Sign in using app passwords

An app password is a 16-digit passcode that gives a non-Google 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

To help keep your account secure, use 'Sign in with Google' to connect apps to your Google Account. If the app that you’re using doesn’t offer this option, you can either:

• Use app passwords to connect to your Google Account
• Switch to a more secure app

Create and use app passwords

Note: If you use 2-Step-Verification and are seeing a 'password incorrect' error when trying to access your Google Account, an app password may solve the problem.

1. Go to your Google Account.
2. On the left navigation panel, choose Security.
3. On the 'Signing in to Google' panel, choose App passwords. If you don’t see this option:
   • 2-Step Verification is not set up for your account
   • 2-Step Verification is set up for security keys only
   • Your account is through work, school or other organisation
   • You’ve turned on Advanced Protection for your account
4. At the bottom, choose Select app and choose the app that you’re using.
5. Choose Select device and choose the device that you're using.
6. Choose Generate.
7. Follow the instructions to enter the app password. The app password is the 16-character code in the yellow bar on your device.
8. Choose Done.

Most of the time, you’ll only have to enter an app password once per app or device, so don’t worry about memorising it.

You may not be able to use an app password for less secure apps. Learn more about less secure apps.

Why you may need an app password

When you use 2-Step Verification, some 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.

Note: Whenever possible, connect apps to your Google Account by selecting the 'Sign in with Google' option available in many apps.

Forgot your app password

Every app password is only used once. You can always generate a new app password whenever you need one, even for a device or application that you've authorised before.

Still can’t sign in

If you're using an app not made by Google and can't sign in, that app's sign-in process might not be secure. Try updating to the latest version of the app and look for the 'Sign in with Google' option that’s available in many apps. You can also consider switching to a more secure app. 

Fix problems with Microsoft Outlook

If you’re having trouble signing in to your Google Account with Microsoft Outlook, you can:

1. Use 'Sign in with Google'
   • Try signing in to Outlook using your Google Account username. Make sure that you’re using the latest version of the Outlook app or program.
2. 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.