Gmail Setup Guide

Learn how to connect your Gmail account to ThunderSweep

⚠️ CRITICAL: Check Both Permissions

When connecting your Gmail account to ThunderSweep, you MUST check both permission boxes for the extension to work properly. Missing either permission will cause the extension to fail.

Required Permissions

ThunderSweep requires the following two Gmail permissions:

View your email messages and settings
Read, compose, and send emails from your Gmail account

📸 Screenshot: Gmail OAuth consent screen showing both checkboxes checked

(You'll see this when connecting your account)

Why Both Permissions Are Required

1️⃣ View your email messages and settings

What it does: Allows ThunderSweep to read email metadata (sender, subject, date)

Why we need it: To identify which emails have attachments and scan for sensitive information

What we DON'T do: We never read your email body content or collect personal data

2️⃣ Read, compose, and send emails from your Gmail account

What it does: Grants access to download and analyze attachments

Why we need it: To scan PDFs, documents, and files for sensitive data (tax forms, SSNs, medical records)

What we DON'T do: We never send emails on your behalf or modify your emails without your explicit permission

Privacy & Security

🔒
100% Local Processing All scanning happens in your browser
🚫
Zero Cloud Upload Your data never leaves your computer
🛡️
No Data Collection We don't store or transmit your emails
Verifiable Check your browser's network tab

Installation Steps

  1. Install ThunderSweep from Chrome Web Store
  2. Click "Connect Gmail Account" in the extension popup
  3. Select your Google account when prompted
  4. CHECK BOTH BOXES ✅ ✅ (This is critical!)
  5. Click "Continue" to authorize the extension
  6. Start scanning! 🎉 Your 7-day free trial begins on first scan

Common Issues

❌ "Permission denied" error

Solution: Make sure BOTH boxes are checked when connecting your account. Go back and re-authorize with both permissions enabled.

❌ Scan fails or shows "0 attachments"

Solution: Disconnect and reconnect your account in the extension settings, ensuring both permissions are granted during the OAuth flow.

❌ Extension asks for permissions again

Solution: This is normal after extension updates. Re-grant both permissions to continue using ThunderSweep. Your previous scan results and settings are preserved.

❌ "This app is blocked" message

Solution: Click "Advanced" and then "Go to ThunderSweep (unsafe)" to proceed. This warning appears for new or unverified apps. We're working on Google verification.

Need Help?

📧 Email: [email protected]

🌐 Website: https://thundersweep.com

Last Updated: February 2026