Can’t add a Gmail account in Outlook? Here’s what you need to do.

If you’re trying to set up a Gmail account with the desktop version of Outlook, the process will probably fail, but you didn’t enter the wrong password or misspell your address. It’s because of the authentication method requirements for the app to work with Gmail.

In previous versions of Outlook, you’re able to add a Gmail account by providing the IMAP or POP3 information and your account password, but you can no longer use the same password you use to sign in to Gmail on the web. Now, because of the more secure authentication mechanism, you must first enable two-factor authentication (2FA) and create an app password in your Google Account.

An app password is a 16-digit code that allows external apps that weren’t designed by Google to access your account, and you can use it to set up your Gmail account on the desktop version of Outlook, whether you’re using Microsoft 365, Office 2019, or Office 2016.

In this Windows 10 guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to set up a Gmail account with two-factor authentication in Outlook.

How to add Gmail with two-factor authentication in Outlook

The process to set up two-factor authentication (2FA) for a Gmail account in the Outlook app requires to change your Google Account security settings, create a secure app password, and then configure Gmail with Outlook with the new password.

Set up 2-Step Verification in Google account

The secure Gmail authentication with Outlook will work as long as you enable 2-Step Verification in your Google Account. If you’re already using the two-factor authentication method, you can skip the steps below and continue with the “App Passwords” instructions.

To enable 2-Step Verification in Google, use these steps:

1. Open your Google Account.
2. Sign in with your Gmail credentials (if applicable).
3. Click on Security.
4. Under the “Signing in to Google” section, click the 2-Step Verification option.

   

   Source: Windows Central

5. Click the Get Started button.

   

   Source: Windows Central

6. Confirm your account password (if applicable).
7. Confirm your phone appears on the list.

   Quick tip: You can always click the Choose another option to use a security key or text message or voice call.

8. Click the Try it now button.

   

   Source: Windows Central

9. On your phone, tap Yes, in the notification.
10. On the web browser, add a phone number as a backup option.
11. Click the Send button.

    

    Source: Windows Central

12. Check your phone for code.
13. On the web browser confirm the code
14. Click the Next button.

    

    Source: Windows Central

15. Click the Turn on button.

Once you complete the steps, you can configure a secure password to use two-factor authentication with Outlook.

Set up App Passwords in Google account

To set up a secure Gmail password that you can use with Outlook, use these steps:

1. Open your Google Account.
2. Sign in with your Gmail credentials (if applicable).
3. Click on Security.
4. Under the “Signing in to Google” section, click the App passwords option.

   

   Source: Windows Central

5. Confirm your account password (if applicable).
6. Use the first drop-down menu and select the Mail option.
7. Use the second drop-down menu and select the Windows Computer option.
8. Click the Generate button.

   

   Source: Windows Central

9. Copy the app password as you’ll need it to set up the Gmail account in Outlook.

   

   Source: Windows Central

10. Click the Done button.

After you complete the steps, you can use the password to set up your Gmail account with two-factor authentication in the Outlook app.

Set up Gmail with app password in Outlook

To set up Gmail with two-factor authentication in the Outlook app, use these steps:

1. Open Outlook.
2. Click on File.
3. Click on Info.
4. Under the “Account Information” section, click the Add account button.

   

   Source: Windows Central

5. Confirm the Gmail address that you want to add with two-factor authentication.
6. Click the Connect button.

   

   Source: Windows Central

7. Confirm the newly generated app password in your Google account.
8. Click the Connect button.

   

   Source: Windows Central

9. Click the Done button.

Once you complete the steps, the Outlook app should start sending and receiving emails from your Gmail account using the app password.

Are you running an older version of Office? If yes, then you’re missing out. If you switch to a Microsoft 365 subscription, you can always upgrade to the newest version to access the latest features at no extra cost, and you get many other benefits, such as sharing the apps with other users and 1TB of OneDrive storage.