Gmail Error: Invalid Login Application-Specific Password Required

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Overview

This error appears if Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is enabled on the Google account used for the SMTP configuration.

Applies To

  • Gmail as SMTP Provider

Cause

This error appears if Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is enabled on the Google account used for the SMTP configuration.

Solution

When Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is enabled on the Google account used for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), the standard account password cannot be used for programmatic access. Instead, an app password must be generated within the Google account settings and used in the application’s configuration.

Follow these steps to generate and use an App Password:

  1. Sign in to the relevant Google account.
  2. Navigate to the security settings by selecting Manage your Google Account > Security.
  3. Under Signing in to Google, select 2-Step Verification (if not already enabled, it must be turned on to use App Passwords). Follow the prompts if you need to enable it.
  4. On the 2-Step Verification page, scroll down and select App passwords. Re-enter the password if prompted.
  5. Under Select the app and device you want to generate the app password for:
    • Select Select app and choose Other (Custom name).
    • Enter a descriptive name (e.g., SMTP Provider Access) in the text field.
  6. Select the GENERATE button.
  7. Google will display a 16-character App Password. Copy this password. NOTE: This password is only displayed once.
  8. In the application’s SMTP provider configuration settings (e.g., Dashboard’s SMTP Provider), paste the copied 16-character App Password into the designated password field.
  9. Save the configuration changes in the application.

Related References