Environment
U-M Google Mail (Gmail) - (Applies to both individual email accounts and U-M Google Shared Accounts)
NOTICE
While this knowledge article applies to third-party mail clients specifically,
ITS recommends using only a web browser, or applications or clients created and supported by Google to connect to U-M Google accounts (including Google Calendar). Using third-party applications or clients (created by a group or company other than Google, such as Apple or Microsoft) can lead to unexpected results,
including the risk of data loss.
In general, ITS does not provide configuration assistance or additional support for using third-party apps/clients with U-M Google accounts.
ITS provides documentation for
Mozilla Thunderbird because it supports accessibility features that some users may need or prefer. For additional support on email accessibility, contact the
ITS Digital Accessibility team.
Issue
- How do I set up or configure a third-party mail client (e.g., Microsoft Outlook, Apple Mail, Thunderbird, etc.) to access my U-M Google Mail?
- How do I sign in to U-M Google Mail using a third-party mail client?
- Email on my mobile device isn't working, how do I fix it?
Resolution
Recommended Ways to Access U-M Gmail
ITS recommends using only clients/apps created and supported by Google to connect to U-M Google accounts.
Other Third-Party Mail Clients
- You are not restricted from signing in and/or using third-party mail clients or apps (e.g., Apple Mail, Microsoft Outlook, etc.) with your U-M Gmail account.
- However, ITS does not provide configuration assistance or additional support for using any third-party mail clients other than Thunderbird (mentioned above).
IMPORTANT NOTES
•
ITS does not recommend using third-party clients other than Thunderbird (and only for accessibility needs).
•
Using a third-party mail client with your U-M Google account is unsupported and is done at your discretion.
•
Only mail clients that can sign in directly to your U-M Google account (via Google login and OAuth2) can be used.
•
Any configurations other than signing in with your U-M Google account via OAuth2 (i.e., using basic authentication with less secure apps) stopped working on September 30.
Additional Information
Thunderbird and Accessibility
- Thunderbird has an accessible interface and is compatible with assistive technology.
- Thunderbird can be used with Windows screen readers, including NVDA and JAWS.
- Thunderbird currently has barriers that impact users of the Mac screen reader, VoiceOver.
- Thunderbird is only recommended for U-M users when it provides a more accessible experience than the Gmail web application, as Google does not support the use of third-party clients like Thunderbird.
- Refer to Setting up Thunderbird to use with U-M Google Mail for more information.
- While ITS provides an easy way to configure Thunderbird, support for the day-to-day use of Thunderbird is not provided.
- Thunderbird self-service support information can be found on Mozilla's support page.
- For more information on accessibility, visit the Thunderbird accessibility features page.
For assistance or questions regarding third-party mail clients, please contact the specific vendor's help center.
For other topics, contact the ITS Service Center.