> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.powerfulform.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.powerfulform.com/troubleshooting/gmail-app-password.md).

# Create app password for Gmail SMTP

Create a Google app password so Gmail SMTP can send your notifications.

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 Powerful Contact Form Builder) to sign in securely.

## How to set it up

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### 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)
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Create an App Password (Gmail)

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

Or click [here](https://myaccount.google.com/apppasswords) to generate **App password**

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

<figure><img src="https://2907469752-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FehM2rz7MmKkWcJmgvJOe%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-04fbe7614cdb8696264d0b53f28bce035b7a5d3b%2Fscreenshot-ts-trouble-shooting-create-app-password-for-gmail-smtp-1.png?alt=media" 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://2907469752-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FehM2rz7MmKkWcJmgvJOe%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-8291adf8a5f47bb8ab5fba65aaec33cdc3703488%2Fscreenshot-ts-trouble-shooting-create-app-password-for-gmail-smtp-2.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### 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)

[Learn more](/email-notifications/custom-sender.md)

<figure><img src="https://2907469752-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FehM2rz7MmKkWcJmgvJOe%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-c7afa56d7f6db8e275e999e076c96de4c817c5b2%2Fscreenshot-ts-trouble-shooting-create-app-password-for-gmail-smtp-3.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

<br>

## Next steps

* [SMTP](/email-notifications/custom-sender/custom-mail-smtp.md) — why you would do this.
* [Send from your own address](/email-notifications/custom-sender.md) — enter the password in the app.
* [Contact support](/help/contact-support.md) — if the problem is still there.