"You may need to use an app password" message when adding an account to Outlook
Applies To
Microsoft 365 for Mac Outlook Web AppWhen adding an account to Outlook, you may get an error that says:
-
You may need to use an app password. Try again or use a different account.
App Passwords are randomly generated one-time use passwords that provide temporary access to your online accounts. Temporary passwords act as a security layer, preventing the need to share your main account credentials with potentially less secure or unknown applications.
Depending on the provider, an app password may be necessary to add certain account types to Outlook. You'll need to go to your email provider to get the app password. Your email provider will provide instructions on how to generate an app password for your email account to use in third party email applications such as Outlook.
How to use an App Password for Outlook
Once you get the app password from your provider, return to Outlook and start the process again to add your account.
At the step where you're asked to add your password, use the app password you generated from your provider instead of your usual password.
Continue with the prompts to finish setting up your account.
The app password will be securely saved to allow continued access until you sign out or remove the account from Outlook.
See also
Need more help?
Want more options?
Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.
Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.
