Gmail - Configure Thunderbird

Last Updated: 08/16/2017
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Overview

This tutorial demonstrates how to configure Thunderbird on Windows or Macintosh for @colorado.edu Gmail accounts.

You may need to enable IMAP for your account prior to configuration of your email client (https://mail.google.com). To do this: 

  1. From the Gmail web client, click Settings from the cog menu.
  2. In the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab, click Enable IMAP.
  3. Click Save Changes.

Step 1

Click Create a new account or Email.

Step 2

Click the Skip this and use my existing email button.

Step 3

In the Your name: text field enter your desired display name.

Step 4

Enter your Email address (CULoginName@colorado.edu) and Identikey password in the corresponding fields then click continue.

Step 5

Click the Manual config button.

Step 6

Enter the following for your server settings:

  • Incoming server: 
    • Server hostname: imap.gmail.com
    • Port: 993
    • SSL: SSL/TLS
    • Authentication: Normal Password
  • Outgoing server: 
    • Server hostname: smtp.gmail.com
    • Port: 587
    • SSL: STARTTLS
    • Authentication: Normal Password

 

Step 7

Enter your CULoginName@colorado.edu in both Username: fields, then click Done.

Step 8

Your email will be configured and messages wil begin syncing.

Step 9

Some users may need to change their app security settings when using non-google or android email programs. While signed into your Gmail account in a browser, open the G Suite menu, then select My Account.

*Note: You should try to connect your account without changing these settings and change only if the previous steps don't work.

Step 10

In the Sign-in & security section, select Connected apps & sites. 

Step 11

Scroll down to the Allow less secure apps section and change the setting to On. You should now be able to connect your account to an email client. 

Step 12

*Note: For users using two-step verification, you may need to authorize the app or device the first time you use it to sign in to your Google Account by generating and entering an App password. Visit Google's App Password Help page for more information.