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Configure Thunderbird for Andrew Google Mail

Although Google encourages use of Gmail (in web browser) for full use of all Gmail features, Thunderbird now supports OAuth2 which allows Gmail to provide controlled access for an app (Thunderbird). Use your username@andrew.cmu.edu email address for this process. 

Please Note: Older versions of Thunderbird may not support OAuth2 or auto-configuration. We highly recommend an up-to-date stable release of Thunderbird. This configuration was tested with Mozilla Thunderbird version 150.0 (stable).

Need Email Help?

    Add your Andrew Google Mail

  1. Start Thunderbird and enter your account information

    After downloading and installing Thunderbird using the Standard configuration, it will automatically ask for your credentials.

    Enter your full name and Andrew email address, then click Continue.
    Thunderbird login screen showing fields for Full Name and Email address.

  2. Manually add your account if no prompt appears

    If you are not prompted to sign in immediately, you can manually add a new email address yourself.

    Navigate to Settings → Account Settings → +New Account → Mail Account

    The window from step 1 will now be displayed on your screen.
    Account Setting icon Mail Account option

  3. Confirm the IMAP configuration

    Thunderbird will automatically pull the IMAP configuration from Google. Select Continue.
    IMAP configuration screen with the option to select the Continue button.

  4. Sign in through Andrew SSO

    You will be brought to the university's Andrew SSO (Single Sign On) page.

    Enter your Andrew ID username and password as usual.
    The CMU Web Login screen with fields for AndrewID and Password.

  5. Approve account access

    If prompted, allow Thunderbird to access your Google account by clicking Allow.
    Google prompt to allow Mozilla Thunderbird Email access to your Google Account with buttons to Deny or Allow.

  6. Complete setup 

    Once signed in, you will receive a message stating Email account successfully created.

    You can also:

    • Import your calendars and address books from Gmail.
    • Alter your signature, as it may not carry over from the Gmail Web App.
    • Add another email by choosing the Add another email button at the bottom left and repeating this process.
    Thunderbird account hub with message stating "Email account successfully created".

  7. Mail download & final checks

    Thunderbird should begin to download your mail and folders. Depending on the amount of emails you have stored, this process can be lengthy. Please keep the application open and remain connected to the internet to allow the emails to download.

    You can also send an email to test the account is sending successfully. 

    You've now configured your Andrew Google Mail account in Mozilla Thunderbird.

    Note: When managing multiple accounts in your Thunderbird client, ensure you are sending mail from the appropriate account.