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Gmail is kicking back attempts to get my mail forwarded, says security issues with thunderbird

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  • 1 has this problem
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  • Last reply by christ1

justmethen
justmethen
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I used to have my gmail messages forwarded to thunderbird. Haven't accessed thunderbird for a while, but recently attempted to get my gmail messages, and my password wasn't accepted. Google say this is because the app (thunderbird) is insecure. I have attempted to upgrade my thunderbird from 45.3.0 to 45.4, but can't complete this operation because the password request comes up again, and isn't accepted. Then thunderbird freezes (spinning wheel).

I haven't tried changing my gmail settings to accept weaker security, because not sure what risks are involved in that

I've checked all my Gmail settings and they appear to be correct, ditto my thunderbird settings.

I recently temporarily changed my Gmail password, but the one I am using is correct.

I am on an iMac 2009, running el Capitan 10.11.5

Any ideas? Many thanks

I used to have my gmail messages forwarded to thunderbird. Haven't accessed thunderbird for a while, but recently attempted to get my gmail messages, and my password wasn't accepted. Google say this is because the app (thunderbird) is insecure. I have attempted to upgrade my thunderbird from 45.3.0 to 45.4, but can't complete this operation because the password request comes up again, and isn't accepted. Then thunderbird freezes (spinning wheel). I haven't tried changing my gmail settings to accept weaker security, because not sure what risks are involved in that I've checked all my Gmail settings and they appear to be correct, ditto my thunderbird settings. I recently temporarily changed my Gmail password, but the one I am using is correct. I am on an iMac 2009, running el Capitan 10.11.5 Any ideas? Many thanks

All Replies (1)

christ1
christ1
  • Top 25 Contributor
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I haven't tried changing my gmail settings to accept weaker security, because not sure what risks are involved in that

Google now prefers OAuth2 authentication, and considers normal password authentication as insecure. However, OAuth2 authentication only works for IMAP and SMTP, not POP. So there is no real risk in allowing 'less secure apps'.

If you're security conscious you may turn on 2-step authentication though, then the 'allow less secure apps' setting isn't needed.

Make sure to read the Google documentation before you go that road, so that you do understand how that impacts Thunderbird. https://support.google.com/accounts/topic/28786?hl=en&ref_topic=3382253

Modified by christ1