I'm puzzled re imap password

[GrumpyPa]

At the onset of this email issue I was asked to change my password. (I wish I hadn't, but there you are). Eventually after the emails were partially reinstated I was able to access them via the browser, but couldn't using the iPhone or Thunderbird, despite putting in the new password. Purely by chance I found that the original password works on Thunderbird and the iPhone but not on the browser. I notice Thunderbird goes to imap.virginmedia.com and the browser to oauth.virginmedia.com. How do I ensure the passwords are the same? Obviously I can change the one for the browser but apparently not for Thunderbird and the iPhone.

[Graham_A]

VM have recently changed the log in requirements for accessing VM Mail via third party apps.

If you change the password for the account in My Virgin Media > Account settings > Account details you will not be able to use the new password to access the account via an email client. Email client access now requires an app specific password which can be generated in the MyVM > Account Settings > Account details > Mailbox App password management.

You will need to use the generated app password to access emails via a third party email client.

[GrumpyPa]

Thank you Graham, I couildn't find that info anywhere in the help section. I must have missed it or it has been a secret not to be divulged to ordinary customers. I'll investigate later, as at the moment I have had enough p*ssing about trying to get Thunderbird back up.

[Graham_A]

For future reference the instructions can be found in the 'How to set up email on a device' section of this link:

https://www.virginmedia.com/help/broadband/manage-email-account

[mapsal]

I finally sussed this out after wasting several hours trying to access my newly restored blueyonder emails via Mail on Mac/iphone/ipad. Why couldn't virgin have informed their customers of this very significant change? Like many, I'm actively seeking another provider as tjis latest fiasco has been the final straw.