## **🔍 What Is This Error?**

When connecting your email account to Search Atlas, you may encounter an **SMTP authentication failed** error or an IMAP connection failure. This typically appears when linking a Google (Gmail or Google Workspace) account and prevents outgoing or incoming email from syncing correctly.

This error is **not** caused by your browser cache or cookies. It is almost always related to account security settings or app permissions. Follow the steps below to attempt to resolve it.

## **⚙️ Step 1: Check Your Google Account Security Settings**

Google has strict security controls that block connections from third-party apps using basic username and password authentication. To allow Search Atlas to connect, you need to verify the following:

- **Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):** If 2FA is enabled on your Google account, you may need to use an **App Password** instead of your regular password (see Step 2).
- **Account permissions:** Confirm the Google account you are connecting is the same one you use to sign in to Search Atlas.

## **🔑 Step 2: Generate a Google App Password**

An App Password is a 16-character code that can give Search Atlas secure access to your Google account without exposing your main password. To create one, navigate to your Google Account security settings, locate the **2-Step Verification** section (you must have 2FA enabled), and look for the **App passwords** option. Follow Google's on-screen prompts to generate a password for use with Search Atlas.

Once you have your App Password, return to your email connection settings in Search Atlas and re-enter your credentials using this App Password in place of your regular password.

## **📋 Step 3: If the Issue Persists, Contact Support**

Because SMTP/IMAP authentication failures in Search Atlas can stem from account-specific configuration details that vary by setup, some cases require hands-on assistance from our team. Before reaching out, please have the following ready to help us resolve your issue as quickly as possible:

- The exact error message you are seeing
- The email address you are trying to connect
- Whether your account uses standard Gmail or Google Workspace
- Whether two-factor authentication (2FA) is enabled on the account
- Any steps you have already tried

If you need further assistance, open the chat widget in the bottom-right corner of the platform and type **human teammate** to be connected with a member of our team.