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Login to server imap.gmail.com failed.

  • 5 replies
  • 92 have this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by christ1

Bit-Tiger
Bit-Tiger
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I was notified by google that someone had my password and tried to log into my gmail account from out of state. I changed my password. Thunderbird requested the new password and I was able to download messages. Then I tried to send a message and again Thunderbird requested my password. It did not accept the password. Now when I try to receive messages my password is not accepted and I get the error message Login to server imap.gmail.com failed. The choices are Retry, Enter New Password and Cancel. I enter the new password and get the same error.

I went to Google help and I ensured IMAP is enabled. I do not have 2-step verification. I selected "Allow less secure apps to access mail." I clicked the link about Captcha. I've tried everything. I have the latest version of Thunderbird. 52.2.1. I am able to access my other gmail accounts.

Help. Thanks.

I was notified by google that someone had my password and tried to log into my gmail account from out of state. I changed my password. Thunderbird requested the new password and I was able to download messages. Then I tried to send a message and again Thunderbird requested my password. It did not accept the password. Now when I try to receive messages my password is not accepted and I get the error message Login to server imap.gmail.com failed. The choices are Retry, Enter New Password and Cancel. I enter the new password and get the same error. I went to Google help and I ensured IMAP is enabled. I do not have 2-step verification. I selected "Allow less secure apps to access mail." I clicked the link about Captcha. I've tried everything. I have the latest version of Thunderbird. 52.2.1. I am able to access my other gmail accounts. Help. Thanks.

Chosen solution

You need to allow cookies for https://accounts.google.com in Thunderbird.

Read this answer in context 👍 8

All Replies (5)

Bit-Tiger
Bit-Tiger Question owner
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more information. I just tried to send mail from my other gmail account using Thunderbird and got the error Login to server smtp.googlemail.com failed.

Server settings: Server name: imap.gmail.com Port 993 user name first.last@gmail.com connection security: SSL/TLS authentication method: normal password check for new messages every 11 minutes

Outgoing: server name: smtp.gmail.com port: 465 authentication method: normal password connection security: SSL/TLS

christ1
christ1
  • Top 25 Contributor
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The Google preferred authentication method is OAuth2. Try to change that in your account settings for the IMAP and SMTP server. With OAuth2 you do not need to "Allow less secure apps to access mail.". Note, OAuth2 is not supported for Gmail POP accounts.

Wayne Mery
Wayne Mery
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  • Top 10 Contributor
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All better??

Bit-Tiger
Bit-Tiger Question owner
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I tried that and I got the message that my browser needs to enable cookies.

My workaround is to use MS Outlook. :(

Plus that won't help with sending mail, which also doesn't work from the gmail accounts.

Any other ideas?

christ1
christ1
  • Top 25 Contributor
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Chosen Solution

You need to allow cookies for https://accounts.google.com in Thunderbird.