re: google says not safe 3rd party software A load of nonsense. gmail prefers you use OAuth as Authentication Method and Thunderbird supports OAuth2. First make sure cookies are enabled because gmail needs it in order to set up OAuth. In versions prior to 78*: * Select 'Menu app icon' > 'Options/Preferences' > 'Options/Preferences' * In 'Options/Preferences' left Pane select Privacy * Select checkbox 'Accept cookies from sites' In versions 78* or later: * Select 'Menu app icon' > 'Options/Preferences' * In 'Options/Preferences' left Pane select Privacy & Security * Select checkbox 'Accept cookies from sites' Create the mail account in Thunderbird : Menu app icon > New > Existing Mail Account Enter name Enter email address Enter password - this is the ordinary password you use to access gmail webmail account Select checkbox 'Remember Password' Click on 'Continue' Thunderbird will look up configuration details and will automatically use the Imap setup. Click on 'Create Account' At this point, you will then be directed to login by gmail just to prove you really are you and ask whether to let Thunderbird have access. Follow instructions. Then a token is created and stored in Thunderbird in the same place as all the passwords are stored. Thunderbird will then use that token to connect to gmail server.