When you’re trying to get your AOL Mail working with a third-party app like Outlook or your iPhone’s Mail app, you’ll often hit a roadblock because your regular password just won’t cut it. To get around this, you need to generate a special AOL app password – it’s like a unique key made specifically for that one application. If you’ve been banging your head against a wall trying to figure out why your AOL email isn’t syncing, this is likely the answer.

It can feel a bit daunting to manage different passwords for all your online accounts, but that’s where a good password manager comes in handy. I always recommend checking out options like NordPass, which can keep all your unique, strong passwords, including those app-specific ones, safe and sound. Seriously, it’s a must for digital security and peace of mind:

This guide will walk you through exactly how to create an AOL app password, explain why it’s so important for your security, and help you get your email flowing smoothly across all your devices and applications. We’ll cover everything from generating the password to troubleshooting common hiccups you might encounter, especially if you’re trying to set up AOL Mail on your iPhone or integrate it with Outlook.

Table of Contents

What’s an AOL App Password and Why Do You Need It?

Let’s break down what an AOL app password is and why you suddenly need this extra step. Basically, an AOL app password is a long, randomly generated code, usually 16 digits long, that gives a non-AOL application permission to access your AOL account. Think of it as a special, one-time-use key designed for specific doors. It’s not your regular AOL password, and it won’t change your main account password. This is why you might hear it called an “app-specific password for AOL.”

The main reason these are a thing is for enhanced security. Many email providers, including AOL, have beefed up their security measures, especially with the widespread adoption of two-step verification 2SV. If you have 2SV enabled on your AOL account, which you absolutely should for better protection, then third-party email clients or apps typically can’t handle the 2SV prompts directly. Instead of asking for a second code every time, they use this special app password to authenticate your login securely.

AOL, a division of Verizon Communications, moved away from a “Less Secure Apps” feature to this app password system to ensure high standards of connectivity security. This helps protect your information from unauthorized access, making it much harder for someone to get into your email even if they somehow got hold of your main password.

So, to sum it up, you’ll need an AOL app password for things like:

Setting up AOL mail for iPhone or iPad.
Configuring your AOL account in desktop email clients like Microsoft Outlook or Thunderbird.
Using any other third-party application that needs to access your AOL Mail, such as backup tools or productivity apps.

Using these specific passwords means you’re giving each app just enough access without exposing your primary password, which is a big win for your online safety. Password manager for apple and windows

Step-by-Step: How to Generate an AOL App Password

Alright, let’s get down to business. Generating an AOL app password is a pretty straightforward process, but you need to follow the steps carefully. You’ll typically do this from the AOL website on a computer, as it’s often easier than trying to do it on a phone.

Here’s how to generate an app password for your AOL Mail account:

Log into your AOL Account: First things first, head over to the AOL website login.aol.com and sign in with your regular AOL email address and password. Make sure you’re using a web browser for this.
Access Account Security Settings: Once you’re logged in, look for your account icon often a profile picture or a generic icon in the top right corner. Click on it, and then select “Account info” or “My Account”. You might be redirected to a personal info page. From there, you need to find the “Account security” tab in the left-hand side menu. You can also try navigating directly to the AOL Account security page at https://login.aol.com/account/security.
Find the App Passwords Section: On the “Account security” page, scroll down until you see a section titled “Other ways to sign in” or simply “App passwords”.
Initiate App Password Generation: You should see a link or button that says “Generate app password” or “Generate and manage app passwords”. Click on it. A small pop-up window will usually appear.
Get Started: In the pop-up, you might see a “Get started” button. Click that to proceed.
Name Your App: This is a helpful step! You’ll be asked to “Select your app” from a drop-down menu, or you might choose “Other App” and then type a descriptive name for the application you’ll be using this password with. For example, you could type “iPhone Mail” or “Outlook Desktop.” Naming it helps you keep track, especially if you end up generating multiple app passwords. Then click “Generate” or “Generate password”.
Copy Your New App Password: AOL will then display a 16-digit, randomly generated password on your screen. This is super important: Copy this password immediately! You won’t be able to see it again once you close this window. You can copy it to your clipboard or write it down carefully.
Click “Done”: Once you’ve copied the password, click “Done” to finish the process.

