Upcoming Gmail changes
Google Workspace accounts had “allow less secure apps” turned off May 1 2024. This was turned off on consumer accounts at the end of May 2022.
Users with Outlook 2016 (retail version), 2019, 2021, and 365 won't have a problem when Less Secure Apps is disabled. They can connect to Gmail accounts (using IMAP) with Allow less secure apps turned off. Gmail users with older versions of Outlook who want to continue to use Outlook will have two options: upgrade to new version of Office or enable two step verification on their account and use an app password.
At this time, adding a Gmail account to Outlook as POP will require the user to enable two-step verification and use an app password to log in. Newer versions of Outlook will need to use app passwords with POP accounts too.
To enable two-step verification and get an app password, log into your Google account and open the Security settings.
It is highly recommended that you use two step verification even if you are using a supported version of Outlook!
If you are unable to enable two-step verification and upgrading Office is not in the cards, you’ll need to use a different email client or use Gmail.com. (I recommend eM client as a good Outlook replacement.)
Error Messages
Task 'user@gmail.com - Receiving' reported error (0x800CCC92): 'Your email server rejected your login. Verify your username and password for this account in Account Settings. The server responded: -ERR [AUTH] Username and password not accepted."
If you have the account added as POP and receive this error, you need to use an app password to sign in. If you do not have two-step verification enabled, you will need to enable it to create an app password.
Two-Step Verification
Older versions of Outlook can't connect to Gmail servers unless you also enable two-factor authorization then use an app password in Outlook. (The app password is a one-time use password that can be voided if you suspect it is compromised, without affecting your “real” password.)
To check or change your settings, sign in to Gmail then open your Google account settings.
If you enable two-factor authentication, you'll create new app passwords at App passwords. Gmail allows you to revoke individual app passwords, which you can do by clicking the trash can icon to the right of the device name.
In my experience with Gmail, their implementation of two-factor authorization is not annoying at all and retains the authorization. It doesn't request re-authorization often, which makes using an app password fairly painless. If you use public hotspots, you should enable two-factor.
Add an App Password video
Please note: the email address shown in the video is used only for testing and screenshots. I will not reply to email sent to it.
While the YouTube video below was recorded using Outlook from Office 365, the steps are basically the same for all versions. I have a recording made using Outlook 2007 here.
More Information
Gmail in Outlook: unable to connect to email
"Less Secure Login Warnings"
Abbas Ziyad says
Thank you very much, my probelm solved - really appreciate
Wenne says
Thank you so much. After day of frustration you solve my problems. Many many thanks.
Alina says
I had already the 2-step authentication. I changed my password and got the annoying Outlook notification however under my 2-step authentication in my account I do not see the App password generator. Please help.
Jani says
THANK YOU SOOO MUCH!! After following instructions from SEVERAL websites with zero success, watching your video has finally enabled me to successfully add my gmail account to outlook. You are a STAR!!
Plaulien says
Thank you so much for this video. After not using my Outlook I've followed your steps and it is working again!! Such a relief!
Alina says
Is the video cut off? So once we paste the temporary password in the pop-up box what happens next? Doesn't Outlook need the real password afterward? Thank you.
Diane Poremsky says
No, if you need to use an app password, you use it instead f the real password.
Alina says
Thank you!
Lorenzo Benzini says
Hi Diane,
I am able to use the Goggle App Password to add my gmail account to Outlook (Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2301 Build 16.0.16026.20002) 64-bit). It even indicates that it has connected successfully and sends out a test email that I receive. However when I try to actually send/receive or sync within Outlook I am prompted to authenticate again and after entering my gmail account and selecting next I receive a message "This browser or app may not be secure. Try using another browser....". Any ideas?
Alida says
Thank you very much, I've been trying to accomplish this all day, your video was perfect.
Zaid says
I have no way to Thank you ..... Thankyouuuuuu So much... My problem solved
David V says
Hi, I have tried this fix but because Outlook wont recognise my gmail account
Gives error 400 An error occurred when you tried to access your mailbox because a server with information about you and your mailbox couldn't be found.
