, click on "App passwords" on this page.

Selecting the App and Device for Your New App Password

On the App passwords page, choose the specific app and device you are setting up.

You can select from common options like "Mail" or choose a specific app like a CRM.

Alternatively, pick "Other (Custom name)" to specify your own app name.

This helps a user remember what each app password is for.

Creating and Copying Your Unique App Password

After selecting, click "Create" to get your new app password.

A 16-character app password will appear on your screen.

Carefully copy this app password, as you will only see it once.

You will use it instead of your regular Gmail password for that specific app or client.

Using Your App Password to Connect Devices and Apps

How to Add Your Email (Gmail Account) to Mail Clients (e.g., Outlook, Thunderbird)

When you add your email to a desktop client, like Outlook, use the app password for that app.

Enter it where the client asks for your Gmail password.

This method resolves issues like "the IMAP server doesn't support password authentication" for your Gmail account.

It also applies to configurando sua conta de e-mail Google for an app.

Setting Up Email on Mobile Devices (Android & iOS)

Setting up email on your Android or iOS phone is similar for any mail app.

When prompted for the password, input your app password.

This ensures secure entry to your Gmail on the go, protecting your app.

This is key for how to add an email to mailbox securely using an app password.

Client Type Example Clients Setup Notes
Desktop Email Clients Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail Use the app password instead of your regular Gmail password in the account settings. Ensure SMTP and IMAP settings for Gmail are correctly configured.
Mobile Email Apps Built-in Mail apps (Android/iOS), other third-party apps When adding your Gmail account, input the app password in the password field.
Other Applications Calendar sync tools, older backup software, Mail Fetcher Any application that directly accesses your Google data and doesn't support modern OAuth 2.0. This is where Google Apps application specific password comes in handy for your Google account. For advanced data scraping and lead generation, tools like Scrupp can benefit from secure access methods.

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

If you face connection problems, ensure 2-Step Verification is active.

Double-check that you copied the app password correctly.

Sometimes, simply deleting and re-adding the account helps resolve issues.

For Gmail SMTP password issues, the app password is usually the solution.

For related information, learn how to troubleshoot connection issues.

Managing and Revoking Your Gmail App Passwords

Viewing and Identifying Existing App Passwords

You can view your existing entries on the same page where you create them.

They appear as a list, often with the app or client name you assigned.

This helps you easily manage your connections and keep your Google data secure.

You cannot see the actual 16-digit code again, only the names for each app password.

When and How to Revoke an App Password

You should revoke an app password if you no longer use its associated app or client.

Also, revoke it if you suspect unauthorized activity on your account.

Simply click the "Revoke" button next to the entry on the App Passwords page to manage it.

This immediately cuts off that particular app's connection to your Google services.

Best Practices for App Password Security

  • Always create a new app password for each distinct app or client.
  • Never share your app password with anyone.
  • Regularly review your active app passwords on your Google account.
  • Revoke any unused or suspicious entries promptly to maintain safety.

Using app passwords is a smart way to keep your Google account secure.

It allows older apps to connect without compromising your main password.

Follow these steps to enhance your digital safety and manage your account access.

Protect your online presence effectively with a robust app password strategy.

Why do I need an app password if I already have 2-Step Verification enabled for my Google account?

Even with 2-Step Verification enabled, some older apps do not support modern Google sign-in methods.

An app password provides a secure way for these apps to access your Google account.

It acts as a unique, one-time use password for that specific app or device.

This keeps your main Google password safe and separate.


Reasons for needing an app password:

  • Legacy apps that don't support modern OAuth.
  • Enhanced security by not exposing your main password.
  • Specific services like mail fetchers.

Can I use the same app password for multiple apps or devices?

No, it is best practice to create a unique app password for each separate app or device.

This allows you to easily manage which apps have access to your Google services.

If you stop using an app, you can revoke only that specific app password without affecting others.

This also helps you identify which app might be causing issues if you need to troubleshoot.

App Password Usage Benefit
One password per app Easier management and revocation.
Unique for each device Enhanced security isolation.

What should I do if my app password isn't working or I get an error like "the IMAP server doesn't support password authentication"?

First, double-check that you copied your app password correctly without any extra spaces.

Ensure 2-Step Verification is still active on your Google account.

If you encounter "the IMAP server doesn't support password authentication," it strongly suggests you need to use an app password instead of your regular Gmail password.

Try deleting the account from the app and re-adding it, using the newly generate app password gmail.


Here are common troubleshooting tips:

  • Verify 2-Step Verification is active.
  • Re-enter the app password carefully.
  • Remove and re-add the account in the app.

How do I manage or revoke an app password if I no longer need it or suspect a security issue?

You can manage your app passwords by visiting your Google security page.

Look for the "App passwords" option under "How you sign in to Google."

On this page, you will see a list of your existing entries.

To revoke one, simply click the "Revoke" button next to the specific app entry. This immediately disables that app's access to your Google services, enhancing your security.

Can I use an app password for specific services like configuring my Google email for a mail fetcher or for SMTP settings?

Yes, an app password is essential for scenarios like setting up a mail fetcher in another email service.

When configurando sua conta de e-mail Google for a third-party client, you will use this 16-digit code for your account.

For Gmail SMTP password settings or SMTP and IMAP settings for Gmail, the gmail smtp app password replaces your regular Gmail password for that account.

This ensures secure communication for your gmail account, even with tools like Scrupp for lead generation.

Service Type App Password Role
Mail Fetcher Securely pulls emails from your Gmail account.
SMTP/IMAP Setup Replaces regular password for server authentication.

What is the benefit of using an app password for specific applications, like those for data scraping or lead generation?

Using an app password for specialized apps, such as Scrupp for LinkedIn lead generation, adds an extra layer of security to your account.

It means these tools can access your Google data without you sharing your main Google password.

This is especially useful for older systems or those that don't support modern OAuth 2.0.

It's a key step for secure integration, like when using a google apps application specific password.

App Type App Password Benefit
Older Email Clients Allows secure connection without modern protocols.
Data Scraping Tools Protects your main Google password during data access.
Mail Fetchers Enables other services to pull Gmail securely.

How do I enable 2-Step Verification to create an app password, and where can I find my application-specific password for Gmail?

To enable 2-Step Verification, visit your Google Account settings and follow the prompts.

This is a crucial step before you can create an app password for your account.

Once enabled, you can find your application-specific password on the App Passwords page, usually under the "How you sign in to Google" option.

This is where to find application specific password for gmail. You will then click "generate" to get your new code for your gmail or other email client. This helps you understand how to add an email to mailbox securely.


Here are the key steps:

  • Go to your Google security page.
  • Find "How you sign in to Google."
  • Click "App passwords" to generate your code.
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