That’s it! You’ve successfully created an AOL app password. The next time you set up your AOL account in a third-party email client or application, you’ll use this special password instead of your usual AOL Mail password.

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Using Your AOL App Password with Specific Devices and Applications

Now that you have your shiny new app password, let’s look at how you actually use it with different devices and applications. This is where the magic happens and your AOL mail finally starts syncing!

For Your iPhone AOL Password for iPhone

Setting up AOL Mail on iPhone is a common reason folks need an app password. If your “AOL asking for password on iPhone” or “AOL keeps asking for password on iPhone” message won’t go away, this is your solution.

Here’s how to use your app password for AOL Mail on your iPhone:

Go to iPhone Settings: Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
Navigate to Mail Accounts: Scroll down and tap on “Mail,” then “Accounts”.
Add Account or Update Existing:
- If you’re adding a new account, tap “Add Account” and choose “AOL.”
- If your AOL account is already listed but constantly asking for a password, tap on the existing AOL account.
Enter Account Details: When prompted, enter your full AOL email address. For the password, this is where you use the 16-digit app password you just generated, not your regular AOL password.
Configure Settings if needed: Your iPhone should automatically detect the correct server settings. However, if it asks for manual settings or you run into issues, here are the common ones:
- Incoming Mail Server IMAP: imap.aol.com Port 993, SSL/TLS
- Outgoing Mail Server SMTP: smtp.aol.com Port 465 or 587, SSL/TLS
- Username: Your full AOL email address.
- Password: Your 16-digit AOL app password.
Save and Sync: Tap “Save” or “Next” to complete the setup. Your iPhone should now start syncing your AOL Mail.

If you find “AOL mail asking for password on iPhone” after this, double-check that you copied the app password correctly and didn’t accidentally use your main password.

For Microsoft Outlook

Configuring Outlook for AOL Mail also requires an app password, especially if you have two-step verification enabled. This applies whether you’re using Outlook for Microsoft 365, Outlook 2019, 2016, or even older versions. Password app for android

Here’s how to use your app password to set up AOL Mail in Outlook:

Open Outlook and Add Account:
- In Outlook, go to the “File” tab.
- Click on “Add Account”.
Enter AOL Email Address: Type your full AOL email address into the field and click “Connect”.
Enter App Password: When Outlook prompts for a password, input the 16-digit AOL app password you generated.
Select Account Type if prompted: For newer versions of Outlook 2016, 2019, Microsoft 365, it often configures automatically. If it asks, select IMAP.
Manual Setup for older Outlook or if auto-config fails:
- Choose “Manual setup or additional server types.”
- Select “POP or IMAP.”
- User Information: Enter your name and full AOL email address.
- Server Information:
  - Account Type: IMAP
  - Incoming mail server IMAP: imap.aol.com
  - Outgoing mail server SMTP: smtp.aol.com
  - Username: Your full AOL email address.
  - Password: Your 16-digit AOL app password.
- More Settings Outgoing Server Tab: Check the box for “My outgoing server SMTP requires authentication” and “Use same settings as my incoming mail server.”
- More Settings Advanced Tab:
  - Incoming server IMAP: Port 993, with SSL/TLS encryption.
  - Outgoing server SMTP: Port 465 or 587, with SSL/TLS encryption.
Test and Finish: Click “OK,” then “Next” to test the account settings. Once successful, click “Finish”. Your AOL emails should now start downloading into Outlook.

For Other Third-Party Email Clients e.g., Thunderbird, Mailbird

The process for other email clients like Thunderbird, Mailbird, or other backup tools will be very similar. The key is always to use that 16-digit app password when the client asks for your AOL password.

Initiate Account Setup: In your chosen email client, start the process to “Add Account” or “Set up Mail.”
Enter AOL Details: Provide your full AOL email address.
Use App Password: When the client requests your password, paste the generated AOL app password.
Verify Server Settings: Most modern clients will try to auto-detect settings. If not, refer to the standard IMAP/POP and SMTP settings for AOL like those listed above for Outlook and iPhone.
Complete Setup: Follow any remaining prompts to finalize the account setup.

