How to Make a Gmail App Password
How to generate the 16-character password Google Backup Tools such as IMAP, Outlook, Thunderbird, third-party apps etc A 6-Step walk through to generate the password Google needs.
More secure
Your real Google password stays private.
App-scoped
Revoke an individual app access at any time.
Required for IMAP
Gmail blocks plain-password IMAP sign-ins.
Prerequisite: Your Google Account must have 2-Step Verification needs to be turned on for your Google Account You can't reach the App Passwords page if you don't.
Sign in to your Google Account
Open your web browser to myaccount.google.com and sign in with the Gmail address you'd like to create an App password for.
Enable 2-Step Verification
Security How you sign in to Google 2-Step Verification. Follow the instructions to turn it on. App Passwords are only listed when 2-Step Verification is ON.
Open the App Passwords page
Visit myaccount.google.com/apppasswords Go to myaccount.google.com/apppasswords (or the search bar on the Security page) and search for "App passwords" Go back in and re-type your password, should you be prompted.
Enter an app name and click Create
Enter a name to help you remember where you plan to use this account e.g. 'IMAP Backup' or 'Outlook'. Click Create.
Copy the 16-character password
Google will provide the password in a yellow box (displayed as 4 groups of 4 characters). Make sure to duplicate this screen exactly. This is the password you will use in place of your Gmail password when setting up email clients, IMAP/SMTP utilities, or backup utilities. You won't be able to see it again.
![Google App Password displayed in box. 16 character Generated 16-character Google App Password ]]](/_next/static/media/step-3-generated.7c5d23c4.jpg)
Use it in your app
Copy the App Password into the password box of your mail client or backup tool.You can use the password with or without spaces - it is accepted with spaces by Google.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I see the App Passwords option?
Note: App Passwords can only be used when 2-Step Verification is enabled. If your account is managed by your work or school, then your administrator might have turned off this feature.
Is the App Password the same as my Gmail password?
Not. An App Password is a unique, 16-character password that you can generate for a single app to access your Google Account without using your actual password.
Can I revoke an App Password?
Yes. Go back to myaccount.google.com/apppasswords and click the trash icon next to the entry. The app will immediately lose access.
Is it safe to use App Passwords with backup software?
Yes — App Passwords are designed exactly for this. Trusted IMAP backup tools (like WindowsUtils IMAP Backup) connect securely to Gmail using an App Password without ever seeing your main Google password.
Ready to back up your Gmail?
Use your new App Password with WindowsUtils IMAP Backup to safely archive every message.