Google SMTP Username and Password Error

If you are receiving the following errors in Genesis or Schoolfi, you will need to use an app password. These errors are being produced by your Google SMTP Server.

Google has officially stopped supporting password authentication with Third-Party Apps as of March 14, 2025.

https://workspaceupdates.googleblog.com/2023/09/winding-down-google-sync-and-less-secure-apps-support.html

What is a Google App Password? A Google App Password is a special 16-digit passcode that allows you to sign in to your Google Email Account for apps and devices. This password securely connects apps like email clients, calendar apps, or other third-party services with your Google Email account without requiring your main Google password.

How to Create a Google App Password

Prerequisites:

• You must have 2-step Verification enabled on your Google Email Account. This should be the email under the following locations in Genesis or Schoolfi: 
  • Genesis: Core > Email > Setup > Username
  • Schoolfi: System > Email > Settings > Mailbox Username
• Ensure you're logged into your Google Email Account.

Steps:

1. Open Google Email Account Settings:
   • Go to your Google Email Account: https://myaccount.google.com.
2. Navigate to Security Settings:
   • In the left-hand sidebar, click on "Security."
3. Enable 2-Step Verification:
   • If you haven't already set up 2-Step Verification, click on "2-Step Verification" under the "Signing in to Google" section and follow the prompts to enable it.
4. Generate an App Password:
   • Under "Signing in to Google," click on "App passwords." If you can't find App Password, this link will take you directly to the location.  https://myaccount.google.com/apppasswords
   • You may be prompted to enter your Google password and verify your identity. The account you
   • Once verified, you'll see a list of apps and devices.
5. Choose the App and Device:
   • From the dropdown menus, select the type of app (Other) and the device (Example: Genesis or Schoolfi).
   • Click on "Generate."
6. Copy the App Password:
   • A 16-character passcode will appear on the screen. Please copy this password and paste it into the following locations for either Genesis or Schoolfi (not your Google password).
     • Genesis: Core > Email > Setup > Password
     • Schoolfi: System > Email > Settings > Mailbox Password
7. Complete Setup:
   • Paste the App Password into the requested field in your app or device settings.
   • Your Genesis or Schoolfi site should now be connected to your Google Email Account using the App Password and emails should start sending.

If you continue to have problems, please reach out to Genesis Support for assistance.