On September 30, 2024, Google pulled the plug on "less secure apps"—and just like that, one of the email accounts connected to my main inbox stopped working. Same thing happened to my co-workers. Frustrating? Absolutely. And to make things worse, Google’s help docs on this issue have been... let’s just say, not very helpful.
If you're in the same boat and have been tearing your hair out trying to fix it (been there), I’m sharing what finally worked for me—hopefully it helps you too.
Here is the process for adding a "less secure" email account to gmail:
Log into a gmail (or google workplace) account you want to add to your primary. ie zsmith@workplace.com
Go to manage account and click on security.
Add two factor verification. NOTE: 2F must be turned on for app pw option to appear!
Once added, return to two factor and select app passwords.
Name the app password, i.e. "NGO email" and click create.
Save the 16 digit app password. The spaces must be removed.
Log into your primary gmail account i.e. jsmith@gmail.com
Click on settings (gear icon).
Select accounts> send mail as> add another email address
In the pop up window enter smtp.gmail.com; your NGO email address, port 587, and TLS security. Enter the 16 digit app password (no spaces) instead of your NGO gmail password. "Enter" should provide an email sent notice.
Respond "confirm" to the confirmation email sent to your NGO email.
You should now be able to respond to incoming NGO emails with your @NGO email address automatically (assuming that you have set your NGO account to forward incoming mail to your primary account).
I suspect there are others who would like to implement this process as it obviates the need to bounce between two accounts.
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