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Allow Outlook 2021 to access Gmail account

Lisa Labella 5 Reputation points
2026-03-02T21:05:58.36+00:00

I had to update my gmail account password, now my desktop Outlook 2021 can't access it. I have created an app password, but I don't know where to put that so that Outlook can get into gmail.

What do I do?

Outlook | Windows | Classic Outlook for Windows | For home

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  1. Hornblower409 5,795 Reputation points
    2026-03-03T06:53:13.44+00:00

    Have you run into this known Bug?
    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/unable-to-add-a-gmail-account-to-classic-outlook-4d9530c5-3f40-4e6d-9b45-4477f160828f

    One workaround is Delete the Google IMAP credentials from Windows Credential Manager

    1 person found this answer helpful.
  2. Q&A Assist
    2026-03-02T21:06:09.7833333+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    Use the Gmail app password in place of the normal Gmail password in the Outlook account settings.

    Since the Gmail password changed, Outlook’s stored credentials must be updated to use the new Gmail app password (not the regular Gmail password).

    Do the following in classic Outlook for Windows (Outlook 2021 is classic Outlook):

    1. Open Outlook 2021.
    2. Go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
    3. Select the Gmail account from the list and choose Change (or Repair if shown).
    4. When Outlook prompts for the account password, paste the 16‑character Gmail app password instead of the normal Gmail password.
      • If the app password was copied with spaces, enter it as a single, unbroken 16‑character string.
    5. Finish the wizard and let Outlook test the account settings.

    If Outlook instead shows the modern Google sign‑in window and fails with an app‑password message, remove and re‑add the Gmail account:

    1. In File > Account Settings > Account Settings, select the Gmail account and choose Remove.
    2. Choose File > Add Account.
    3. Enter the Gmail address and select Connect.
    4. When prompted for a password, paste the Gmail app password.
    5. Complete the sign‑in and allow access when prompted.

    If Outlook shows a message like “Please create an app password for Outlook on your email provider’s site,” that is exactly where the Gmail app password is used: paste the Gmail app password at that password prompt instead of the normal Gmail password.

    If IMAP was disabled in Gmail, enable it and try again:

    1. Sign in to Gmail in a browser.
    2. Select the gear icon > Settings.
    3. Go to Forwarding and POP/IMAP.
    4. Under IMAP access, select Enable IMAP.
    5. Select Save Changes.

    References:

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