Question:

Why am I getting username or password errors when using my Google account on my older Android device?

Answer:

Starting in January 2021, due to security concerns, Google has limited password-based access to accounts on devices running Android 2.3.7 and lower. This means that attempting to sign in, adding an email or calendar account, or using certain services (like Gmail, YouTube, and Maps) may result in a username or password error message.

To resolve this issue, follow these steps:

Check if your device can be updated to a newer Android version (3.0 or higher). If so, it is recommended to update the operating system.

If updating the OS is not possible, you can still access some Google services by logging into your account through the device's web browser.

a. Access your account: Visit myaccount.google.com.

b. Use Gmail: Visit https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/h.

Note that devices running Android 2.3.7 and lower can still be used with non-Google accounts. Some installed apps can be configured with non-Google accounts, but certain features of specific apps, such as Maps and Navigation, may have limited functionality without a signed-in account.