> 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/~/revisions/zH3ocLtRhbVvMmUZwFWl/trouble-shooting/create-app-password-for-google-smtp.md).

# Create App Password for Google 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.

***

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

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

#### Steps

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)

***

###  🔑 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. Under **Select app**, choose **Mail**
3. Under **Select device**, choose the device (or choose **Other** and type: `PowerfulForm`)
4. Click **Generate**.
5. Copy the 16-character **App Password**

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

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/322263074/c192dab79cb255840076fad7/7.png?expires=1621327046\&signature=e9e218a8ea851842d45f7050a38ace3aa82d159d68e6a295dd2ecbd9f86a3f01)

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/322263296/2b705492d147c75a760a6796/8.png?expires=1621327046\&signature=57cc76c8476c5c87e8aa69af43659422c37fd85b1fd1b3a90693711fbd0d3358)

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/322263675/1ad7ea4f36c2cc7762206845/9.png?expires=1621327046\&signature=fa8d2eaacf08772d6bd2d1f1cbcbaf4680c5497abd77c16a7102f4751b02bbd1)

***

### 🔌 Step 3: Use the App Password in SMTP settings (in PowerfulForm)

When setting up Gmail SMTP in PowerfulForm:

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

 [Learn more ](/~/revisions/zH3ocLtRhbVvMmUZwFWl/mail-notification/smtp-setup.md)