Remember, each time you set up your AOL account on a new third-party application or device, you should generate a new app password for that specific instance. This helps you manage and revoke access if a device is lost or an app is no longer used.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting Your AOL App Password

Even with a clear guide, sometimes things don’t go as planned. It’s frustrating when your “AOL app specific password not working” message pops up, or the generator itself isn’t cooperating. Here are some common issues and how you can try to fix them. Password manager for android phone

“Sorry, this feature is not available right now!”

This is a message that a lot of AOL users have seen, and it’s particularly annoying because it prevents you from even generating the app password in the first place. It seems AOL’s app password generator has had intermittent issues in the past, with users reporting it being down for months at a time.

What to do:

Wait it out: Unfortunately, sometimes this is a server-side issue with AOL. Many users have reported that after a period of time sometimes days or even weeks, the feature suddenly starts working again. It’s not ideal, but often a necessary first step.
Clear Browser Cache and Cookies: Temporary files and cookies can sometimes interfere with website functionality. Clearing your web browser’s cache and cookies and then trying to generate the password again might help.
Try a Different Browser or Device: If you’re using Chrome, try Firefox or Edge. If you’re on a laptop, try from a desktop or vice-versa. Sometimes a browser-specific issue can cause this.
Check AOL Support: Keep an eye on AOL’s official support channels or forums. They might post updates on known issues. If you contact AOL support, be prepared for potentially long waits or varying levels of assistance, as some users have reported challenges here.

My AOL App Password Isn’t Working in the App

You’ve generated the password, you’ve entered it, but your app still says “AOL keeps asking for password on iPhone” or “incorrect password.”

Troubleshooting steps:

Double-Check the Password: This sounds obvious, but those 16-digit codes are tricky. Make sure you copied and pasted it exactly as it appeared. No extra spaces, no missing characters, correct capitalization. It’s easy to make a typo.
Don’t Use Your Main Password: Remember, the app password replaces your main AOL password for third-party apps. Make absolutely sure you’re not accidentally typing your usual AOL login password.
Verify Server Settings: While many apps auto-configure, sometimes they get it wrong. Double-check the IMAP, POP, and SMTP server settings, including port numbers and SSL/TLS encryption. Quick recap: IMAP Incoming: imap.aol.com, Port 993, SSL/TLS. SMTP Outgoing: smtp.aol.com, Port 465 or 587, SSL/TLS.
Ensure Two-Step Verification 2SV is Enabled: App passwords are primarily for accounts that have 2SV turned on. If you’ve disabled 2SV for some reason, try enabling it, generating a new app password, and then trying again. Some older guidance mentioned disabling 2SV to generate, but the modern usage is that app passwords work with 2SV to secure third-party access.
Revoke and Re-generate: If you suspect the app password might be corrupted or you’ve made a mistake, you can always go back to your AOL account security settings, delete the existing app password, and generate a brand new one. Then try again with the new one.
App Compatibility: Although rare, ensure the third-party app you’re using is compatible with AOL Mail. Most major email clients are, but niche apps might have issues.
Internet Connection: A basic, but sometimes overlooked, check is your internet connection. Make sure it’s stable.

By systematically going through these steps, you can usually pinpoint and resolve why your AOL app password isn’t working as expected. Best Password Manager for Amazon Fire Tablet

Best Practices for Managing Your AOL App Passwords

Once you’re all set up with your AOL app passwords, it’s really important to manage them smartly. Good password hygiene goes a long way in keeping your digital life secure.

Use a Reliable Password Manager

This is probably my biggest piece of advice. Instead of writing down those long 16-digit app passwords on a sticky note or trying to remember them which, let’s be honest, is impossible, get yourself a dedicated password manager. Tools like NordPass are specifically designed to:

Securely Store Passwords: They encrypt your login credentials in a secure vault, making sure only you can access them.
Generate Strong Passwords: While AOL generates the app password for you, a password manager can create robust, unique passwords for all your other accounts, ensuring you never reuse a weak one.
Autofill: Some managers can even help autofill these passwords into applications, saving you the hassle of typing them out every time.
Cross-Device Syncing: Access your passwords from any of your devices securely.

