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Gmail Password invalid but only for IMAP

  • 7 replies
  • 3 have this problem
  • 175 views
  • Last reply by Boltnut

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I'm attempting to set up my primary Gmail using IMAP in Thunderbird. Whenever I attempt the set up, the password registers as invalid. If I switch the configuration to POP, I can connect. I'm not sure what else to try

I have 2 factor authentication I have IMAP turned on in Gmail I have created an app password for Thunderbird Per the Gmail suggested troubleshooting I allowed outside apps

I'm attempting to set up my primary Gmail using IMAP in Thunderbird. Whenever I attempt the set up, the password registers as invalid. If I switch the configuration to POP, I can connect. I'm not sure what else to try I have 2 factor authentication I have IMAP turned on in Gmail I have created an app password for Thunderbird Per the Gmail suggested troubleshooting I allowed outside apps

Chosen solution

First, you should be using OAuth2 authentication when adding an IMAP gmail account (which is the default in the setup wizard), and use your normal account password. Second, you should have TB 60.9.1 or 68.2.1, which include a fix for google OAuth2 changes. An app password is only necessary if you use 'normal password' authentication, instead of OAuth2 (or use POP, which can't apply OAuth in TB).

http://kb.mozillazine.org/Using_Gmail_with_Thunderbird_and_Mozilla_Suite

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Chosen Solution

First, you should be using OAuth2 authentication when adding an IMAP gmail account (which is the default in the setup wizard), and use your normal account password. Second, you should have TB 60.9.1 or 68.2.1, which include a fix for google OAuth2 changes. An app password is only necessary if you use 'normal password' authentication, instead of OAuth2 (or use POP, which can't apply OAuth in TB).

http://kb.mozillazine.org/Using_Gmail_with_Thunderbird_and_Mozilla_Suite

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Ah, I was running 60.8.0. I was certain I had just run an update earlier today, but I suppose not.

Once I updated I was able to log in successfully though, thank you!

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I am running 60.9.0 and I don't see any location where I can get 60.9.1 - is that in any repository?

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winickjr said

I am running 60.9.0 and I don't see any location where I can get 60.9.1 - is that in any repository?

If you're on Windows or OS X, 60.9.0 should update to 60.9.1 from Help/About TB. If you're on Linux and your distro hasn't released 60.9.1, there is a TB version. Or, you can apply the workaround in Edit/Preferences/Advanced/General/Config. editor.

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I'm attempting to change my Gmail password and its original ones are SSL/TLS/OAuth2 authentication in Thunderbird v68.3.1. It can NOT work. Therefore I had removed and added it, but the result is same.

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Boltnut said

I'm attempting to change my Gmail password and its original ones are SSL/TLS/OAuth2 authentication in Thunderbird v68.3.1. It can NOT work. Therefore I had removed and added it, but the result is same.

If you changed the password, make sure the old ones for imap:// and smtp:// are deleted from Options/Security/Passwords/Saved Passwords, then restart TB and enter the new one when adding the account. Also, check your TB version is 60.9.1 or 68.3.1.

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Thanks. It can work now after removing the old one from Options/Security/Passwords/Saved Passwords.