Why Thunderbird Hangs on Checking Password?

[john-johnson]

There are multiple reasons which make an individual encounter the situation where Thunderbird hangs on checking password issue. Some of the most common ones among them are:

• Entering an incorrect or expired password is a common cause.
  
• Issues with the OAuth2 feature can trigger this error.
  
• Antivirus or firewall settings may block Thunderbird and cause it to hang.
  
• Using an invalid app-specific password can create problems.
  
• IMAP or SMTP server issues may also be responsible.
  
• Corrupted add-ons or profile data can lead to this error.
  
• A weak or unstable internet connection can contribute to the problem.
  

The best way to fix this Thunderbird stuck on checking password are:

• There are a few manual methods you can try to fix the issue where Thunderbird hangs while checking the password. First, check your antivirus and firewall settings to ensure Thunderbird isn’t being blocked. Sometimes security software mistakenly restricts Thunderbird’s access, so adding it to the allowed list can help. 
  
• Running Thunderbird in Safe Mode is another option; this disables add-ons and extensions that may be causing conflicts. You should also review and update your saved passwords within Thunderbird to make sure no outdated or incorrect credentials are stored. For Gmail or Outlook, it’s essential to use a valid app-specific password. 
  
• Additionally, adjusting the authentication method under account settings—switching between OAuth2 and Normal Password—can sometimes resolve login issues, so verifying both incoming and outgoing server settings is recommended.
  

Pro tip:  The ‘Thunderbird hangs on checking password’ issue is a common problem that can even result in permanent data loss. That’s why experts strongly recommend backing up your Thunderbird data first. The BitRecover Thunderbird Backup Tool is an excellent choice for this task — trusted by industry professionals for its advanced features, including over 30 backup formats, flexible selection modes, and customizable saving options. These capabilities make it a reliable all-in-one solution.