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I use gmail on an iPhone (14.8) and iPad (15.3). On both, when I open contacts I’m asked by CardDAV for a google password. When I enter the password I’m told it’s incorrect. This happens on both devices. The problem has been there for a couple of months and means the contacts are not syncing. How can I resolve the issue or remove cardDAV.
iPad 2, iOS 9
In common with many other Mail providers, Google Mail (Gmail) now use App Specific Passwords to access IMAP or POP3 mailboxes from non-Google Apps. This is also likely to affect CardDAV.
The Mail App on each of your devices, such as your iPad, requires a unique password to be generated from within your Google account. This App Specific password intentionally differs from your Google account password - and can only be used to access your Google services, such as mail.
More information about Google’s App Specific Passwords can be found here:
In common with many other Mail providers, Google Mail (Gmail) now use App Specific Passwords to access IMAP or POP3 mailboxes from non-Google Apps. This is also likely to affect CardDAV.
The Mail App on each of your devices, such as your iPad, requires a unique password to be generated from within your Google account. This App Specific password intentionally differs from your Google account password - and can only be used to access your Google services, such as mail.
More information about Google’s App Specific Passwords can be found here:
Dear LotusPilot
Thanks very much for your helpful suggestion. I followed the link you provided and having read the information about two step verification I turned it off and restarted both my iPhone and iPad. AND THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO HAVE DISAPPEARED. I’m so grateful for your advice.
Many thanks
Hello Charliehorseshoe,
Thanks for the info. Could it be asking about your Apple ID account password? Also, have you tried deleting it and setting it back up to see the complete process and the password it requires?
Hello Charliehorseshoe,
We're happy to assist you with syncing your contacts from your Gmail account. Have you tested to see if your Gmail password works on the Gmail website?
Also, in Settings > Mail > Accounts > tap your Gmail account. Does it ask you to enter the password?
Best regards
Hi Eric F
Thanks for your help. My password works on the gmail website. The gmail account doesn’t ask for a password. But when I open the google contacts account (rather than the gmail account) I can see there is a password entered ( shown as 6 black dots) which is not a current password which have more letters. When I delete the 6 dots and enter the google password cardDAV fails to verify it and we’re back to the 6 dots. Any suggestion how to reset the CardDAV password? Thanks.
Hi Ryane77
Thanks for the suggestion. I’ve tried entering my Apple ID but it doesn’t recognise it.
I’d gladly delete CardDAV if I knew how to and was sure in deleting it I wouldn’t loose my contacts. I’m now using a third party app to sync my contacts across devices, but the constant requests by CardDAV to enter passwords which don’t work is driving me mad.
I’ve got a new iMac on order and don’t want the same issue to cause problems with that. ☹️
Thanks for your help
You are very welcome.
CardDAV password issues