Although I have got the code There is no send and receive button to send it, The Outlook is brand new with a new laptop and although I can get emails form Gmail I want to get them on Outlook. I have Imap enabled and two stage verification turned on. Hope you can help
Diane Poremsky says
What version of outlook are you using?
This message makes it sound like you have a typo in the address or server names:
Gives error 400 An error occurred when you tried to access your mailbox because a server with information about you and your mailbox couldn't be found.
David V says
Not sure which version, apart from its (pwa) but cant find more info than that. Its part of Microsoft 365 but obviously a newer version because its different to the version i use on another machine.
The gmail comes in fine on gmail account. I can send from outlook and it shows as sent mail and receives on gmail but not on the laptop its sent from.
I also get a message from Microsoft saying That Microsoft account doesn't exist, Enter a different account or get a new one. Even though i am signed into the gmail account...
Vicki Green says
I have changed SSL setting and now my emails are being received. From 2011 as I keep my emails in gmail.
As per some of your other followers, I can't thank you enough for the information you provided to get me this far
Vicki Green says
Hi Diane. I ommitted to include
And the outlook requesting password stopped popping up !!!!!!
Vicki Green says
Thank you Diane.
Do you have any suggestions
Pierre says
What a pain to get this Gmail account working!
This until I find this forum. 10 minutes later it is working perfectly
(provided I remember to set the imap SSL port 993 stmp ssl 465 and few basic things)
Tks
Jad says
Dianne I just log into my emails online, not through Outlook. When I try to log into my account I am getting this message: "We are sorry, but you do not have access to Gmail."
Any suggestions? Thanks
Diane Poremsky says
This is happening when you log into gmail.com? Do you have a business account or a gmail consumer account?
Joanne Lowe says
You are the cleverest human being on the planet. Just got to work out now how to stop the password box appearing in the middle of my work! Thank you!
Rui Henrique Santos says
Well, I really hope that you can feel my appreciatiton for you, here from Portugal. You make a clear case and solved my nightmare. I had spend a lot of time at Microsoft support forums and nobody thinks as a consumer nor even as trouble-shooters. You nailed it. Really, really appreciated and hope everything best for you.
Simon says
Hello Diane,
I had this issue and your video helped me solve it. I think my copy of Outlook might be 2007, so pretty old now. Thank-you so much!
cesar says
Diane Poremsky says
When you use IMAP, it is email-only - you need a 3rd party utility to sync calendar & contacts with a Gmail account - companionlink or gsyncit are two of the best.
Lori says
Hi Diane - I have similar issues to Greg. It seems my settings have been affected by Google's May 31st changes that affect security/login. Coincidentally, my computer crashed 5/17 and it was in data recovery until 6/14. Since I have had my computer back with a newly installed OS, I have not been successful in setting up my Outlook 2019 desktop client again. I have my existing PST file with 6 gmail accounts I funnel in via POP3 (yes, I still have my reasons/preference for POP3). I know I am using the exact same settings that were in place prior to the crash on 5/17 because I keep screen prints of my account settings. So, I am convinced that Google's security change has something to do with why I cannot connect. The only difference is that I previously had my Outlook 2019 installed on Windows 10 and it is now installed on Windows 11, but I don't see how that would affect the mail clients. I get the same issues with login passwords and being unable to connect to the incoming email gmail server. Would this require the 2FA app password generation? I am desperate to get this working. I have researched the internet tirelessly and worked with a Best Buy Geek Squad tech to no avail. Please help!!!
Diane Poremsky says
Are you using two step verification and an app password? That is required with POP access.
Nick says
Thanks!!! you're a life saver, managed to get Gmail working again on Outlook 365 desktop client. I'm disappointed that Google did not notify Gmail account users who access their accounts via third party apps like Outlook, that they were going to impose stricter security measures which might affect their current access after 31 May. Furthermore, they should have provided possible solutions to maintain access if users are affected, i.e. similar to what you have done. FYI - I use Gmail PoP access, setup 2FA in Google, generated an app password and used it with my email address in Outlook to regain access :)
Michael Mo says
Hi, thank you for your details... I am still having trouble poping my personal email to outlook 365... have resorted to forwarding emails to my business email account that is popping ok as a temp solution. for my personal gmail account, I had 2 step verification on, but outlook would still give me an error in setting up the account manually with pop settings... any clue on what I am missing?
