How To Generate And Use App Passwords: After enabling two-step verification or setting up the Authenticator app, you might face issues signing in on older devices (like Xbox 360 or email-sending security cameras) because they don’t support two-step verification.
In such cases, you can use an app password. An app password is a long, random password that you enter just once when signing in to a device or app that doesn’t support two-step verification.
You only need to create an app password if two-step verification is enabled and you’re using a device that doesn’t support it.
How to generate an app password
To create an app password, follow these steps. You can do this multiple times to create app passwords for different apps or devices as needed.
Here’s how to create an app password step by step:
- Go to your Microsoft account: Open the Microsoft account dashboard and sign in.
- Navigate to Advanced Security Options: Once logged in, go to the Security section and then click on Advanced Security Options.
- Find the App Passwords Section: Scroll down until you reach the App Passwords section.
- Create an App Password: Click on Create a new app password. A new, randomly generated password will appear.
- Use the App Password: When signing into an app or device that doesn’t support two-step verification, enter the app password instead of your regular Microsoft account password.
How to Get and Use App Passwords
Applies To:
If you have two-step verification enabled and are using older devices (like Xbox 360 or certain security cameras) that don’t support it, you can use an app password. This is a one-time, randomly generated password used instead of your regular password.
How to Create an App Password:
- Go to Advanced security options in your Microsoft account.
- Scroll to the App passwords section.
- Click Create password.
- Use this app password when signing in on the app or device.
Note: Once used, you typically don’t need to enter it again.
Sign-in Methods for Different Apps and Devices
Some apps or devices require different sign-in methods. Below are the most common ones:
- For Xbox and other gaming consoles
- Use an app password if two-step verification is enabled, as these devices don’t support it.
- For Email apps
- Use an app password to sign in to email apps like Outlook or third-party mail clients when two-step verification is enabled.
- For Microsoft Office apps (Word, Excel, etc.)
- If two-step verification is on, use an app password to log into Office apps on desktop or mobile devices.
- For Security Cameras or Smart Home Devices
- If the device doesn’t support two-step verification, use an app password for sign-in.
- For Third-party Apps and Services
- Apps like Dropbox, Google Drive, or others may require an app password if they don’t support two-step verification.
- For Older Devices (like Windows 7 or older Windows PCs)
- Use an app password to sign in to apps on older operating systems that don’t support two-step verification.
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