Email App Passwords

Many email providers require an app password when connecting a backend, SMTP client, automation tool, or third-party email app. This password is different from the user’s normal login password and is usually generated from the provider’s account security settings.

App passwords grant access to email. Store them securely, never log them, and revoke them when no longer needed.

Before you start

Enable two-factor authentication if the provider requires it.
Create a unique app password for each app or backend integration.
Copy the password immediately. Most providers only show it once.
Use the app password where your SMTP client asks for the email password.

Providers

Gmail / Google

Google app passwords are 16-digit passwords used for apps that do not support “Sign in with Google.” They are only available when 2-Step Verification is enabled.

Sign in to the user’s Google Account.
Open Security.
Enable 2-Step Verification if it is not already enabled.
Go to App passwords.
Choose or enter the app name.
Generate the password.
Copy the 16-character password and use it as the SMTP password.

Open Google App Passwords →

Outlook / Hotmail / Microsoft

Microsoft app passwords may be available for personal Microsoft accounts when two-step verification is enabled. Some Microsoft 365 or enterprise accounts may block app passwords and require OAuth instead.

Sign in to the user’s Microsoft account.
Open Security.
Select Advanced security options.
Enable Two-step verification if needed.
Find the App passwords section.
Select Create a new app password.
Copy the generated password and use it as the SMTP password.

Microsoft App Password Instructions →

Yahoo Mail

Yahoo uses third-party app passwords for apps that connect to Yahoo Mail without using Yahoo’s normal sign-in page.

Sign in to Yahoo Mail.
Open the user’s Account Security page.
Find External connections.
Select Create app password.
Enter the app or service name.
Select Generate password.
Copy the generated password and use it as the SMTP password.

Yahoo App Password Instructions →

iCloud Mail / Apple

Apple uses app-specific passwords for third-party apps that access iCloud data, including iCloud Mail.

Sign in at appleid.apple.com.
Open Sign-In and Security.
Select App-Specific Passwords.
Select the option to generate a new app-specific password.
Enter a label for the app or service.
Copy the generated password.
Use that password for iCloud SMTP login.

Apple App-Specific Password Instructions →

AOL Mail

AOL requires app passwords for some third-party email apps, especially apps that do not use AOL’s branded sign-in flow.

Sign in to the user’s AOL account.
Open Account Security.
Select Generate app password or Generate and manage app passwords.
Select Get Started.
Enter the app name.
Select Generate password.
Copy the generated password and use it as the SMTP password.

AOL App Password Instructions →

Notes

Some accounts may not show app passwords until two-factor authentication is enabled. Business, school, and enterprise accounts may disable app passwords entirely and require OAuth instead.

Simple rule

If SMTP login fails with the user’s normal email password, the provider likely requires an app password or OAuth authentication.

Automate Home How to Write Lower-Cost Prompts