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Unable to add a gmail account to Thunderbird

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  • Amsa ta ƙarshe daga Toad-Hall

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I tried to add a new email account (which is hosted by Gmail) to Thunderbird but Thunderbird, after finding the account in the ISP database, then tells me "unable to login at server. Probably wrong configuration, username or password." I have checked the username and password. There is no mistake. What do I do now?

I tried to add a new email account (which is hosted by Gmail) to Thunderbird but Thunderbird, after finding the account in the ISP database, then tells me "unable to login at server. Probably wrong configuration, username or password." I have checked the username and password. There is no mistake. What do I do now?

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IF you want to use POP then make sure it's switched on in gmail webmail account - Settings > see all settings > Forwarding and Pop/IMAP

You need to make sure a few things are set up correctly in order to create a gmail account.

1. Firewall - Access Firewall (maybe the default one used by computer or maybe controlled by an Anti-Virus program you installed) Thunderbird must be listed/set up as an allowed program.

2. VPN Any VPN must be switched off otherwise gmail thinks you might be a hacker because of the attempt to hide your IP address. Recently I've discovered some people did not realise a VPN has been enabled by Anti-Virus. So do not assume - please double check. Gmail will block you if a VPN is set up.

3. localhost Some people maintain their own websites etc. If you use any programs that use the localhost such as Apache Xampp then you must switch them off whilst setting up Oauth token.

4. Access Webmail account via a browser If you have switched on 2 factor authentication then you need to make a decision. Either - switch it off so you can set up gmail account to use 'Authentication Method : Oauth2' OR - leave it switched on and create an app specific password. Then in Thunderbird use 'Authentication Method: Normal Password' for incoming and smtp server settings and when asked for password you enter the app specific password.

AS I'm not sure what type of account you want to create whilst in webmail account make sure you have enabled anything required. So if you want to use POP:


5. In Thunderbird you must allow cookies. So check the settings.

  • Settings > Privacy & Security
  • Under 'Web content'
  • Select checkbox 'Accept cookies from sites'
  • Accept third party cookies 'Always'
  • Click on 'Exceptions...' button
  • Add the following and set it to 'Allow' : https://accounts.google.com
  • click on 'Save Changes'


6. To create a gmail account in Thunderbird:

  • Menu app icon > New Account > Email
  • Enter: Name, gmail email address, Password

That's the same password you use when you logon to webmail account BUT....Note: if you have switched on 2 factor authentication then it requires the app specific password instead of the normal one.

  • Select checkbox : 'Remember password'
  • Click on 'Continue'

By default Thunderbird will look for IMAP server settings and assume 2 factor authentication is switched off and therefore uses 'Authentication Method: Oauth2'.

Server Settings: IMAP

  • Server name: imap.gmail.com
  • Port: 993
  • Connection Security: SSL/TLS
  • Authentication Method: Oauth2
  • Username: full gmail email address

SMTP

  • DEscription: full gmail email address
  • Server name: smtp.gmail.com
  • Port: 465
  • Connection Security: SSL/TLS
  • Authentication Method: Oauth2
  • Username: full gmail email address


So, if you want POP protocol AND/OR want to use gmail 2 factor authentication, then you have to modify the server settings - click on 'Configure Manually' button.

Select Protocol : POP

  • Server name: pop.gmail.com
  • Port: 995
  • Connection Security: SSL/TLS
  • Authentication Method: Oauth2
  • Username: full gmail email address

IF you want to use 2 factor authentication which uses an 'app specific password', then you must alter/edit the 'Authentication Method:' to use setting 'Normal Password'. This applies to Pop, Imap and SMTP Authentication Method.

Click on 'Re Test' or 'Done' as appropriate.

If set up to use 'Authentication MEthod' Oauth then you will get a prompt by google to logon using normal password and then another window to 'Allow' Thunderbird access to server.

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