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 says 'username or password invalid' when it is not

  • 4 replies
  • 2 have this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by Matt

more options

I have just installed Thunderbird on a new computer and am trying to set up my email accounts. However I keep getting the error 'username or password is invalid'.

I have checked both several times and re-entered them. They are correct. I can log into my webmail with them no problem. I have confirmed all my settings are correct, both against those provided by my email provider and against another thunderbird instance I have on a different computer.

I know that all my details are correct, but Thunderbird still thinks they are not and won't let me procede any further. What is causing this and how do I fix it?

I have just installed Thunderbird on a new computer and am trying to set up my email accounts. However I keep getting the error 'username or password is invalid'. I have checked both several times and re-entered them. They are correct. I can log into my webmail with them no problem. I have confirmed all my settings are correct, both against those provided by my email provider and against another thunderbird instance I have on a different computer. I know that all my details are correct, but Thunderbird still thinks they are not and won't let me procede any further. What is causing this and how do I fix it?

All Replies (4)

more options

New install and can not setup account for that reason usually indicated anti virus problems (it's firewall component blocking internet access to Thunderbird or the ports used for mail. They differ to webmail)

Best test is reboot in safe mode with networking and see if that works.

To restart the operating system in safe mode with Networking click on your operating system for instructions

Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, OSX
more options

I'll try that when I get the chance. I was able to set up one of my other email accounts, it uses the exact same ports. It's a brand new computer with the stock security software provided by Windows 8. Is this still likely to be an anti-virus problem?

more options

Ok, I can't start it up in safe mode because bit locker is enabled and the recovery code Microsoft is sending me is wrong.

more options

If you have an account up and running using the same ports anti virus becomes much less likely. It can still mess it up, but windows defender is perhaps off the hook. Not having enabled the appropriate accesses with your mail provider may be more your issue.

What mail provider are you trying to add an account for?

As a bit locker user your probably using two factor authentication with your mail provider. Have you created application passwords for Thunderbird to compliment that?