Google’s Gmail is one of the most popular email services around, and it’s not just because of its seamless integration with Google’s other services. It also has a host of features to help keep your account secure. However, these security measures can sometimes interfere with third-party apps. If you find that you’re having trouble using a third-party app with your Gmail account, you might need to turn on “less secure apps”. In this post, we will guide you on how to do it.
What are less secure apps in Gmail?
Google considers any apps that do not use OAuth 2.0 to be “less secure.” OAuth 2.0 is a protocol that allows apps to access information from your Google Account without needing your password. If an app doesn’t use this protocol, Google blocks it by default to prevent potentially harmful access to your data.
How to turn on less secure apps in Gmail?
Here are the steps on how to turn on less secure apps in Gmail:
- Sign in to your Google Account.
- Go to the Security section of your Google Account.
- Scroll down to the “Less secure app access” section.
- Click on “Turn on access”.
- In the next window that pops up, click the button to allow less secure apps.
Note:
If you are using a Google account through work, school, or other organization (like a G Suite account), you may not see this option if your administrator has locked less secure app account access.
Is it safe to turn on less secure apps?
Enabling access to less secure apps can pose a risk to your Gmail account, as it makes it easier for hackers to breach your account. It’s recommended to keep this setting turned off unless it’s absolutely necessary for a particular app or service. It’s always best to use apps that are compatible with OAuth 2.0 for optimal security.
And that’s it! You now know how to turn on less secure apps in Gmail. Remember to always prioritize your account’s security when using third-party apps with your Gmail account.