How to Set Up SMTP Using a Gmail App Password (Step-by-Step Guide)
Learn how to configure SMTP for third-party applications using a Gmail App Password. Follow our step-by-step guide to generate a 12-character app password and set up secure email notifications for your website or journal management system.
If you want to send automated email notifications from your website or journal management system, configuring SMTP using a Gmail App Password is the safest and most reliable method. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know — from enabling 2-step verification to generating your app password.
What Is a Gmail App Password?
A Gmail App Password is a unique 12-character password that allows a third-party application to access your Gmail account only for sending emails (SMTP). It provides limited, secure access without exposing your main Gmail password. This makes it ideal for website integrations, CRM tools, journal platforms, and more.
Step-by-Step: How to Generate a Gmail App Password
- Enable 2-Step Verification
Before generating an app password, you must have 2-Step Verification turned on for your Google account. Go to your Google Account Security settings and enable it if you haven't already. - Visit the Gmail App Passwords via Link
Log out and back in to your Gmail account, then navigate directly to:
https://myaccount.google.com/apppasswords - Enter an App Name
On the App Passwords page, enter a descriptive name for the application. For example:scholarjmssmtp(if you're setting it up for your journal website). - Click "Generate"
A 12-character app password will be displayed on the screen (for example:abcd efgh ijkl eekh). - Copy & Save Securely
Copy the generated password immediately and store it in a secure location, as it will not be shown again. - Share with Your Configuration Team
Provide this app password to your administrator or support team (e.g., Sequence R&D / Scholar JMS) so they can configure SMTP for your website's email notifications.
⚠ Important Notes
- If you ever change your Gmail account's main password, the app password will be invalidated. You will need to generate a new one and update your SMTP configuration.
- The app password provides limited access — it is used only for sending emails via SMTP and does not grant full access to your Gmail account. It is completely safe to share with your integration provider.
Why Use a Gmail App Password Instead of Your Main Password?
- Security: Your main password remains private and protected.
- Limited scope: The app password only works for SMTP email sending.
- Easy revocation: You can revoke it anytime from your Google Account without changing your main password.
- Compatibility: Works seamlessly with most third-party platforms and journal management systems.
Conclusion
Setting up SMTP using a Gmail App Password is a quick, secure, and straightforward process. By following the steps above, you'll have your email notifications up and running in minutes. If you need assistance configuring SMTP for your Scholar JMS journal website, feel free to reach out to the Sequence R&D support team.
Published by Sequence R&D | Scholar JMS — Next-Gen Journal Management