Why can I no longer log into my GMail POP connection using Thunderbird?
Since 2009 I have logged into the GMail’s POP3 connection using Thunderbird on a couple of Windows PCs. I have kept Thunderbird up to day, and am currently using TBird v. 53.2.0, which TBird’s Help > About tells me is the up to date version. About a month ago TBird stopped asking me to enter my password when I started a new session (i.e. after closing the restarting TBird, after restarting Windows, etc.) I do not ever recall checking the box that invited me to save the password for future use; I always avoided clicking that box. I wanted TBird to request a password when starting a new session, so I took this action: I chose: Tools -> Options -> Security -> Passwords -> Saved Passwords to view my saved passwords. I then chose to delete them all. This caused the login box to appear next time I chose the Get Messages button. I then entered my password, and got this error message: “Sending of password for user XXXXX did not succeed. Mail server pop.gmail.com responded: Username and password not accepted."
To make sure my password was correct, I then tried logging out, then logging back into the GMail Web browser interface, and was able to log in immediately using the same user name and password combination. I went back to TBird and tried logging in with the same unsuccessful result. I double checked to see that my user name was listed correctly in account settings; it was correct. I checked to make sure that all of the other settings that GMail recommends for connecting via email programs were correct. They were.
I tried restarting TBird, and restarting Windows. I was still not successful logging in via TBird. Has anyone found a fix or workaround for this situation?
Chosen solution
Have you tried setting up a new application specific password? Generally speaking, Gmail doesn't respect your regular password, but likes to cross check it against an application-specific password or two-factor authentication, where it sends you a six-digit code via sms to a smartphone. I have to say that generally they assume that you'll store your password in your email client. Why are you reluctant to do this?
For the sending side, you can use OAuth2 which is by far the least hassle.
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Chosen Solution
Have you tried setting up a new application specific password? Generally speaking, Gmail doesn't respect your regular password, but likes to cross check it against an application-specific password or two-factor authentication, where it sends you a six-digit code via sms to a smartphone. I have to say that generally they assume that you'll store your password in your email client. Why are you reluctant to do this?
For the sending side, you can use OAuth2 which is by far the least hassle.
Modified by Zenos
Zenos, Thanks for the quick reply. I had previously set up 2 factor ID for my Google Acct. Your reply led me in the right direction where I found this page in Google Support that describes Signing in using an "App Password". I followed the instructions. Here's the link
As I followed those instructions and felt I had to click the option to save the password for the future to be consistent with Google's instructions. I immediately was able to download the emails from GMail. I had to do the same thing when sending my first email. Now I have full use of TBird again, so thank you for your help with that.
To answer your question about being reluctant to store my password, I just don't think it's as secure as I want it. Let's say that a tech savvy and slightly mischievous person was visiting my home, and decided to play a practical joke on me by opening up TBird, and sending a strangely worded email to someone in my address directory. That would be a problem.
But I think it's even more important to have the 2 factor authentication for the GMail Web interfaces, so I'll live with the lower level of security on the TBird installation on my desktop PC.
You can use a Master Password in Thunderbird, so no-one can use Thunderbird to send or collect new messages, nor view stored passwords without first entering the Master Password.
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/protect-your-thunderbird-passwords-master-password
I also use an addon called Startup Master which avoids some repeating of password prompts, and has the largely cosmetic effect of not showing any stored messages until the correct Master Password is entered.
But if you're really concerned about others interfering with your computer you should set up a password on your Windows user account and engage it automatically with the screensaver feature.