Zoho Mail/CRM Won't Sync with Google Workspace? App Passwords

Google Workspace Authentication Failures and App Passwords

This is one of the most common connection issues we see, and the cause is almost always the same.

The issue

Zoho Mail or Zoho CRM fails to authenticate when syncing with a Google Workspace or Gmail account over SMTP or IMAP, even though the password being entered is definitely correct.

The workaround

Google no longer allows third-party apps, including Zoho, to sign in using just a standard account password. As of March 2025, Google removed this option entirely for Google Workspace accounts, so it isn't something that can be switched back on. Instead, two things are required:

  1. 2-Step Verification must be turned on for the Google account in question.
  2. A dedicated App Password must be generated and used in Zoho in place of the normal Google account password.

How to generate an App Password

  1. Sign in at myaccount.google.com and make sure 2-Step Verification is enabled under Security.
  2. Go to the App Passwords section (still under Security) and create a new one, giving it a clear name such as "Zoho Mail" or "Zoho CRM".
  3. Copy the 16-character password Google generates.
  4. In Zoho, use this App Password in place of the normal Google account password when setting up the SMTP or IMAP connection.
Note: App Passwords are only available on accounts with 2-Step Verification switched on. If your organisation manages Google Workspace centrally, your IT administrator may need to enable this for you first.
Need help? If you're still having trouble connecting Zoho to Google Workspace, our team can help you get it sorted. Book a discovery call with 1 Cloud Consultants.