


How to fix 'Authentication failed' when adding Gmail to another client
Jul 29, 2025 am 01:19 AMThe "authentication failed" problem occurs when adding a Gmail account to a third-party client. The usual reasons and solutions are: 1. Enable the application password or turn off 2-step verification; 2. Check whether the IMAP/POP settings are correct; 3. Clear saved error credentials; 4. Turn on "Allow less secure applications". If you use 2-step verification, you need to generate a specific application password. If you are not used, you can enable "less secure application access" while ensuring the server is set up accurately and try again after clearing old credentials on the device.
You try to add your Gmail account to a third-party email client—like Outlook, Thunderbird, or even an old tablet—and you get the message: "Authentication failed." It's frustrating because you're pretty sure you typed the password right. The issue is often not with the password itself, but how Google handles sign-ins from other apps.

Enable Less Secure Apps (Or App Passwords)
Google blocks sign-ins from some older or less secure apps by default. This isn't about your app being dangerous—it's just how Google protects accounts now.
- If you're using 2-step verification, you must use an App Password , not your regular password.
- If you're not using 2FA, you may need to turn on "Allow less secure apps" in your Google account settings.
To generate an app password:

- Go to your Google Account .
- Click on Security .
- Scroll down to App passwords (only visible if 2FA is on).
- Choose the app and device you're setting up.
- Copy the generated password and paste it into the email client.
If you don't have 2FA enabled, go to Security > Signing in to Google > Less secure app access and turn it on.
Check IMAP or POP Settings
Even with the right credentials, wrong server settings cause authentication issues too.

For Gmail IMAP:
- Incoming server:
imap.gmail.com
- Port:
993
- Security type: SSL/TLS
- Username: Your full Gmail address (eg,
you@gmail.com
) - Password: Either your regular password (if not using 2FA) or app password
For POP:
- Incoming server:
pop.gmail.com
- Port:
995
- Security type: SSL/TLS
- Same username/password rules as above
Also make sure IMAP or POP is turned on in Gmail:
- Go to Gmail settings
- Under Forwarding and POP/IMAP , enable IMAP or POP access
Try Turning Off 2FA (Temporarily)
If generating an app password feels too complicated and you're not using 2FA for anything else (like SMS or authenticator apps), you can temporarily disable 2FA altogether:
- Go to your Google Account > Security > 2-Step Verification
- Turn it off
- Wait a few minutes, then try logging in again
Once it works, you can re-enable 2FA—but remember, you'll need to use app passwords afterward.
This method is more of a workaround than a fix, but it helps test whether 2FA was the root cause.
Clear Saved Credentials (on Windows or Mobile)
Sometimes, the system remembers a bad password and keeps trying it automatically.
On Windows:
- Open Control Panel > User Accounts > Credential Manager
- Look for entries related to Google or Gmail
- Remove them, then restart your email app and try again
On Android:
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Google , remove the account, then re-add it
On iOS:
- Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts > Gmail , remove the account, then set it up again
Basically, “Authentication failed” when adding Gmail usually comes down to one of four things: app passwords, 2FA, incorrect server settings, or saved bad credentials. Tackle each step one at a time, and you'll probably get it working without much hassle.
The above is the detailed content of How to fix 'Authentication failed' when adding Gmail to another client. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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