Diane Poremsky says
With Gmail POP accounts, you need to use 2-step and an app password in outlook.
Have you used the account as POp before? You need to enable POP in gmail settings.
Jan says
Thank you so much. So easy to get Outlook2007 working with Gmail again after viewing your earlier video. Couldn’t use the Google Authenticator app though - I guess Outlook 2007 is just too old!
Yuvaraj says
Perfect solution. I have outlook 2013, after google removed the 'less secure app' options, I was unable to use gmail from outlook. This helped me to fix it.
Thanks.
Greg says
Diane, I have outlook 2019, and I am getting the error message that outlook cannot connect to gmail server and the password box comes up. I have looked at my google account and the "allow less secure apps" function says it is no longer available. Not sure what to do next.
Diane Poremsky says
If you are using a POP account, you need to enable 2-step verification and then get an app password to use in outlook in place of your regular password.
Or remove the pop account and add it back using auto account setup - this will add it as an IMAP account and it will work without enabling 2-step.
Greg says
Diane,
It is an IMAP account. I have not changed any settings at all. This all happened with the google change.
Diane Poremsky says
If the account is in as IMAP, it should just work. If it won't you need to enable 2-step verification.
Which version and build of Outlook are you using? See File, Office Account for the information.
Greg says
It is V2205
build 16.015225.2078 64 bit
if i have to do 2 step verification, what are the steps if I already have IMAP?
Diane Poremsky says
If you enable 2step, you will just need to verify after you enter your password - but Outlook 2019 uses oAuth2 and does not need to use 2step for IMAP accounts (it needs it for pop). I tested it with the same build you have - IMAP does not need 2step or an app password - so something else is wrong.
You could remove the account from outlook then add it back - but if you have calendar & contacts in the gmail data file, in folders named 'this computer only' you need to export them first.
Greg says
I deleted the account and have tried to reinstate it. It keeps telling me that I to check my password. I have checked that numerous times. I can't figure out what it could be.
Diane Poremsky says
Are you adding it as POP or IMAP?
Do you have 2-step verification enabled?
Depending on your outlook version, you will need two step enabled and will need to use an app password in outlook instead of your real password.
Greg says
i am using IMAP. 2 step verification is off. should i turn it on and follow your instructions for 2 step in your video for POP account? It keeps saying wrong password, can't connect to server.
Diane Poremsky says
Yes, if it says wrong password, enable 2-step. It's required for Outlook 2013 and older - but updated versions of Outlook 2016 and newer should work without 2-step on.
Paul Chan says
I cannot believe it. It does work. The most amazing thing is that my Outlook is 2007 version and Diane provides a video guiding us to setup step by step for Outlook 2007. Thumb up and Thank You
Ronnie says
Thank you very much Diane. I have been cracking my head over this issue with my Outlook 2013. Trying to delete receiving mails with MFCMAPI, checking all the setups, and trying all solutions available but none helped, until I saw your resolution. It did resolved the issue with the Two-Step Verification and creating an App Password. However, the password to input in Outlook do not permit copy & paste. No worries - have to type in manually without any SPACES.
Thanks a million Diana.
Diane Poremsky says
You're welcome! Ctrl+V should work when paste is not an option on the right click menu... and yes, no spaces. Those are there just to make it easier to read (thanks to the magic of CSS on web pages.)
Ronnie says
As mentioned all is working fine with your resolution. However, I still get the error message intermittently at the bottom of outlook page "send/receive errors", but send and receive works. I just ignore the error and continue working. Mcafee antivirus has granted permission for apps access. Could you please advise what could still be causing this error message?. Thank you in anticipation of your response.
Diane Poremsky says
What does the send/receive program dialog say? Click on send/receive errors and look on the error tab.
