# SMTP: 534-5.7.9 Application-specific password required. Learn more at https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/185833

**Code:** `534 5.7.9 Application-specific password required` · **Category:** Email / SMTP · **Seen on:** SMTP

The Google account has 2-Step Verification on, so SMTP clients cannot use the normal password; they need an app password (or OAuth).

## Meaning

Gmail no longer accepts the account password for SMTP, IMAP and POP in most cases ("less secure apps" is gone). Create a 16-character app password for that app at myaccount.google.com/apppasswords (requires 2-Step Verification), or use OAuth 2.0. Workspace admins may block app passwords entirely.

## Common causes

- 2-Step Verification enabled and normal password used
- App password not created or revoked
- Workspace policy blocks app passwords
- Typo/spaces in the app password
- Password changed so old app passwords were removed

## Quick fix

1. Create an app password and use it as the SMTP password (no spaces)
2. Or switch to OAuth 2.0 / an ESP
3. Workspace admins: allow app passwords or use SMTP relay by IP

## Detailed fix by platform

### Linux

1. Test a login: `curl -v --url 'smtps://smtp.gmail.com:465' --user 'you@gmail.com:APP_PASSWORD' --mail-from you@gmail.com --mail-rcpt you@gmail.com -T message.txt`

## How to diagnose

1. **2SV** — 2-Step Verification on?
2. **Password** — App password used?
3. **Admin** — Workspace blocks it?

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Source: [WhatIsMyError](https://whatismyerror.com/errors/email/534-5-7-9-app-password-required)