This site will have limited functionality while we undergo maintenance to improve your experience. If an article doesn't solve your issue and you want to ask a question, we have our support community waiting to help you at @FirefoxSupport on Twitter and/r/firefox on Reddit.

Avatar for Username

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

This thread was archived. Please ask a new question if you need help.

Gmail / OAuth2 login won't accept password

  • 2 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 3 views
  • Last reply by history1

history1
history1
more options

I have a number of Gmail accounts which I manage using Thunderbird (currently version 91.6.1). All use a POP3 Mail Server and (currently) "SSL/TLS" and "Normal password" as the Security Settings.

A couple of days ago I received a message from Google saying that, from 30th May this year, Gmail was requiring two-level authentication and suggesting that I change to OAuth2 - so I've been testing this option in advance of the cut-off date.

With "Normal password" changed to "OAuth2" but no other changes I find that when I try to receive mail a Google account login screen is displayed with the appropriate Gmail account name loaded - so far, so good you might say; I was expecting that. However, when I press Next on this screen instead of being asked for my Gmail password, which I was anticipating, all that happens is that the same screen is redisplayed with the account name removed.

It looks as if I can't sign in to my Google account, as I assume is required for OAuth2; and eventually I get a "POP3 timed-out" message.

Any thoughts / suggestions ? Note I'm not an IT expert - so please phrase any replies accordingly.

Many thanks

I have a number of Gmail accounts which I manage using Thunderbird (currently version 91.6.1). All use a POP3 Mail Server and (currently) "SSL/TLS" and "Normal password" as the Security Settings. A couple of days ago I received a message from Google saying that, from 30th May this year, Gmail was requiring two-level authentication and suggesting that I change to OAuth2 - so I've been testing this option in advance of the cut-off date. With "Normal password" changed to "OAuth2" but no other changes I find that when I try to receive mail a Google account login screen is displayed with the appropriate Gmail account name loaded - so far, so good you might say; I was expecting that. However, when I press Next on this screen instead of being asked for my Gmail password, which I was anticipating, all that happens is that the same screen is redisplayed with the account name removed. It looks as if I can't sign in to my Google account, as I assume is required for OAuth2; and eventually I get a "POP3 timed-out" message. Any thoughts / suggestions ? Note I'm not an IT expert - so please phrase any replies accordingly. Many thanks

Chosen solution

Try to allow cookies for https://accounts.google.com in Thunderbird.

Read this answer in context 👍 1

All Replies (2)

christ1
christ1
  • Top 25 Contributor
more options

Chosen Solution

Try to allow cookies for https://accounts.google.com in Thunderbird.

history1
history1 Question owner
more options

Thanks, this looks like it's solved the problem.

As I guess several people may have this issue as Gmail enforces 2-level security, can I expand on the reply for the benefit of people who are as "tentative" as I am when using advanced features in software.

So: 1. In Thunderbird go to Tools | Preferences. 2. Select the Privacy and Security option from the left-hand panel. 3. Locate the Accept cookies from sites option under the heading Web Content 4. Click the Exceptions button 5. Enter https://accounts.google.com (as recommended by christ1 above) and then click Allow. 6. Click Save Changes

7. Have a nice day !

I hope this helps. Thanks again to christ1