Ronnie says
Task! Synchronizing subscribed folder for xxx.gmail.com reported error (0x800CCC0E): Outlook cannot synchronise subscribed folders for xxx.gmail.com. error cannot connect to the server
Diane Poremsky says
What version of Outlook? Are you using an app password in outlook?
Ronnie says
I'm using Outlook 2013 with an app password in outlook generated by Google as per your resolution instructions.
Diane Poremsky says
Check the Sync issues folder - its in the folder list (Ctrl+6 switches to the folder list) - errors are in red text. You can empty the folder after looking at errors from today. Outlook will create more as needed.
Ronnie says
Thank you for your response. I manage to check the Sync issues folder. There are 2 errors are in red text i.e. 800CCC0E-0-0733. I deleted the errors and the folder is empty. Exit out of Outlook, and started again. Task bar showing Synchronizing. Sending & Receiving works. After a few mins, encountered the same error - 0x8000CCCoE. Outlook cannot synchronize subscribed folders for xxx.gmail.com. error cannot connect to the server. I'm stumped with this problem. It is greatly appreciated, if you could assist the issue further. Thank you
Tricia says
Hi Diane,
I could not figure it out, then I watched the video you shared with someone, and it is working! Thank you so much!!!!!
Mark says
Diane, can't thank you enough for saving me from hours of research to get a fix for this problem. Not sure why Microsoft didn't publish a fix for this prior to May 31 (did they?). I'm an old techie (used to install IP Telephony under the H.323 protocol...yes very old). Now if I could just figure out why Google still shows me at 12.7gb of usage, both before and after I deleted several gigs of data from my account...hmmm.
Again, your generosity has provided so much peace for, I'm sure, a number of people. A world of thanks.
Mark
Diane Poremsky says
They've had a solution for IMAP accounts in Outlook 2016 and newer for quite some time. The problem is with the POP protocol not supporting oAuth2. I don't know if or when they will happen.
Will says
Hi Diane.. I just wanted to say thank you so much for your advice. Taking it has enabled me to continue using my Outlook Express 6 email client after Google/gmail took action on third party apps.. and yes I did say.. Outlook Express 6!
Over the years I've tried many email programme's, but always ended up going back to Outlook Express because I felt comfortable with it, and it does what I require admirably. I was therefore more than a little irked when Google decided to deprive me of its use after May 30th 2022. Now, thanks to you its up and running again. So pleased..
Will says
By the way I'm still running Windows 7 Pro with absolutely no problems whatsoever, and only gave up XP two years ago.. ha ha.. :-)
Diane Poremsky says
This is a judgment-free zone. :) But if you ever need a modern, more secure client, I recommend eM client - and it's free if you only have 1 or 2 email accounts.
Will says
Thanks Diane.. I did look at eM.. but I run 5 gmail pop accounts, so no go for me I'm afraid..
Kay Tate says
Diane -- I like your comment..."This is a judgment-free zone. :) " I'll bet I'm older than Will. I have Windows 7 Home Premium & Outlook 2003. I don't like built-in obsolescence & hate forced upgrades! I also have spent way too many hrs looking for a work-around to the no-longer-allowing less secure apps mess. My Outlook is IMAP, configured, I've confirmed email acct settings, set up the 2-step auth. Nothing works. Do you have a video working with 2003 with IMAP?
I have a very good feeling about finding your site!
Diane Poremsky says
I don't have a video but will make you one in the morning. And will test it my Gmail account - it definitely should work, but outlook 2003 doesn't support some encryption methods.
Diane Poremsky says
A video is here - https://www.screencast.com/t/raZkioylKYj
please note, the gmail account in the video is a test account only, I don't check for mail in it. :)
Kay Tate says
Appreciate you making the video. I've already taken these steps.
Now I AM accessing Outlook, but freezes up a lot. Not getting the IMAP PW popup anymore, though, thankfully.
Would you recommend I change from IMAP to POP? Better connection to Gmail?
Looks like quite a process & I'd have to load Contacts individually.
