Google doesn't let other apps use your normal Gmail password. To move your old Gmail emails to HostBring (by our team or with Thunderbird), you create an app password: a 16-letter password just for that.
NoteThese steps are on Google's own pages, so they can look a little different. The names to look for stay the same.
Turn on 2-Step Verification
App passwords only work when 2-Step Verification is on.
- Open myaccount.google.com and sign in with your old Gmail address.
- Click Security (on a phone: Security & sign-in).
- Under How you sign in to Google, click 2-Step Verification and follow the steps to turn it on. Google sends a code to your phone.
Already on? Go to step 2.
Create the app password
- Open myaccount.google.com/apppasswords. Sign in again if Google asks.
- Under App name, type
HostBringand click Create. - Google shows a 16-letter password in a yellow box, like
abcd efgh ijkl mnop. Copy it. - Click Done.
Use this password in the Bring your old emails form in the portal, in the App password field. See Move your old email to HostBring.
ImportantGoogle shows it only once. Lost it? Delete it and create a new one. Never send it on WhatsApp: use the portal form.
After your emails are moved
You don't need the app password any more. Open myaccount.google.com/apppasswords and click the bin icon next to HostBring to delete it. Your normal Gmail password never changes.
Can't find App passwords?
- 2-Step Verification is off. Turn it on first (step 1).
- A work or school account (Google Workspace): your admin may have turned app passwords off. Ask them, or ask us on the ticket.
- Advanced Protection is on: app passwords aren't available. Ask us for another way.
