Windows 10 reached EOS (end of support) on October 14, 2025. If you are on Windows 10, see this article.

Avatar for Username

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
This thread was archived. Please ask a new question if you need help.
Solved Archived

Thunderbird cannot login to Mac email since OS X Sierra update. SOLVED use 2-step authentication

Thunderbird Privacy and security
scotsscubagod replied
scotsscubagod
scotsscubagod

Since I updated to Mac OS X Sierra, my Thunderbird client keeps asking for my Mac email password and fails to logon. I then receive a message saying that the Mac mail server has disconnected. My Mac password hasn't been changed recently and other email accounts, gmail & hotmail are working fine. This issue is happening on both my MacBook Pro's, I know I am entering the correct password as I logon to iCloud without any trouble, the email account settings in Thunderbird appear to be correct, the server settings are the same as if I try to set up a new Mac mail account in Thunderbird.

Since I updated to Mac OS X Sierra, my Thunderbird client keeps asking for my Mac email password and fails to logon. I then receive a message saying that the Mac mail server has disconnected. My Mac password hasn't been changed recently and other email accounts, gmail & hotmail are working fine. This issue is happening on both my MacBook Pro's, I know I am entering the correct password as I logon to iCloud without any trouble, the email account settings in Thunderbird appear to be correct, the server settings are the same as if I try to set up a new Mac mail account in Thunderbird.

Modified by Wayne Mery

christ1
christ1
  • Top 25 Contributor
  • Moderator
Read this answer in context

Chosen Solution

You'll need to create an application specific password for Thunderbird, as it doesn't support 2-step authentication natively.

All Replies (4)

christ1
christ1
  • Top 25 Contributor
  • Moderator

Are you using 2-step authentication?

scotsscubagod
scotsscubagod Question owner

Yes, I am, I am not being asked to authorise on another device for email though, the native Mac mail client is working fine.

christ1
christ1
  • Top 25 Contributor
  • Moderator

Chosen Solution

You'll need to create an application specific password for Thunderbird, as it doesn't support 2-step authentication natively.

scotsscubagod
scotsscubagod Question owner

Thanks Christ1, sorted now.