Can't add a Gmail account to Apple Mail

Finally it worked. I had 2 gmail accounts, but 1 got bad for some reason.

SOLUTION:: I added/typed "Apple Mail" as an app at Google's security 2-Step verification process and it generated a 16 digit password that I used when I added the Google account at internet accounts and as other mail option (not Google).

In my case, having Safari as the default browser was the culprit. As soon as I made Chrome the default browser on my 2021 MacBook Pro, I was able to successfully add the GMail account on the Mail App. This problem didn’t occur on the iOS devices, but it sure did on the MacBook (operating the latest OS, by the way).

kylefromca wrote:

Wally297 oh wise one!

How did you generate the app password? I'm assuming you mean Mac Mail???

Follow the directions on the first Google Support page to which BDAqua linked. Here's the same link, just with a more descriptive name.

Google – Gmail Help – Sign in with app passwords

Basically, Google tightened their security requirements. That is why connecting old versions of Mac Mail to Google – in the original way – broke.

There is a workaround. If your app or device cannot meet the new requirements, Google lets you generate an dedicated password (app password) for your "less secure" app or device to use to connect to Google's servers. Google generates the app password (see directions), and then, I believe, you use it instead of your normal Google account password when setting up new GMail accounts in older versions of Mac Mail.

Set the new account up using "Other", rather than gMail choice.

Mac's Mail App is not as modern as iOS's Mail app, Many eMail providers now require a separate App Password different from your eMail password…

It might just need an App Password separate from the gMail password…

Apple mail will not let me add a GMail ac… - Apple Community

https://support.google.com/mail/answer/185833?hl=en-GB

Apple Mail won't sign in to Google account - Apple Community

my iMac has OS Yosemite 10.10.5 Does this… - Apple Community

my iMac has OS Yosemite 10.10.5 Does this… - Apple Community

gmail on mail Version 11.5 (3445.9.1) - Apple Community

gmail on mail Version 11.5 (3445.9.1) - Apple Community

Note from PrestoWebDesign…

Trying to add Gmail account to Apple Mail… - Apple Community

Trying to add Gmail account to Apple Mail… - Apple Community

https://blog.google/technology/safety-security/the-beginning-of-the-end-of-the-password/

Another workaround might be to log into your GMail account using Google's Web interface. This should work with Firefox (which still gets updates for High Sierra), and may still work even with High SIerra's version of Safari.

But the app password method is a more convenient long-term solution.

If you have a new 2023-24 Macbook air and trying to add a gmail account for the first time, you have to download google chrome and make it the default web browser before you try to add a gmail account to Apple mail. Macbook MACios is not compatible in security with Google's platform. Once you complete this you should have no problem adding the gmail. Good luck!

If I had to guess it's because the Mail program in High Sierra is too old to support the new Google email security requirements. But that's a guess.

Hi wally297,

I'm having the same issue. What do you mean you used the "app password?" How did you "suss out" that password that allowed your account to work? I'm stuck.

Thanks!

Hi, the App password is different from your eMail password.

I tried using your workaround by generating an app password in my Google account, but when I try to add the account in mail (other email) and the app generated password, then it says unable to verify account name or password. Help?

Good work. 😎

Wally297 oh wise one!

How did you generate the app password? I'm assuming you mean Mac Mail???

I've also tried to add the 3rd party app into google and it wont allow me.

👍