How To Enable Less Secure Apps To Access Gmail

Changing Administrator Google Settings For Less Secure Apps

1. Open your Google Admin console (admin.google.com).
2. Click Security
3. On the Security page Click on “Less Secure Apps”
4. You will see 2 Radio Buttons. By default, the recommendation is to “Disable Access to Less Secure Apps”. You will want to change this to “Allow Users To Manage Their Access To Less Secure Apps”
5. Click the Save button.

Changing Individual User Google Settings For Less Secure Apps

1. Go to your (Google Account).
2. On the left navigation menu, click Security.
3. Scroll down the page until you see the Less Secure App Access Panel, click Turn on access. NOTE-If you do not see this panel either review the instructions above or contact your network administrator. If you do not know who this is, or if you are having trouble, please ask us for help! We will help you even if you are not currently a client of Red 3 Media!
4. Toggle the button to on.
5. Click the back arrow next to “Less Secure Apps” title.
6. You will then be taken back to the previous page and you will see that the option is now on. You are done!

2-Step Verification Enabled Error

If you have 2-Step verification enabled on your account you will not be able to just “turn on” access for less secure apps. This will require you to set up a password specific for the less secure app. An App Password is a 16-digit passcode that gives a less secure app or device permission to access your Google Account. App Passwords can only be used with accounts that have 2-Step Verification turned on.

1. Go to your Google Account.
2. Select Security.
3. Under “Signing in to Google,” select App Passwords. You may need to sign in. If you don’t have this option, it might be because:
   1. 2-Step Verification is not set up for your account.
   2. 2-Step Verification is only set up for security keys.
   3. Your account is through work, school, or other organization.
   4. You turned on Advanced Protection.
4. At the bottom, choose Select app and choose the app you using  Select device and choose the device you’re using  Generate.
5. Follow the instructions to enter the App Password. The App Password is the 16-character code in the yellow bar on your device.
6. Tap Done.

You don’t need to worry about memorizing these passwords. Most of the time you’ll only have to enter an App Password once per app or device. 

Red 3 Media has been helping businesses reach their potential for over 20 years. If your current advertising and marketing methods are not performing to your expectations, we are here to help. Never any long term contracts. Month over month, we prove our value and enjoy seeing our client’s businesses grow. If you have more questions on setting up Gmail for business check our Blog. We also show you how to set up Gmail signatures, setting up Gmail on phones, and how to use Google My Business to increase your ranking!