How to configure MFA enabled Gmail Account in SMTP Settings

Modern businesses are paying serious attention to their cybersecurity, using measures such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) to strengthen their defenses. If you utilize an MFA enabled Gmail account and want to configure it with your SMTP settings, follow the instructions listed below.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following ready:

1. Your Gmail account username and password.

2. Your smartphone or device containing Google App for MFA.

Steps to Configure MFA Enabled Gmail Account in SMTP Settings

Step 1: Set up MFA for your Gmail account

If you haven’t set up MFA on your Gmail account, you must do so first. Visit the Google Account’s Security page, find ‘2-Step Verification’ section, and follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 2: Generate App Password

Once MFA is enabled, generate an App password. This is what you’ll use instead of your regular password in the SMTP settings. To generate an App password, navigate to your Google Account’s Security page again, locate the ‘App passwords’ section, and follow the process to create a new App password. Make sure to save this password somewhere secure.

Step 3: Configure SMTP Settings

In your application’s SMTP settings, use the following details:

• SMTP server: smtp.gmail.com
• Username: Your complete Gmail address
• Password: The App password you generated in step 2.
• Port: 587
• Enable TLS/STARTTLS: Yes.