Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

Thunderbird SMTP outgoing server password - WHICH password?

more options

When configuring new IMAP account, Thunderbird needs outgoing server identified under the drop-down list. Then it asks me for an outgoing server password - WHICH password? Why? I already entered in a password for the email account. So if I want to use the same outgoing server as another email account (with a differing password) than I am baffled. Do I need separate outgoing server for each email account? The drop-down list would seem to encourage using one outgoing server for multiple accounts, yet the password requests aren't making sense to me.

Someone please help.

Thanks, Dave F.

When configuring new IMAP account, Thunderbird needs outgoing server identified under the drop-down list. Then it asks me for an outgoing server password - WHICH password? Why? I already entered in a password for the email account. So if I want to use the same outgoing server as another email account (with a differing password) than I am baffled. Do I need separate outgoing server for each email account? The drop-down list would seem to encourage using one outgoing server for multiple accounts, yet the password requests aren't making sense to me. Someone please help. Thanks, Dave F.

Chosen solution

I already entered in a password for the email account. So if I want to use the same outgoing server as another email account (with a differing password) than I am baffled.

For a different email account (i.e. with a different user ID) you'd need to set up a new Outgoing Server - SMTP in Thunderbird for that different account. Even though the server itself is the same as an already existing one, the user IDs would be different, and each server with it's user ID is linked to a different account.

If you just use multiple alias email addresses which belong to the same account (same user ID for all aliases) you only need a single SMTP server for that account.

Read this answer in context 👍 2

All Replies (10)

more options

Chosen Solution

I already entered in a password for the email account. So if I want to use the same outgoing server as another email account (with a differing password) than I am baffled.

For a different email account (i.e. with a different user ID) you'd need to set up a new Outgoing Server - SMTP in Thunderbird for that different account. Even though the server itself is the same as an already existing one, the user IDs would be different, and each server with it's user ID is linked to a different account.

If you just use multiple alias email addresses which belong to the same account (same user ID for all aliases) you only need a single SMTP server for that account.

more options

OK, thanks, but I still don't understand the logic of this. I mean, when setting up an email, I am already entering a password. Then to configure SMTP I have to add password again??? So then, if I change email password, I have to go back and create another SMTP configuration??? What is the point of this? Seems to make no sense, but there must be a reason.

more options

Not sure why this is so difficult to understand. Your provider has either a POP or IMAP server for inbound and an SMTP server for outbound. Both servers ask for a password. Either you enter it or tell Thunderbird to remember it and enter it for you. It is YOUR providers server asking for a password. Most times that password is the same for both servers.

more options

Airmail said

Not sure why this is so difficult to understand. Your provider has either a POP or IMAP server for inbound and an SMTP server for outbound. Both servers ask for a password. Either you enter it or tell Thunderbird to remember it and enter it for you. It is YOUR providers server asking for a password. Most times that password is the same for both servers.

It's "difficult to understand" because the SMTP info should be included in the account setup for each email. I manage many emails in my office, all using the same SMTP server, however, each email has a DIFFERENT password. Thus I will have numerous instances of the same SMTP listed in the drop down menu, but I have to be sure and associate each of those with the correct password that corresponds to the specific email account. It just makes no sense to me at all. The SMTP info should be part of the email account setup, just the same as POP or IMAP info.

more options

Macintosh system 10.10..5

Sending email message failed for the following reason: The message could not be sent because the connection to Outgoing server (SMTP) smtp.telus.net timed out. Try again.

And then it asks for a password .

I have used and upgraded Thunderbird for years.

Today I can not recall what password i originally used.

Where exactly is that password that Thunderbird version 45 wants ?

more options

waltersheluk,

You're posting to a two month old thread which has already been marked as 'Solved'. Why you think this is a good idea I really don't know.

Please start a new topic for your question. https://support.mozilla.org/questions/new

more options

Another old, solved thread.? Really? There are no passwords in Thunderbird. Any password for a server is your email password. That is administered with your email provider. If you do not remember it you need to work with your provider to reset it. Most providers have a link on their email help page to reset your password.

more options

Thanks. Sorry that my postings upset you.

Although I can't help wondering Why bother having the question after each posting:

"  Was this helpful to you? "

Besides it's not the end of the world by posting a response.

Anyway, I did find the smtp passwords by going to Thunderbird Preferences/Security/SavedPasswords

more options

Post on old threads all you want. Just do not throw a tantrum because no one saw your posting like you did in the other thread. Old, solved, threads do not get much attention except for the people that posted on them get an email. Other than that they are considered closed. I am just trying to let you know how the forum works.

more options

I really appreciate your comments and guidance.