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Gmail requires me to "allow access to less secure devices" in order for Thunderbird to make an IMAP connection to my gmail account. Help?

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Thunderbird would not make a connection with my gmail account. I then got a message from Gmail saying the connection was blocked. I has to unset, then reset the "allow access to less secure devices" button in my gmail setting (through Google, not Thunderbird). Should I be concerned? The setting will affect other gmail connections. Is Thunderbird less secure?

Thunderbird would not make a connection with my gmail account. I then got a message from Gmail saying the connection was blocked. I has to unset, then reset the "allow access to less secure devices" button in my gmail setting (through Google, not Thunderbird). Should I be concerned? The setting will affect other gmail connections. Is Thunderbird less secure?

Chosen solution

Normally Gmail is accessed using oAuth2.0. But Google do not make that available for those using POP mail. So in your case you must allow the less secure apps for the POP mail account.

I use POP on Gmail, I have the less secure option turned on to get my mail. All it is is a setting that allows you to connect to Gmail using a password and user name as you have done until now. Google came up with a new idea, required it that worked out that there was not a single desktop application at the time that supported oAuth2.0 so they invented the less secure apps setting and talked about how much less secure it is. marketing hype at least some of it is. But regardless of what it is, you have to use it for POP per Googles requirement. Silly hey.

Read this answer in context 👍 4

All Replies (4)

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Please post your Troubleshooting Information. At the top right of the Thunderbird window, click the menu button , then select Help > Troubleshooting Information. Press the Copy text to clipboard button and paste the information into your reply.

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Hope this helps...


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 Mail and News Accounts
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   account5:
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   account8:
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   account9:
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   http://crash-stats.mozilla.com/report/index/bp-9f0716d3-052f-454e-8425-82b022150411 (4/11/2015)
   http://crash-stats.mozilla.com/report/index/bp-fc87ed75-1869-4556-9121-ff5df2131123 (11/23/2013)
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Chosen Solution

Normally Gmail is accessed using oAuth2.0. But Google do not make that available for those using POP mail. So in your case you must allow the less secure apps for the POP mail account.

I use POP on Gmail, I have the less secure option turned on to get my mail. All it is is a setting that allows you to connect to Gmail using a password and user name as you have done until now. Google came up with a new idea, required it that worked out that there was not a single desktop application at the time that supported oAuth2.0 so they invented the less secure apps setting and talked about how much less secure it is. marketing hype at least some of it is. But regardless of what it is, you have to use it for POP per Googles requirement. Silly hey.

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Thanks. That was helpful.