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Cannot access Gmail e-mails in Thunderbird -- "username and password not accepted"

  • 8 replies
  • 2 have this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by jgonik

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I get this message when I try to download my Gmail e-mails into Thunderbird: "Sending of password for user myemail@gmail.com did not succeed. Mail server pop.gmail.com responded: Username and password not accepted." I've reset my password, and I know I have the correct one. I can access my e-mail on Gmail website; however, it's very unwieldy. Any suggestions?

I get this message when I try to download my Gmail e-mails into Thunderbird: "Sending of password for user myemail@gmail.com did not succeed. Mail server pop.gmail.com responded: Username and password not accepted." I've reset my password, and I know I have the correct one. I can access my e-mail on Gmail website; however, it's very unwieldy. Any suggestions?

Chosen solution

After setting the 'less secure apps' option, did you restart Thunderbird ?

Error mentions both Username and password, so please check the 'Account Settings' > 'Server Settings' for incoming server settings. Username needs to be your full gmail email address.

You need to check the smtp server settings as well.

gmail pop settings: https://support.google.com/mail/answer/7104828?hl=en-gb

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All Replies (8)

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You'll need to 'allow less secure apps' in your Google settings. See https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/6009563

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Thanks! Sorry for the delay. I did try that, and nothing changed. I also cleared all my browser cookies.

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Chosen Solution

After setting the 'less secure apps' option, did you restart Thunderbird ?

Error mentions both Username and password, so please check the 'Account Settings' > 'Server Settings' for incoming server settings. Username needs to be your full gmail email address.

You need to check the smtp server settings as well.

gmail pop settings: https://support.google.com/mail/answer/7104828?hl=en-gb

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I ended up un-installing and re-installing Thunderbird completely. Unfortunately, I lost my e-mail folders and contacts, but at least I can organize things again. Thanks!

Modified by Danita

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I have the same case. Thunderbird is 68.4 (32 bit). windows 10. Google does not let me go in "less secure apps" because I had to be in full Google Sync mode and other stuff. JG

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changed my gmail password about 6 months ago.

Since then, Thunderbird will not accept password. No matter that *all* settings are correct.

Nothing works. I cannot afford to delete and reinstall Thunderbird.

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jgonik and storyseen1 When you post a comment you are sending an email to the person who created the question in the first place . They may not be able to help or want to help. This question was marked as solved nearly five months ago and I got an email because I had posted a comment and I forgot to stop following the solved question.

It would be in both your interests to create your own question stating your OS; what version of Thunderbird you are using; type of mail account (pop or imap); current server settings used and the exact error message you are getting.

Modified by Toad-Hall

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I will open another case with a different question. This one was resolved not by Thunderbird, but by Google I found out that Google sent me an email alerting to problems. I just answered I had the problem and they switch me to the option to use less trust software or something like that. I accepted to use an unsafe software and bingo! - the problem disappeared.\

Therefore, guys. Go through Google.