How to fix “you may need to make an app password” in New Outlook
New Outlook is telling you the provider needs an app-specific password instead of your normal one, usually for a third-party account with two-step verification. Jump to your situation below or work through the methods in order.
By Neeraj Singh ~6 min Updated Jun 2026 88% found this helpful
Error message
You may need to make an app password to add this account.
Summary
The prompt you may need to make an app password appears when you add a third-party account (such as Gmail, Yahoo or iCloud) to New Outlook and the provider requires an app-specific password rather than your normal account password. This happens because the account has two-step verification enabled, and providers issue a separate, single-purpose password for apps that do not use the modern browser sign-in. The fix is to sign in to the provider's security settings, generate an app password, and use that value when adding or re-adding the account in Outlook. Where the provider supports modern authentication (OAuth2), letting Outlook sign you in through the browser avoids needing an app password at all, so trying the standard add-account flow first is worthwhile.
What this error means
When an account has two-step verification, the provider stops accepting your normal password from apps, because that password alone is no longer a second factor. Instead it issues an app password, a long, single-purpose code, for apps that sign in the older way.
New Outlook surfaces this prompt when it detects the account needs that app password. Generating one in the provider's security settings and entering it lets Outlook authenticate. Where the provider offers modern OAuth2 sign-in, the browser handles the second factor and no app password is needed.
Common causes
The account has two-step verification enabled.
The provider requires an app-specific password for mail apps.
The account was added without modern authentication.
The normal password is being rejected for app sign-in.
Expert insight
“This prompt is not an error so much as a heads-up: your provider has two-step verification on, so it will not take your normal password from a mail app. The fix is to pop into the provider's security settings, generate an app password, and paste that into Outlook instead. One tip though, try the standard add-account flow first, because if the provider supports modern OAuth2 sign-in, the browser handles the second factor and you skip the app password entirely.”
Manager, Tech Support & Operations · 19+ years fixing Windows and system errors
✓ How to fix it
Method 1
Try the standard sign-in first
1Add the account through the normal Outlook add-account flow and let it sign you in through the browser.
2If the provider supports modern OAuth2, the browser handles two-step verification and no app password is needed.
3Only generate an app password if this path is not offered.
Method 2
Generate an app password
1Sign in to the provider's account security settings (for example Google Account, Security, App passwords).
2Create a new app password for Mail or Outlook and copy the generated code.
3Keep it handy for the next step.
Method 3
Use the app password in Outlook
1Add or re-add the account in Outlook and, when prompted for the password, paste the app password instead of your normal one.
2Complete the setup.
3Outlook then connects without prompting again.
Method 4
Confirm two-step verification is set up
1App passwords are only available once two-step verification is enabled on the account.
2Enable it in the provider's security settings if needed.
3Then generate the app password.
This prompt means the provider needs an app-specific password because two-step verification is on. Try the standard add-account flow first, since modern OAuth2 sign-in avoids needing one. Otherwise generate an app password in the provider's security settings and paste it into Outlook when adding the account.
Frequently asked questions
Why does New Outlook ask for an app password?
Because the account you are adding, such as Gmail or Yahoo, has two-step verification enabled, and the provider requires an app-specific password rather than your normal password for mail apps.
How do I make an app password?
Sign in to your provider's account security settings, find App passwords (for example under Google Account, Security), create one for Mail or Outlook, and copy the generated code.
Where do I enter the app password?
When adding or re-adding the account in Outlook, paste the app password in place of your normal password at the password prompt, then finish the setup.
Can I avoid using an app password?
Often yes. If you add the account through the standard flow and the provider supports modern OAuth2 sign-in, the browser handles two-step verification and no app password is needed.
Why can't I find the app password option?
App passwords only appear once two-step verification is enabled on the account. Turn on two-step verification in the provider's security settings, then the app password option becomes available.
Is an app password safe?
Yes. It is a single-purpose password you can revoke at any time from the provider's security settings without affecting your main password, so it is safe to use for Outlook.
Still not working?
If the app password is rejected, regenerate a fresh one (old app passwords can be revoked or expire) and make sure you are pasting it with no extra spaces; some providers display it in spaced groups that should be entered without the spaces. You can also submit your error to us for a tailored fix.
