App Passwords
What are they?
Some non-browser applications such as the Gmail app or the Mail app on the Apple iPad won’t allow you to use your phone for secondary authentication. App passwords allow you to continue using your apps to manage your emails when MFA has been enabled
Where would you need them?
The app password is used in place of your normal College password in the account setting of your app. You can use different app passwords for different applications, so you could have one for the Outlook app on your mobile phone and a different app password for Skype for Business on your tablet.
The table below shows examples of when App Passwords will be required as your second factor.
Application |
Phone |
Tablet |
Desktop |
Laptop |
Outlook Mail Client |
MFA Supported |
MFA Supported |
MFA Supported |
MFA Supported |
Skype For Business |
App Password Required |
App Password Required |
App Password Required |
App Password Required |
Non-Outlook Mail Client |
App Password Required* |
App Password Required* |
App Password Required |
App Password Required |
*iOS 12 and above native mail client supports Microsoft MFA and does not require an app-specific password
How do you set up/manage app passwords?
- Please go to Microsoft Sign-ins security page
- Select "Add method" at the top of the options box.
3. Create a unique name for your password so you know where it is being used
4. Choose copy password to clipboard. You won't need to memorise this password.
Tip: If you create another app password, you'll be prompted to name it. For example, you might name it "Outlook."
5. Go to the app that you want to connect to your Office 365 account. When prompted to enter a password, paste the app password in the box.
Instructions for apple and android devices
How to use an app password on an android device
1. Go to 'Settings' on your phone
2. Select 'Accounts & sync'
3. Choose 'add account'
4. Select 'Exchange'
5. Enter your email address in the format username@ic.ac.uk
6. Enter the app password in place of your normal College password.
How to use an app password on an Apple device
1. Go to 'Passwords & Accounts' in your devices Settings menu
2. Select 'Exchange'
3. Choose your email account
4. Enter the app password in place of your normal College password