This is for you if… your email app keeps asking for your password, even though you are sure you typed the right one.
I was helping someone in Bedford who had changed their email password on a laptop, but their phone was still trying to use the old one. That made the phone ask again and again.
Why email keeps asking
The most common reasons are an old saved password, a changed password on another device, two-step verification, a temporary provider outage, or an email account that needs to be removed and added back.
What to try first
- Check you can sign in on the email provider’s official website.
- Restart the phone or computer.
- Update the password in the email app settings.
- Check whether two-step verification needs approval.
- Wait a little while if the email provider is having problems.
Be careful with repeated prompts
If a password box appears unexpectedly, make sure it belongs to your normal mail app or official website. Do not enter your email password into a random pop-up or link from a message.
When removing the account helps
If the account works on the website but not in the app, removing the email account from the device and adding it again can refresh the settings. Check your emails are safely stored online before doing this.
Need help?
For ongoing help and peace of mind in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk, see my membership. For one specific email issue, you can book a visit.