Why Am I Getting 'SMTP Error: Could Not Authenticate' in PHPMailer?

"SMTP Error: Could not authenticate" in PHPMailer: Addressing Authentication Failure

In PHPMailer, encountering the error "SMTP Error: Could not authenticate" while attempting to send emails indicates an authentication problem with the mail server. While you have ensured the accuracy of your username and password, a more underlying issue may be present.

One potential cause of this error lies in Google's security measures. To improve security, Google requires that third-party applications using Gmail for sending emails have "Allow less secure apps" enabled. If this option is disabled, PHPMailer and other similar applications may encounter authentication errors.

To resolve this issue, follow these steps:

1. Access your Google account at myaccount.google.com.
2. Navigate to "Sign-in & security".
3. Locate and select "Apps with account access".
4. Scroll down to the section titled "Less secure apps".
5. Enable the option "Allow less secure apps".

Alternatively, you can directly access these settings at https://myaccount.google.com/lesssecureapps.

By enabling "Allow less secure apps," you authorize PHPMailer and other less secure applications to access your Gmail account for sending emails. This should resolve the authentication error you encountered in PHPMailer.

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