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gmail security and thunderbrid 38.2

  • 5 replies
  • 10 have this problem
  • 3 views
  • Last reply by mmmmpppp1

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I had to set my gmail account on Google to allow less secure apps to be able to enter my PW when getting mail on Thunderbird. This doesn't make sense to lower security just to use the Thunderbird app. Needs fixing or I am doing something wrong.

I had to set my gmail account on Google to allow less secure apps to be able to enter my PW when getting mail on Thunderbird. This doesn't make sense to lower security just to use the Thunderbird app. Needs fixing or I am doing something wrong.

Chosen solution

Thunderbird supports OAuth2 authentication for Gmail for IMAP accounts. OAuth2 is what Google considers to be 'safe'. OAuth2 isn't available for POP accounts. That doesn't mean Thunderbird is 'insecure'. In any case, turning on 2-step authentication significantly increases security for your Google account, regardless of whether you use OAuth2 or not. With 2-step authentication you don't have to allow 'less secure apps'. See this topic for more information. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1083852

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All Replies (5)

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What is your account type - POP or IMAP?

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my Thunderbird is pop.

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Chosen Solution

Thunderbird supports OAuth2 authentication for Gmail for IMAP accounts. OAuth2 is what Google considers to be 'safe'. OAuth2 isn't available for POP accounts. That doesn't mean Thunderbird is 'insecure'. In any case, turning on 2-step authentication significantly increases security for your Google account, regardless of whether you use OAuth2 or not. With 2-step authentication you don't have to allow 'less secure apps'. See this topic for more information. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1083852

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Thank you. I switched to OAuth2 and I can log in to my gmail account now.

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I changed to Oauth2, and it fixed my problem too. But several weeks later the problem is happening again with Oauth2 set!