Ways to securely access Yahoo Mail

Yahoo Mail blocks access by default, from outdated apps that could leave your account vulnerable. If we sent you an email indicating that your app is using outdated security protocols or you're unable to log in from an older app, you still have several options available to you.

Password errors and access issues

If you try to use Yahoo Mail in a third-party email client using less secure sign-in technology, you might get a "Server password has changed" or an "Authentication failed" error message. This is because those email apps use outdated security protocols and access to Yahoo Mail  is disabled to them by default.

Use a secure option to access Yahoo Mail

Don't worry! You have options to keep using your Yahoo Mail securely and without interruption:

Continue using third-party mail apps securely

Use an app password

If you use Yahoo two-step verification, Account Key or an older email app, you may need to use an app specific password to access Yahoo Mail. Learn how to generate third-party app passwords and remember, app passwords are only valid for the app they are created for and remain valid until you sign out or remove access to the app. At that time, you will need to create a new app password.

More information on specific third-party platforms

If you prefer to continue accessing your Yahoo email on your current third-party email application, including the default email application on your mobile phone, please see details below on how to ensure it's syncing with the latest secure sign-in method.

Access mail via Apple iOS

Remove your Yahoo account and re-add it to the Apple email app on your mobile device. When you re-add the account, look for the Yahoo provider logo to trigger the secure sign-in method.

Access mail via Apple Mail on Mac OS

Remove your Yahoo account and re-add it to Apple Mail on Mac. When you re-add the account, look for the Yahoo provider logo to trigger the secure sign-in method.

Access mail via Gmail App on mobile

Remove your Yahoo account and re-add it to Gmail to trigger the secure sign-in method. Read more from Google on removing and re-adding accounts.

  1. In the top right corner, tap the Profile icon.
  2. Tap Manage Accounts to remove it.
  3. Tap Add another account to re-add it.
  4. Tap Yahoo to set it up again.

Access mail via Outlook.com

Use an app password for initial sign in. Learn how to generate third-party app passwords. For more info on how to connect accounts, go to Microsoft's help website.

  1. Go to Settings in the upper right | select Account Settings.
  2. At the bottom of the pane, select View all Outlook Settings.
  3. Select Mail | Sync Mail.

Access mail via Outlook Desktop

As of May 2020, Outlook Desktop does not yet support the Oauth2 secure sign-in method for Yahoo accounts. Yahoo members should generate and use a third-party app password to sign-in securely.

Access mail via Outlook for Mac

As of May 2020, Outlook for Mac does not yet support the Oauth2 secure sign-in method for Yahoo accounts. Yahoo members should generate and use a third-party app password to sign-in securely.

Access mail via Samsung Mail

Remove your Yahoo account and re-add it to the Samsung email app on your mobile device. When you re-add the account, look for the Yahoo logo to activate the secure sign-in method. For more info on how to connect accounts, go to Samsung's website.

  1. Open Android Settings.
  2. Tap Accounts and backup | Accounts.
  3. Remove existing email account then re-add.
  4. Tap Add account | Email.
  5. Tap the Yahoo logo to activate the secure sign-in method.

Access mail via Thunderbird

Remove your Yahoo account and set it up again in the Thunderbird email client.

  1. Go to Tools | Account Settings.
  2. Select your account in the list.
  3. Go to Account Actions at the bottom left.
  4. Click Remove Accounts.
  5. Click Add Accounts and type in the email address and password.
    - Thunderbird will then automatically activate the secure sign-in method for your account.

Access mail via Windows Mail

Remove your Yahoo account and re-add it to Windows Mail to activate the secure sign-in method. For more info on how to connect accounts, go to Microsoft's help website.

  1. From the navigation pane, click Settings.
  2. Click Manage Accounts | select Add Account.
  3. In "Choose an account", tap the Yahoo logo to activate the secure sign-in method.

Access mail via Other Applications

  1. If possible, use the Yahoo Mail app or mail.yahoo.com. Since Yahoo owns these services, we can ensure you're always using the most secure sign-in technology when accessing your email.
  2. If you'd prefer to continue using your non-Yahoo email application, try removing and re-adding your account. Look for the Yahoo logo when you go to set it up again to activate the secure sign-in method.
  3. If removing and re-adding your account does not work, generate a third-party app password to access your account.