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Impossible to setup Gmail - makes Thunderbird unusable

  • 1 reply
  • 1 has this problem
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  • Last reply by Zenos

wmike1503
wmike1503
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So gmail works on other email clients with no problems - even Apple Mail. (Using MacOS).

Thunderbird refuses to accept gmail password - all setting correct and work, as I have said, with other email apps (tried a few).

So, why can Thunderbird not do such a simple and basic task?

So gmail works on other email clients with no problems - even Apple Mail. (Using MacOS). Thunderbird refuses to accept gmail password - all setting correct and work, as I have said, with other email apps (tried a few). So, why can Thunderbird not do such a simple and basic task?

All Replies (1)

Zenos
Zenos
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I have four distinct gmail accounts. All work no problem. One of them I periodically set up from scratch, in a clean profile, as part of beta testing. So I'm having trouble recognizing where you are encountering problems.

Are you using OAuth2, an application-specific password or a regular password? IMAP or POP? Two-factor authentication?

For me, IMAP/SMTP, OAuth2 "just works". Application-specific passwords work too, but you have the hassle of going to the Google website to generate each one as you need it. If you're using POP you'll have to enable "less secure applications".

And have you enabled POP/IMAP and SMTP on the gmail account? I have tried some other email clients and I have a recollection that in some, gmail is treated as a special case, with a custom account configuration. Thunderbird tries not to tie your hands in this way, but it will offer OAuth2 as appropriate.

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/thunderbird-and-gmail