534-5.7.9: Application-specific password required

GmailSMTPIMAPPOPSign-in problem

The error usually looks like this:

534-5.7.9 Application-specific password required. For more information, go to https://support.google.com/mail/?p=InvalidSecondFactor

What it means

The Google account has 2-Step Verification turned on, so its normal password can’t be used in email apps.

Common causes

  • 2-Step Verification is enabled, and the app is signing in with the account’s main password.

How to fix it

  1. Create an app password in your Google Account (Security → 2-Step Verification → App passwords) and use it instead of your normal password. App passwords may be disabled by Google Workspace administrators.
  2. Or use an app that supports OAuth 2.0 sign-in with Google – or Auth-Email, which adds OAuth support to any app.

Tools to help diagnose it

Email server checker

Check any IMAP, POP or SMTP server’s encryption, certificate and supported sign-in methods

Email server settings finder

Find the IMAP, POP, and SMTP server names, ports and encryption settings for any email address

Can’t update your app to use OAuth?

Auth-Email fixes sign-in errors like this one without changing your app, printer, scanner or script. It signs in to Gmail with OAuth on your app’s behalf, while your app keeps using a normal username and password over IMAP, POP or SMTP.

Read the docsTry Auth-Email →

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