Diane Poremsky says
Use the account type you prefer - there are pros and cons to each. IMAP is better if you use more than one computer.
CIP says
Thanks, Diane! there's very little solid info online on how to make this new Google requirement work in Outlook. Neither Microsoft or Google provide much help. I use Outlook 365 desktop to access 2 Exchange accounts and 5 Gmail POPs... which I continue to use since IMAP inboxes are not unified on desktop, so sticking with POP until someone figures that out.
I've been dreading the sunset of "less secure app" access in Google, but it's been impossible to find the correct steps to remedy it. However, setting up 2FA and an "App Password" for each Google account, then creating the Google-generated password in Outlook (replacing your original password) works great. As you note, it's pretty painless and seems to be a one-and-done (so far).
Someone posted a step-by-step that is very helpful.
Aditya says
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_NP3pcvkAg this video helped me to setup pop3
Jorge says
Outlook 2013 it's working! You are the best! Thank you
Sriharsh SInghania says
It worked, thanks Diane!
Claud says
Thanks so much for your time Diane! solved my issue with my 2013 outlook.
Ill get another year of so out of it and then move to a better option.
Everything's becoming an annual subscription now, and were owning nothing! sign of the times ! for sure.
Diane Poremsky says
If you are vigilant (since there are no more security updates), you can get more than 2 years out of 2013. :) A lot of people are still on 2010 and there are more than a few still on 2007.
Michael S Strelka says
I have Office 365. I added 2 step verification to my google account. IMAP is enable in gmail account. Outlook account settings are for POP (and worked until today. Outlook keeps asking for a password and won't download my gmail emails.
Diane Poremsky says
You need to use an app password with POP accounts - in all versions of Outlook - as they won't ask for the second factor.
Jim says
Terrible that Google is forcing us of the software we have decided to use and found well suited for our needs at a security risk we have accepted. Trying to force us to use Gmail exclusively? Greedy pigs!
Ellen says
I created an app password for my google account. I then changed my password in Outlook 2007 in accounts ( I know it's old but it's been working fine until yesterday) but I continue to get the error message above 'Your email server rejected your login. Verify your username and password for this account in Account Settings. Is there something I'm missing? I am using the settings provided by gmail for POP3 and IMAP but can't get either one to receive messages. I'd appreciate any suggestions to get my Outlook working again.
Also can you provide me the correct settings for incoming and outgoing servers in POP3 and IMAP as maybe I am using incorrect settings.
Thanks
Diane Poremsky says
use pop.gmail.com, port 995/SSL and smtp.gmail.com port 465/SSL - authenticate outbound mail using incoming password.
Did you copy and paste the app password into the password field in Outlook 2007? This insures you get the password correct.
Steps to make it work in Outlook 2007:
https://www.screencast.com/t/MOUHl97q
Ellen says
Thanks for your response. Unfortunately the Outlook accounts dialog box to enter new password does not permit paste so I had to type it in. I checked internet and typed app password with no spaces (also tried with spaces) but neither option worked. Any other suggestions? I am about to throw in the towel and just use gmail instead of paying $150 for a newer version of Outlook. What do you think?
Diane Poremsky says
No need to spend money on a new version... ctrl+V should paste it. I'll boot up an 2007 virtual machine and double check.
Ellen says
Hi Diane,
After many many hours and your incredible help I was finally able to get the darn thing working. I had to generate a second app password as I think the first one was not properly registered with Google for some reason. With the new app password and a new Outlook profile I pasted the app password into the dialog box that kept popping up and it finally accepted my logon. Thank you again so much. I was getting used to gmail but I really prefer Outlook.
Janet says
I am in the same position. I can no longer access my Outlook. I use Pastel Bookeeping program and it sends my invoices and statements only through Outlook. I cant change it. This has created a huge problem for me and none of the above suggestions are working.
Diane Poremsky says
What version of Outlook do you use?
Did you enable two-step verification and use an app password in outlook?
