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Why does Google mail claim that Thunderbird is a 'less secure' mail client?

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  • 2 have this problem
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  • Last reply by AndrewA

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When adding another of my Gmail accounts to Thunderbird, it configures automatically, no problem. However, when attempting to retrieve email I get an 'invalid password' and a prompt to sign in to Gmail directly. This led me to Gmail requiring me to allow a 'less secure' app or desktop mail client in my settings. Is this a Google scare tactic or is Thunderbird truly 'less secure' by not using 'modern security standards?'

When adding another of my Gmail accounts to Thunderbird, it configures automatically, no problem. However, when attempting to retrieve email I get an 'invalid password' and a prompt to sign in to Gmail directly. This led me to Gmail requiring me to allow a 'less secure' app or desktop mail client in my settings. Is this a Google scare tactic or is Thunderbird truly 'less secure' by not using 'modern security standards?'

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