Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) is the internet standard set for email transmission. It sends emails from your local client to the email server and between servers. This article will explain step-by-step on using the SMTP server of Gmail to send emails.
What is SMTP?
SMTP stands for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. It’s a set of commands that authenticates and directs the transfer of emails. SMTP uses the TCP protocol, which is a connection-oriented protocol that guarantees the delivery of the email, assuming that the destination email address is correct and still exists.
What is SMTP – Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
Why Use Gmail SMTP Server?
With the Gmail SMTP server, you can send emails from your Gmail account using any email client, such as Outlook or Thunderbird. More importantly, you can use Gmail’s SMTP server details to send emails from your WordPress site for free. It is a great way to make your WordPress site’s emails more reliable without spending money on a dedicated email-sending service. Gmail allows 500 emails daily to send, which is enough for most sites.
How to use Gmail SMTP server to send email
How to Configure Gmail SMTP Server
To use the Gmail SMTP server, you need to create a Google App to connect to the Gmail server via the API instead of just plugging in the SMTP details. It involves several steps but is a one-time setup process. Once you go through the setup, your site will benefit from autopilot2.
Step 1: Enable Two-Step Verification
The first step is to enable two-step verification for your Gmail account. It is to add an extra additional layer of security to your account3.
Step 2: Generate App Password
Next, generate an App password. This password will connect your website or application to the Gmail SMTP server3.
Step 3: Configure SMTP Settings in Your Application
Now, you need to configure the SMTP settings in your application. For example, if you’re using WordPress, you can use plugins like Post SMTP Mailer/Email Log or WP Mail SMTP2.
Step 4: Test Your Setup
Finally, test your setup by sending a test email. If everything is configured correctly, your email will be sent successfully2.
Gmail SMTP Server Settings
Here are the standard settings for the Gmail SMTP server:
- SMTP server address: smtp.gmail.com
- SMTP username: The username is your full Gmail address (e.g., [email protected])
- SMTP password: The App password you generated
- SMTP port (TLS): 587
- SMTP port (SSL): 465
How to Use the Gmail SMTP Server to Send Emails for Free
Conclusion
The Gmail SMTP server provides a reliable and free solution for sending emails. Whether you’re using it for personal emails or your WordPress site, it offers a great way to ensure your emails are delivered successfully.