Windows 10 reached EOS (end of support) on October 14, 2025. For more information, see this article.

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

Gmail / OAuth2 login won't accept password

  • 2 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 26 views
  • Last reply by history1

more options

I have a number of Gmail accounts which I manage using Thunderbird (currently version 91.6.1). All use a POP3 Mail Server and (currently) "SSL/TLS" and "Normal password" as the Security Settings.

A couple of days ago I received a message from Google saying that, from 30th May this year, Gmail was requiring two-level authentication and suggesting that I change to OAuth2 - so I've been testing this option in advance of the cut-off date.

With "Normal password" changed to "OAuth2" but no other changes I find that when I try to receive mail a Google account login screen is displayed with the appropriate Gmail account name loaded - so far, so good you might say; I was expecting that. However, when I press Next on this screen instead of being asked for my Gmail password, which I was anticipating, all that happens is that the same screen is redisplayed with the account name removed.

It looks as if I can't sign in to my Google account, as I assume is required for OAuth2; and eventually I get a "POP3 timed-out" message.

Any thoughts / suggestions ? Note I'm not an IT expert - so please phrase any replies accordingly.

Many thanks

I have a number of Gmail accounts which I manage using Thunderbird (currently version 91.6.1). All use a POP3 Mail Server and (currently) "SSL/TLS" and "Normal password" as the Security Settings. A couple of days ago I received a message from Google saying that, from 30th May this year, Gmail was requiring two-level authentication and suggesting that I change to OAuth2 - so I've been testing this option in advance of the cut-off date. With "Normal password" changed to "OAuth2" but no other changes I find that when I try to receive mail a Google account login screen is displayed with the appropriate Gmail account name loaded - so far, so good you might say; I was expecting that. However, when I press Next on this screen instead of being asked for my Gmail password, which I was anticipating, all that happens is that the same screen is redisplayed with the account name removed. It looks as if I can't sign in to my Google account, as I assume is required for OAuth2; and eventually I get a "POP3 timed-out" message. Any thoughts / suggestions ? Note I'm not an IT expert - so please phrase any replies accordingly. Many thanks

Chosen solution

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

Read this answer in context 👍 1

All Replies (2)

more options

Chosen Solution

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

more options

Thanks, this looks like it's solved the problem.

As I guess several people may have this issue as Gmail enforces 2-level security, can I expand on the reply for the benefit of people who are as "tentative" as I am when using advanced features in software.

So: 1. In Thunderbird go to Tools | Preferences. 2. Select the Privacy and Security option from the left-hand panel. 3. Locate the Accept cookies from sites option under the heading Web Content 4. Click the Exceptions button 5. Enter https://accounts.google.com (as recommended by christ1 above) and then click Allow. 6. Click Save Changes

7. Have a nice day !

I hope this helps. Thanks again to christ1