Sign in with App Passwords

Tip: App Passwords aren't recommended and are unnecessary in most cases. To help keep your account secure, use "Sign in with Google" to connect apps to your Google Account.

An App Password is a 16-digit passcode that gives a less secure app or device permission to access your Google Account. App Passwords can only be used with accounts that have 2-Step Verification turned on.

When to use App Passwords

Tip: iPhones and iPads with iOS 11 or up don't require App Passwords. Instead use "Sign in with Google."

If the app doesn't offer "Sign in with Google," you can either:

  • Use App Passwords
  • Switch to a more secure app or device

Create & use App Passwords

If you use 2-Step-Verification and get a "password incorrect" error when you sign in, you can try to use an App Password.

  1. Go to your Google Account.
  2. Select Security.
  3. Under "Signing in to Google," select App Passwords. You may need to sign in. If you don't have this option, it might be because:
    1. 2-Step Verification is not set up for your account.
    2. 2-Step Verification is only set up for security keys.
    3. Your account is through work, school, or other organization.
    4. You turned on Advanced Protection.
  4. At the bottom, choose Select app and choose the app you using and thenSelect device and choose the device you're using and thenGenerate.
  5. Follow the instructions to enter the App Password. The App Password is the 16-character code in the yellow bar on your device.
  6. Tap Done.

Tip: Most of the time, you'll only have to enter an App Password once per app or device, so don't worry about memorizing it.

Why you may need an App Password

Tip: Don't create an App Password unless the app or device you want to connect to your account doesn't have "Sign in with Google."

When you use 2-Step Verification, some less secure apps or devices may be blocked from accessing your Google Account. App Passwords are a way to let the blocked app or device access your Google Account.

App Passwords revoked after password change

To help protect your account, we revoke your App Passwords when you change your Google Account password. To continue to use an app with your Google Account, create a new App Password.

Tip: If the app offers "Sign in with Google," we recommend you use that feature to connect the app to your Google Account.

Forgot your App Password

Every App Password can only be used once. You can generate a new App Password anytime.

If you lost a device that uses App Passwords:

  1. Go to your Google Account.
  2. At the top, tap Security.
  3. Tap App passwords and revoke the App Passwords from your lost device. You may need to sign in again.

You still can't sign in

If you use a non-Google app and can't sign in, the app's sign-in process might not be secure. Try to update to the latest version of the app and use "Sign in with Google," if it's an option.

Tip: You can also switch to a more secure app.

Fix problems with Microsoft Outlook

  • Use "Sign in with Google":
    • Try to sign in to Outlook with your Google Account user name. Make sure you have the latest version of the Outlook app or program.
  • Use an App Password:
    • If your Google Account has 2-Step Verification turned on and you can't use "Sign in with Google," you can use an App Password.

Was this helpful?

How can we improve it?