Create App Password for Office 365

Microsoft 365 uses Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to protect accounts from phishing and unauthorized access. Some applications like EdbMails cannot directly prompt for MFA verification, which prevents normal sign-in. To resolve this, Microsoft allows the use of an App Password, a unique code that lets such apps connect securely without disabling MFA. It acts as an alternative login credential generated under your Microsoft account’s security settings. Using an App Password ensures that EdbMails can access Office 365 mailboxes safely, maintaining both security compliance and uninterrupted connectivity during migration.

When should you use an App password?

You need to create an app password in the following situations:

• When Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is enabled on your Office 365 account

  MFA adds an extra verification step to secure your login. Applications that do not support MFA prompts cannot complete authentication. An App Password allows such applications to connect securely without disabling MFA protection.

• When you use EdbMails for Office 365, Exchange, or IMAP migrations

  EdbMails requires authorized access to perform mailbox migration. If MFA is active, normal credentials are not sufficient. Using an App Password ensures smooth and secure authentication, allowing EdbMails to migrate data without interruption or login failures.

• When you encounter the error “Authentication failed due to MFA”

  This error appears when EdbMails cannot authenticate through standard credentials because MFA verification is blocking the process. Generating an App Password resolves the issue by providing a secure login method that works with MFA-enabled accounts.

  Steps to Create an App password for Office 365

  1. Sign in to your Office 365 account and open the My Account section.
  2. Click on your profile picture (top right corner) and select View account.

     

  3. In the left menu, choose Security info (or Additional security verification if using older layout).

     

  4. Under the Security info section, click Add sign-in method.

     

  5. From the list of options, select App password, then click Add.

     

  6. Enter a name for your app password — for example, MyMFAapp.
  7. Click Next, and Microsoft will generate a unique App Password.

     

  8. Copy this password and store it in a secure location (you will need it in the next step).

     

  Note: You will not be able to view the password again after closing the window. Always copy and save it immediately.

Use the app password in EdbMails

1. Open the EdbMails application.
2. In the login window, choose Office 365 as the source or destination as per your migration type.
3. Enter your full Office 365 email address.
4. Paste the App Password in the password field.
5. Click Login to authenticate.

Note: Microsoft has disabled Basic Authentication, so it is no longer possible to connect to Office 365 via IMAP using a regular password or an app password. To ensure secure and successful connections, EdbMails supports Modern Authentication (OAuth 2.0).

 See the Steps to connect to Office 365 using modern Authentication

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Additional resources:

• Enable MFA in Office 365
• Disable security defaults
• Change the language & regional settings on Office 365 server
• Manual Registration of EdbMails in Azure AD