Ellen says
Hi Diane,
It's me again. Outlook stopped working the next time I tried it. I had to create yet another app password. Furthermore I lost all the mail in all my folders. I tried importing from the pst file but it says that that data already exists in the current profile. Can you tell me how to get back my emails as the pst file exists in my c drive. Thanks so much.
Diane Poremsky says
Which version and build of Outlook are you using?
You won't lose email - if you use a POP account, the mail is in a pst file on your hard drive. If you use imap, its on the gmail server and will re-sync. At most, you could lose your calendar and contacts if they are in a folder named 'this computer only'
Don't import the pst - if you use imap, its on the server (it might be in the All Mail folder is you switched from POP to imap), if you use POP, just open the pst file.
Janet says
Im using Windows 7 and Outlook 7. There is no app password feature.
Diane Poremsky says
You need to create the app password in google.com then paste it into the password field in Outlook.
By Outlook 7 does you mean outlook 2007? I have this video I recorded for another user that shows how to do it.
https://www.screencast.com/t/qGJpkdhok8
Janet says
Yes sorry Outlook 2007. I did the above as per your video and it has worked. Thank you so so much I am very grateful for your help.
Ken says
Thank you! thank you! thank you!!!
i struggle many hours to access my outlook 2013
Sara says
Dear Diane, Thank you for providing me with the 'a-ha!' and 'doh' moment with regard to Outlook 2010 and OAuth. I've been searching for a while, finding bit of info that made sense, but your article pulled away the fog. As the writers below have commented, not quite ready to switch to a more 'modern' or web based solution! It ain't completely broke yet and it's fixed now!
Martijn says
I tried eM Client... same issue...
harris maynord says
This confirms what I did last week. I should have known you would solve this, apparently several years ago at that. Over the years I have used several of your solutions. Just must remember that when the next problem arises.
I'm hanging on to a legacy app that supports no later than Outlook 2010. (I know, not a great plan.) Google sent me the email re "On May 30, you may lose access to apps ...." (Looking back at the Learn More link in their email, I see they did include using an App password as a possible solution, but I didn't understand it at the time.)
My first thought was disconnect outlook from gmail, keep outlook connected to the non-gmail address I use, and set gmail to forward all of its email to my other address. Then somehow I stumbled upon the app password solution myself and, lo and behold, it works just as you say. This solution also avoids changing any outlook settings (other than the password). Thanks again. harris maynord
wcelsiuss says
I am using Outlook2016 because I can see several my e-mail boxes in the same application and also archive it locally. It also allows to use MS calendar, and embed pictures and text in different fonts from other MS Office applications. Google tools (eg browser based mail client) displays mails incorrectly and does not allow multiple accounts in common mailbox. My connection is POP3 and it stopped working today, and then appears to be working again after 12 hours.
I do not want to upgrade to new office (as it is not free) and I don't want other mail client. It is *MY* mailbox and I am OK to make a decision to live with "less secure mailbox", specifically because there is no explanation why Google thinks that this application is less secure.
I also saw the note of "app password" - for some it is intuitive, but I need better explanation what it is, how it works with the mail client, and why exactly Google thinks that it is more secure. The name "app password" does not tell me anything meaningful. Could someone explain what it is and how it works?
On the side note: Google lists only "IOS" and Android on their tech support page, they probably think that Windows does not exist in their world?
Diane Poremsky says
Is your account working now, with POP? My gmail pop account is not working with my regular password.
An app password is a single-use password (16 characters) you need to use when the application you need to log into doesn't properly support two step authentications, so you can't log in with your real password and answer the second verification.
Because POP protocol in Outlook does not yet support oAuth2, it won't ask for the second verification - so you need the app password.
David says
Thank you, Diane! This article really helps out even after 4 years it is being written, as Google decided to permanently remove the 'Less Secure Apps' option as per yesterday, 31 May 2022.
Robert says
The generated app password after enabling 2 step authentication worked for me using Outlook 2021 on Windows 11! Is there no end to Gmail breaking things lol.
Diane Poremsky says
You shouldn't need an app password with 2021 - unless you have the account added as POP3. It doesn't yet support oAuth2 yet.
