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Cannot add gmail account to Thunderbird

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I have several gmail accounts in Thunderbird and have been using for years with no problem. Suddenly just one of them stopped downloading emails, so I deleted the account from Thunderbird and tried to re-add. Now it keeps saying 'unable to login to server, probably wrong configuration, username or password.'

I have checked several times that all is correct but still can't put this account back on. Its driving me insane now. Any ideas gratefully received! Thanks Shirl

I have several gmail accounts in Thunderbird and have been using for years with no problem. Suddenly just one of them stopped downloading emails, so I deleted the account from Thunderbird and tried to re-add. Now it keeps saying 'unable to login to server, probably wrong configuration, username or password.' I have checked several times that all is correct but still can't put this account back on. Its driving me insane now. Any ideas gratefully received! Thanks Shirl

All Replies (5)

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Do you have application passwords set up correctly? These are Gmail's instructions to set up email clients: https://support.google.com/mail/answer/7126229

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Yes I have checked that my password in Gmail is the same as the one I am putting into Thunderbird. I dont use application passwords as I have 2 step verification on.

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Then that should be the issue. AFAIK either you don't use 2FA and allow "less secure apps", or you use 2FA and log in with application passwords.

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I have just turned back on 2FA and used an application password but its still not working? I have also tried less secure passwords.

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App passwords are not needed or recommended for gmail accounts, whether or not 2FA is set on the account.

Check that you have the correct settings: imap.gmail.com on 993 or pop.gmail.com on 995 and smtp.gmail.com on 465; SSL/TLS, OAuth2 authentication, User Name = email address.

If the authentication is normal password, change it to OAuth2 for all servers, remove passwords from Saved Passwords in Preferences and accept cookies in TB Preferences/Privacy & Security. Then, restart TB and enter the account (not app) password in the OAuth window when asked to allow TB access.