Using a password manager is a simple but incredibly effective way to enhance your overall cybersecurity. If you’re serious about keeping your online accounts safe, you really should check out a reputable option like NordPass: . It simplifies managing complex passwords, including your AOL app passwords, so you don’t have to stress about remembering them.

Revoke Unused or Compromised Passwords

One of the great things about app passwords is that you can manage them individually. If you stop using a particular app, sell a device, or ever suspect an app password might have been compromised, you can easily revoke it. Mastering Your Password AJG: A Complete Guide to Security and Access

To delete or revoke an AOL app password:

Log back into your AOL account on the web.
Go to Account Info > Account Security.
Find the “Generate and manage app passwords” link.
In the pop-up, you’ll see a list of the app passwords you’ve created. Select the one you want to remove, click the “Delete” link, and confirm your choice.

Revoking an app password means that specific application will no longer be able to access your AOL mail, without affecting your main account password or other app passwords.

Don’t Reuse App Passwords

While you might be tempted to use the same app password for multiple third-party applications or devices, it’s a much better practice to generate a unique app password for each specific app or device. If one app or device’s password gets compromised, it won’t affect the access of your other apps. This really limits the damage a potential breach could do.

Regular Security Checks

Make it a habit to occasionally review your AOL account security settings. Check which app passwords are active and delete any you no longer need. Also, ensure your two-step verification is still active and working correctly, as this is the primary layer of security that app passwords complement.

By following these best practices, you’ll not only solve your immediate AOL mail syncing issues but also significantly strengthen the security of your AOL account for the long run. Password manager for aha

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I create an app password for AOL?

To create an app password for AOL, log into your AOL account via a web browser. Go to your Account Info, then navigate to the Account Security section. Look for “Generate app password” or “Generate and manage app passwords,” click on it, and follow the prompts to name your app and generate a unique 16-digit password. Remember to copy it immediately as it won’t be shown again.

What if my AOL app specific password is not working?

If your AOL app specific password isn’t working, first double-check that you entered the 16-digit code correctly, without any typos or extra spaces. Make sure you’re using the app password and not your main AOL password. Verify your email client’s IMAP/POP and SMTP server settings. If the password generator itself gave an error like “Sorry, this feature is not available right now,” you might need to clear your browser’s cache, try a different browser, or simply wait and try again later as AOL’s system can sometimes experience temporary glitches.

Do I need an app password for every device?

Yes, it’s recommended to generate a unique app password for each third-party application or device where you access your AOL Mail. For example, if you use the Mail app on your iPhone and Outlook on your desktop, generate a different app password for each. This way, if one device or app is compromised, you can revoke its specific password without affecting your other connections or your main AOL account.

Is an AOL app password more secure than my regular password?

An AOL app password isn’t necessarily “more secure” than your regular password, but it provides an additional layer of security when used in conjunction with two-step verification 2SV. It acts as a disposable, unique key for third-party apps, preventing them from needing your main password or directly handling 2SV prompts. This means if a third-party app were compromised, only that specific app password would be affected, not your primary account password, thereby limiting potential damage. Best Password Manager for Your Apple Devices in 2025

Can I see my generated app password again after closing the window?

No, once you generate an AOL app password and close the pop-up window, you cannot view that specific 16-digit password again. This is a security feature. If you lose it or forget it, you’ll need to go back to your AOL account security settings, revoke the old app password if you named it and can identify it, and then generate a brand new one. This is why using a password manager to store it securely right after generation is highly recommended.

Why did AOL introduce app passwords?

AOL introduced app passwords primarily to enhance the security of user accounts, especially in the context of two-step verification 2SV and third-party applications. Older methods, like enabling “Less Secure Apps,” posed a greater risk. App passwords ensure that applications that don’t directly support 2SV can still access your mail securely without needing your main account password, thus providing a safer way for these apps to authenticate.

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