Quick Answer:
- Turn on 2-Step Verification in your Google Account.
- Go to myaccount.google.com/apppasswords
- Type a name of the app or device
- Click Create
- Copy 16-digit password immediately. Google only shows it once.
If you have tried to connect an old email client, a security camera, or a backup tool to your Gmail account and hit a login rejection. It’s not your fault.
Google just wants proof you’re really you.
Regular password stopped being proof enough years ago. This is what an app password for Gmail solves, and setting one up takes less time than making coffee.In this comprehensive guide we will see exactly how to generate one.
What Is a Gmail App Password ?
Think of your regular Gmail password as the master key of your entire house. It opens every door, room, and drawer inside. App password is more like a key you hand over to a dog walker. It only opens side gate, does one job you can take it back anytime without re-keying your own locks.
Technically, it is a 16-digit code Google generates for one app or device at a time. It only works when you have turned on 2-Step Verification. It never reveals or replaces your real passwords. These two lives completely separate. If you change your main password, Google instantly kills every app password tied to your account.
It’s a recommendation: wherever an app supports “Sign in with Google” instead, simply because that method never generates a code that remains on that app. App passwords are there for those apps that do not have an option to sign in with Google
Recommended Read – How to Export Gmail Emails to PST
How to Create Your Gmail App Password
Turn On 2-Step Verification First
Google will not generate an app password without this switched on. It is a deadbolt that makes whole system trustworthy in first place.
- Go to myaccount.google.com
- Click on Security and Sign-in.
- Find “How you sign in to Google” and turn on 2-Step Verification.
- You will confirm it once using your phone, and it stays for good.
Generate the Password in Under a Minute
Once, 2-Step Verification is active follow the below-mentioned steps.
- Go to myaccount.google.com/apppasswords
- Type a name of what you are connecting. Email client, camera system, backup software.
- Click create Google will provide you a 16 digit code.
Copy it on the spot and paste it wherever that app asks for a password. Google shows this code only once.
Recommended Read – How to Export Gmail to EML Files
App Password vs. “Sign in with Google”
| Feature | App Password | Sign in with Google | Regular Password |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Apps without Google login | Apps offering “Sign in with Google” | Never, once 2FA is on |
| Security level | High, limited and revocable | Highest, no code to ever leak | Weakest if used alone |
| Setup time | Under 1 minute | Instant | N/A |
If an app offers “Sign in with Google,” take that route first. Google recommends it because there is no code in settings file. Use app passwords for apps that don’t have “Sign in with Google,” option.
Where You Will Use This Password
The most common home for Gmail app password is an email client like Thunderbird. Since it doesn’t support “Sign in with Google”, the way Gmail’s own apps and many website has.
Security cameras.
- Smart Doorbells
- NVR systems
Need these app passwords as they need to send you email alerts without a browser to sign you in. We hope from the information above you are clear on how to create an app password for Gmail
Recommended Read – Export Gmail to MBOX
What Changes for You Today
After following the above steps you will have working code that lets an app you want to use talk to Gmail without getting rejected.
App passwords are one thing if you keep important data in your Gmail account and want that data to be secured offline in an external drive or PC. SysTools Gmail Backup Tool lets you back up Gmail emails, Google Drive Documents, and Google Calendar events in your desired format safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q – Is an app passwords the same as real Gmail password ?
A – No, app passwords are separate 16-digit code tied to one app and it cannot log into your Google Account or change any settings.
Q – Can you revoke an app password later?
A – Yes, this can be done anytime. Open the App Password page, find it and click remove. Access will end instantly.
Q – Will changing my Gmail password break an app password?
A – Yes, by default, Google revokes every app password the moment you change your main password.
