If you want to download mail from Fastmail to a device or computer, you need an application password. Find out here how to create, use and delete a Fastmail app password.
First, Put a Paintbrush Under Your Nose
Now move its one end up so the brush runs from your nose right through the pupil of your right eye.
Where now the brush meets the eyebrow is where the brows’ highest point should be. Who knew?
I’m sure you did; either way, let’s now draw straight lines from email programs to mail in Fastmail with the help of application-specific passwords.
How to Create a Fastmail App Password
Time needed: 5 minutes
To create a new Fastmail app password wich you can use in an email program to download emails from Fastmail via POP or IMAP:
- Log in to your Fastmail account using a browser.
- Open the main Fastmail navigation menu in the top left corner.
- Select Settings.
Fastmail keyboard shortcut: Press Shift G followed by S to open your Fastmail settings directly.
- Go to the Privacy & Security category (under STAY SECURE)
- Go to the Integrations tab.
Fastmail shortcut: Press / and type
app passwordsto go there directly. - Click New app password.
Logging in: Type your Fastmail password and click Unlock if you are prompted.
- Choose from the suggested names or (preferably) select Custom and type a name that will let you recognize the email program or service you are allowing access.
Recognizability: A recognizable name makes it easy to selectively disable access if needed.
- Now choose the most limited access type possible under Access:.
Typical: For access email through Fastmail IMAP and sending through SMTP, select Mail.
- Click Generate password.
- Find the new Fastmail app password under Something else?.
Important: Type the new password into the email program immediately.
No whitespace: The spaces you see are just for legibility; you need not enter them in the password. - Click Done.
How to Use a Fastmail App Password: FAQ
How do I turn off an app password?
To remove an application password so it no longer works for accessing your email:
- Go to the app password settings. (See above.)
- Check the Fastmail app password you want to revoke.
- Click Remove for the password you want to delete.
Disabling all: To turn off Fastmail app passwords altogether, delete all existing app passwords.
Can I view an app password in Fastmail?
No, you cannot see an existing application-specific password in plain text inside Fastmail.
To restore access for an email program if you have forgotten its app password:
- Delete the existing app password in Fastmail to revoke it.
- Create a new app password for the application.
Can I re-use an app password?
Better not; it is best to create a unique application password for each specific use and email application.
This ensures you can delete passwords for applications you no longer use (and prevent the password from being used to access your email even if it is lost) without having to create new passwords for email clients you go on using.
(How to use a Fastmail app password tested in a web browser; updated January 2024)