Google's 2-step verification process is great for protecting your Gmail account and, most likely, a lot of other accounts you have linked to your Gmail account. However, there is a very important second step dealing with Google's Application Specific Password. This tutorial will show you how to configure your iPhone and the Apple Mail client to use the ASP.
As long as you use Gmail's web interface, the initial setup for 2-step verification will work just fine. However, it's really not designed to work that well with applications like Apple Mail or your iPhone. You don't want to have to hassle with checking your iPhone every time you log onto your phone or laptop. That's what the ASP is designed for. Enter it once in the application and unless your phone or laptop is stolen you'll be secure and the "hassle-factor" will be kept to a minimum.
Here's how to configure the Apple Mail client to use the Application Specific Password. (I'll leave it up to you to check out Google's site on how to obtain the ASP.
Here's how to configure the Apple Mail client to use the Application Specific Password. (I'll leave it up to you to check out Google's site on how to obtain the ASP.
You need to configure both Incoming and Outoing mail. CONFIGURING INCOMING MAIL With the Apple Mail client open, go to Preferences >> Accounts. You can access Preferences by holding down the Command key and tapping the "," (comma) key. You will enter the 16 digit (currently) password in the "Password" field. Save your changes when you are prompted. | CONFIGURING OUTGOING MAIL Open the "Outgoing Mail Server window by clicking the drop-down arrow at the right of the window. Select "Edit SMTP Server List..." |
Enter the Appllication Specific Password in the "Password" field. You may be prompted to "Save" you changes.
CONFIGURING YOUR iPHONE
OK, so this is for iOS 7, but the concept is the same with prior versions. The same concept will work with any cell phone, you just need to know where this stuff is located on your specific device.
So...from left to right
Once you have entered the password, the iPhone will go out and authenticate with Google. You'll see a series of green check marks that indicate you've correctly configured the account. If you do not see those check marks, try re-entering the password. It's easy to mistype a 16 digit password.
- Open up "Settings"
- Scroll down to "Mail, Contacts, Calendars"
- Select the account you need to configure
- Open the specific account settings
- Enter in the Application Specific Password in the "Password" field.
Once you have entered the password, the iPhone will go out and authenticate with Google. You'll see a series of green check marks that indicate you've correctly configured the account. If you do not see those check marks, try re-entering the password. It's easy to mistype a 16 digit password.
Configuring iCal
OK - so it was pointed out to me that I forgot to configure iCal (or Calendar as Apple calls it now?) The Calendar application will require the application specific password.
Open iCal/Calendar preferences (Command + ",") - select your account (if you have more than one) - then follow the steps illustrated below.
Open iCal/Calendar preferences (Command + ",") - select your account (if you have more than one) - then follow the steps illustrated below.