Creating an app password for your email account
The instructions below are for desktops and laptops only.
If your email account uses two-factor authentication (2FA), you'll usually need an app password to connect it to tawk.to.
This guide explains what an app password is, when you need one, how to create one, and what to do if you experience connection issues.
This guide explains what an app password is, when you need one, how to create one, and what to do if you experience connection issues.
What is an app password?
An app password is a unique password generated by your email provider for a specific application, such as tawk.to.
It allows tawk.to to securely access your mailbox without using your regular account password or requiring you to enter a two-factor authentication code each time it connects.
Important:
It allows tawk.to to securely access your mailbox without using your regular account password or requiring you to enter a two-factor authentication code each time it connects.
Important:
- An app password is not the same as your normal account password. If your email account uses two-factor authentication, entering your regular password during setup will usually result in an Incorrect email or password error, even though the password is correct when signing in to your email account.
- Because an app password is separate from your main password, you can revoke the app password anytime without changing your account password or affecting your other devices and applications.
Do you need an app password?
You'll usually need an app password if your email account has two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled.
Many popular personal and business email providers require app passwords for IMAP and SMTP connections, including:
If your email account doesn't use two-factor authentication, your regular password may still work. However, security requirements vary between email providers, and some require an app password even without two-factor authentication. If you're unsure, check your provider's security requirements.
Many popular personal and business email providers require app passwords for IMAP and SMTP connections, including:
- Gmail and Google Workspace
- Outlook and Microsoft 365
- Yahoo Mail
- iCloud Mail
- Zoho Mail
- Fastmail
If your email account doesn't use two-factor authentication, your regular password may still work. However, security requirements vary between email providers, and some require an app password even without two-factor authentication. If you're unsure, check your provider's security requirements.
Common connection issues
If you receive an Incorrect email or password error while connecting your email inbox to tawk.to, the cause is often one of the following:
To learn more, see these guides:
Enabling IMAP access with your provider
Troubleshooting email connection and delivery issues
For more troubleshooting tips, see the “Troubleshoot app password issues“ section below.
- You're using your regular account password
If two-factor authentication is enabled, use an app password instead. - The app password wasn't generated for the correct email account
If you manage multiple mailboxes, make sure you created it for the account you're connecting. - IMAP isn't enabled
Some email providers require IMAP access to be enabled before external applications can connect, even when you're using an app password.
To learn more, see these guides:
Enabling IMAP access with your provider
Troubleshooting email connection and delivery issues
For more troubleshooting tips, see the “Troubleshoot app password issues“ section below.
Create an app password
Although each email provider has its own interface, the process is generally the same:
Important: Most email providers only display an app password once. If you don't save it before closing the page, you'll usually need to generate a new one.
- Sign in to your email account in a web browser.
- Open your account's Security settings.
- Find the Two-factor authentication or Two-step verification settings.
- Find App passwords or Application passwords.
- Generate a new app password.
- Give it a recognizable name, such as tawk.to.
- Copy the generated password immediately.
- Paste the app password into the Sign in step when connecting your email inbox to tawk.to.
Important: Most email providers only display an app password once. If you don't save it before closing the page, you'll usually need to generate a new one.
Find app password settings for your provider
The location of app password settings varies between providers and may change over time.
Common locations include:
- Google Workspace / Gmail — Google Account security settings under 2-Step Verification.
- Microsoft 365 / Outlook — Microsoft Account security settings under Advanced security or Additional security options.
- Yahoo Mail — Yahoo Account security settings under App passwords.
- iCloud Mail — Apple Account security settings under Sign-In & Security.
- Zoho Mail — Zoho Account security settings under Application-specific passwords. Some Zoho accounts also require IMAP to be enabled separately.
- Fastmail — Fastmail Privacy & Security settings.
If you can't find the option, search your provider's Help Center for “app password”. Your provider's documentation is the most accurate source because these settings can change over time.
Troubleshoot app password issues
If your app password doesn't work, try the following:
- Remove extra spaces
Some providers display app passwords in groups of characters separated by spaces.
Most providers accept the password with or without spaces, but if the connection fails, try entering it without spaces.
- Confirm you're using the correct account
If you manage multiple email accounts, make sure you generated the app password while signed in to the same mailbox you're connecting to tawk.to.
- Check whether the app password was revoked
App passwords can be revoked manually or by an administrator on business or school accounts.
If an inbox that previously worked suddenly disconnects, generate a new app password and update it in tawk.to.
- Check that IMAP is enabled
Some email providers require IMAP to be enabled before external applications can connect, even when you're using an app password.
To learn more, see these guides:
Enabling IMAP access with your provider
Troubleshooting email connection and delivery issues
Important considerations
- Create a dedicated app password for tawk.to
Generate a separate app password specifically for tawk.to instead of reusing one created for another application. This allows you to revoke it later without affecting your other connected apps.
- Save the app password until setup is complete
Most providers only display an app password once. If you don't save it, you'll need to generate a new one because it can't be viewed again.
- Some business accounts don't support app passwords
Work and school accounts managed by an organization may disable app passwords. If you don't see the option, contact your IT administrator.
- Update tawk.to if you replace the app password
If you revoke or generate a new app password after connecting your mailbox, update it in your email inbox settings. Otherwise, the inbox will become disconnected.
To learn more, see this guide:
Managing your email inbox settings
Related guides
Understanding the Email channel
Connecting your email inbox to tawk.to
Finding your email server settings
Enabling IMAP access with your provider
Managing your email inbox settings
Connecting multiple email inboxes
Troubleshooting email connection and delivery issues
Managing email conversations in your Inbox
Disconnecting an email inbox from tawk.to
Connecting your email inbox to tawk.to
Finding your email server settings
Enabling IMAP access with your provider
Managing your email inbox settings
Connecting multiple email inboxes
Troubleshooting email connection and delivery issues
Managing email conversations in your Inbox
Disconnecting an email inbox from tawk.to
If you have feedback about this article, or if you need more help:
- Click the green live chat icon
- Schedule a call with us
- Visit our community