Steve says
My issue is a little different...I can see my father-in-laws google calendar in outlook. He does have a bunch of baseball schedules that I do not need to see. He has them marked private, and I still see them. How can to stop that?
DK Parsai says
One of the best and straight forward write-up on this topic. The App Password link is most helpful and I have not found any other blogs writers mention it. Most helpful for working with 2-factor authentication on Gmail and Outlook or other mail app. Thanks a ton
Ali Reza says
Kindly reply point wise
1) Can you explain in simple steps considering less secure apps is closed by google now then what to do to ensure outlook still works.
2) If 2 step authentication is enabled in admin i guess even if less secure apps is closed by google still outlook works fine. As per above article only one time app password to enter in outlook and thats it continue to use.
In this case how to generate one time app password. Please give simple steps.
3) Also finally OAuth 2.0 is all difficult and cant really understand steps. Can u tell me in simple step by step how to authenticate users using OAuth 2.0 once less secure apps is disabled by google.
4) Once less secure apps is disabled by google can 2 factor authentication enable be done to ensure if any user is still not able to use outlook he can use it.
5) I believe that once google discontinue less secure apps if 2 step authentication is enabled and forced and users have done steps then it wont affect their outlook please confirm this or clarify if i am wrong
lisa says
thank you very much after 2 hours of figuring what i did wrong this worked first time.
john says
It is irritating that Google think Outlook is insecure and something they do on purpose to annoy everybody not thinking that Google should be allowed to have all info from everybody in order to fill their own pockets.
Kimberly Speirs says
I am not a technical person and all of this is confusing to me. Is there a simpler "Dummies" version to do this? Thank you
Diane Poremsky says
Probably not... Start with logging into your google profile at https://myaccount.google.com/security#signin. You can either allow less secure apps or enable 2 factor auth and create an app password to use in outlook.
Tara says
Thanks a million for posting this assistance. You are a lifesaver.
Perry Jones says
Thanks, this article helped a lot. You may want to mention that if you enable two factor authentication in Google, Google automatically removes the option to turn on "Less Secure App Access."
Gary says
Google have disabled the less secure apps. I'm using Outlook 2007 and do not want the expense of upgrading, so this was a great help, Thanks :-)
Dotstijn says
No need to do this anymore since last Outlook 365 update last night.
:-D
Diane Poremsky says
Oh, good... I've been waiting for this.
Jorge says
"No need to do this..." ... what this ?
I have a Gmail-imap account in Outlook 365.
Today I try to pass my Gmail account from "Less Secure" to "Secure".
You can´t avoid 2 steps:
First implement 2-Step Validation, receiving a message in smartphone when you sign in Gmail.
Second and only after that first step, get a 16 digits code to change your PW in Outlook/Gmail.
It's such a confusing procedure and forcing 2 validation steps, that I, like most users, have returned to the "less secure" gmail account.
If you know a simple way of having a "secure" account Gmail-Imap in Outlook, please tell us.
Diane Poremsky says
Those are the choices: less secure or two step. Depending on your outlook version, it will either ask for the 2nd step or you need to use an app password. In my experience, gmail is pretty good with 2-step - once the account is set up, you don't need to respond with the second factor or reenter the app password. On the other hand, less secure isn't that much less secure, especially if you don't use public wifi.
Richard says
Thanks Diane for this. Even after I've enabled less secure apps in Google, it still won't allow me to connect from Outlook. I get an error message in Outlook saying "Your server does not support the connection encryption type you have specified".
I've been trying all day on this. Any more ideas please? :)
Thanks!
Diane Poremsky says
Sorry I missed this earlier - did you ever get it working?
Kate says
Thank you so much for posting this - I was going crazy and Microsoft offers zero support for the issue (unless you pay!) Appreciate it.
Gerard says
I have been fighting with this problem for the last few day.
Nowhere did I find an explanation that could help me.
Till I find it here.
Maybe I looked at the wrong links before?
Farfle says
Great article, thanks a lot! I think that's the problem with my email not connecting to Outlook now.