# Create app password for Gmail SMTP

This usually happens when your Google account has **2-Step Verification** turned on.

An **App Password** is a special 16-character password that allows apps (like PowerfulForm) to sign in securely.

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### 📝 Step 1: Turn on 2-Step Verification (Required)

Google only allows App Passwords if **2-Step Verification** is enabled.

1. Sign in to your Google Account.
2. Go to **Security**
3. Find **2-Step Verification**
4. Turn it **ON** and complete the setup.

✅ After this is enabled, you’ll be able to create an App Password.

Reference: [Enabling 2-Step Verification](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/185839?hl=en\&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid)

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### 📝 Step 2: Create an App Password (Gmail)

1. Go to your Google Account > **Security** > click **App passwords**

Or click [here](https://accounts.google.com/signin/v2/challenge/pwd?continue=https%3A%2F%2Fmyaccount.google.com%2Fapppasswords\&service=accountsettings\&osid=1\&rart=ANgoxcdLMmet3NvgjbdpzsMq0KoXNJyxtAoCLMbvDQUlJfgOx1aurad5UovfOx_VzIQCC3ngjDNa4NrhIcMzG1vVgoTmlSvedg\&TL=AC7eWV1D1q-bjvM25M6waxUjQCCabFxl0K9Bn0bW5AWXuTc3O0zPCDZxtbw2g3d0\&flowName=GlifWebSignIn\&cid=1) to generate **App password**

2. Enter a name you want > click **Create**

<figure><img src="https://3488889492-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FEGgRVSDpMlcGFz1igK0s%2Fuploads%2FvZTY5XcHcf5paoZFjXga%2F2026-01-14_17-08-48.png?alt=media&#x26;token=c67ae722-9d18-4f1c-b6f2-3e5c910e2911" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. Copy the 16-character **App Password**

📌 Keep it safe, you will paste this password into your SMTP settings.

<figure><img src="https://3488889492-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FEGgRVSDpMlcGFz1igK0s%2Fuploads%2FpalB1K0x6rWrAjYB9tfI%2F2026-01-14_17-10-28.png?alt=media&#x26;token=3eb02247-a0aa-43a2-9f02-60de10df830f" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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### 📝 Step 3: Use the App Password in SMTP settings (in Powerful Contact Form Builder)

When setting up Gmail SMTP in Powerful Contact Form Builder:

* **SMTP Username:** your full Gmail address (example: `yourname@gmail.com`)
* **SMTP Password:** paste the **App Password** (NOT your normal Gmail password)

&#x20;[Learn more ](https://docs.powerfulform.com/mail-notification/smtp-setup)

<figure><img src="https://3488889492-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FEGgRVSDpMlcGFz1igK0s%2Fuploads%2FfQ1dmFstV7nleSIbKQkq%2F2026-01-14_17-11-44.png?alt=media&#x26;token=e1efe79c-5981-475f-b28b-f1617bd963b6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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#### Need More Help?

If you still need assistance, please contact us at [**support@powerfulform.com**](mailto:support@powerfulform.com). Our team will be happy to help you resolve any issues or guide you further.