How to use the Gmail SMTP Server to Send Free Emails

If you’re looking to improve your email deliverability, Gmail’s SMTP server offers a reliable solution for sending emails through your website or email client. You’ll benefit from Google’s robust infrastructure, which includes advanced security features, consistent uptime, and sophisticated spam-prevention algorithms that help keep your messages out of recipients’ junk folders. Located at smtp.gmail.com, the Gmail SMTP server provides multiple secure port options for sending your messages.

Brief overview of Gmail SMTP server

Gmail’s SMTP server is a better way to send emails than WordPress’s built-in mail system. When you use smtp.gmail.com as your server, you get Google’s safe and reliable email delivery system. This lets you set up custom email tools that work well with your website. The Gmail SMTP server helps you achieve higher email deliverability rates.

To use Gmail’s SMTP server, you need the right settings. Use port 587 for TLS or port 465 for SSL to keep your emails safe. You must log in with your full Gmail address and password. If you use two-step login, you’ll need a special app password instead.

With a free Gmail account, you can send up to 500 emails each day. Google Workspace users can send up to 2,000 emails daily. The server works well with email tools like Thunderbird and Outlook, and it’s great for WordPress when you add an SMTP plugin. If you pay for Google Workspace, you can also send emails using your own website’s domain name.

Benefits of using Gmail SMTP for sending emails

Using Gmail SMTP to send emails offers great benefits that can make your email system work better. Google’s smart systems and strong network help make sure your emails go to inboxes, not spam folders. Setting up your email client with port 587 ensures secure transmission of your messages.

Benefit Category	Key Advantages
Security	TLS/SSL encryption, 2-step verification, App Passwords
Professional Image	Custom domain support, enhanced brand image, email cost reduction
Technical Benefits	High uptime, minimal maintenance, easy integration

Gmail SMTP comes with Google’s strong safety features, like catching spam and keeping your messages secure. Your private data stays safe while your emails remain looking professional. The system works well with many email tools and websites, which means less work and lower costs for you.

For companies, Gmail SMTP is a great choice because you can use your own business email address while looking professional. The service rarely goes down, and you won’t need to spend time taking care of email servers. This lets you spend more time on running your business instead of dealing with email problems.

Understanding Gmail SMTP Server

When you’re setting up email functionality for your website, you’ll find that Gmail’s SMTP server offers a robust alternative to PHP’s default mail method.

You can use smtp.gmail.com with ports 587 (TLS) or 465 (SSL) to securely send up to 500 emails per day with a free Gmail account.

Your WordPress site’s email deliverability will improve greatly because Gmail’s SMTP server provides better authentication and reliable infrastructure compared to basic PHP mail functions. Using Gmail SMTP server gives you the ability to send emails through a Gmail alias address to maintain privacy.

What is SMTP?

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is the main system that moves email across the internet. It guides your messages from your device to where they need to go.

When you send an email, SMTP servers work together to get your message to the right place. Today’s SMTP is much more secure than its early versions, which were open mail relays in 1998.

You use SMTP when you:

Send emails from Gmail
Set up email apps like Outlook
Fill out contact forms on websites
Get automatic emails from apps

SMTP works on special internet channels (ports 25, 587, or 465) and uses basic commands to send messages. When you click “send,” your email program talks to the SMTP server using simple commands like HELO, MAIL FROM, and RCPT TO. The server sends back codes to show the message is moving along.

Today’s SMTP can also handle extras like file attachments, fancy text, and letters from different languages in your emails.

Gmail SMTP server basics

Gmail’s SMTP server is simple to use once you know the basics. You’ll connect through smtp.gmail.com using one of two secure ports: 465 for SSL or 587 for TLS. These safety features help keep your emails safe and build trust with other email systems.

To log in, you need your Gmail address and either your Gmail password or an app password, which is safer to use. When you set up your email program, make sure to turn on login settings and pick the right security type. Less secure apps must be enabled in your Google account settings.

You can use Gmail’s SMTP server to send emails through many email programs like Outlook and Thunderbird. Gmail lets you use different email names to keep your real address private when sending work emails. You can send many emails at once, and you don’t have to use work email addresses. But you should verify your domain name to stop your emails from looking like spam.

If needed, you can change how often the server retries sending emails and use smtp-relay.gmail.com to route your messages.

Advantages over default PHP mail method

Using Gmail’s SMTP server instead of PHP’s mail() function makes sending emails much better for your WordPress site. Your emails are more likely to reach inboxes and less likely to end up in spam folders thanks to better email checking. Google’s system handles the safety and security of your emails with strong protection.

Gmail SMTP gives you helpful tools you can’t get with basic PHP mail():

If an email fails, the system tries again on its own
You can watch where your emails go in real-time
Less spam because the system checks who’s sending the email
Easy to find old emails through Google’s search

Gmail SMTP works great for websites that are getting bigger. You don’t need to run your own mail server or worry about email problems. The system requires TLS or SSL encryption for secure connections. Google takes care of everything – from keeping the system running to backing up your data. The system handles errors well and works with many different email services, making it a safe choice for your WordPress site’s emails.

Gmail SMTP Server Details

To send emails through Gmail’s SMTP server, you’ll need to use smtp.gmail.com as your server address. You’ll authenticate using your full Gmail email address and password, with two-factor authentication requiring an app-specific password.

For secure connections, you can use either port 587 for TLS or port 465 for SSL encryption. The server acts as a relay between the sender and recipient to ensure proper message delivery.

Server address

Gmail uses smtp.gmail.com as its SMTP server address. You need this address when you set up email programs or websites to send messages through Gmail. This server acts as your path for sending emails while keeping Gmail’s good sending record intact. You’ll use this address when you set up programs like Outlook or Thunderbird, or when you want your website to send emails.

The smtp.gmail.com server offers many benefits when you send emails:

Works well with most email programs and websites
Uses safe methods to protect your messages
Checks that only allowed users can send mail
Delivers emails well because people trust Google’s systems

To use Gmail’s SMTP server, you must also have the right login details. You’re connecting to Google’s email system, which sends millions of emails each day. When you set up your email program or website, make sure to type smtp.gmail.com exactly right. Even one wrong letter will stop your emails from sending. The server supports both TLS port 587 and SSL port 465 for secure email transmission.

Port numbers (TLS and SSL)

Gmail’s SMTP server uses two main ports: 587 for TLS and 465 for SSL encryption. TLS (port 587) is the better choice as it’s newer and safer. When you set up your email program or WordPress SMTP plugin, make sure to match the right port with its encryption type so your emails will send properly.

Both ports keep your emails safe, but most experts say TLS is better. Don’t use port 25 – it has no security and leaves your emails open to risks. Stick to port 587 or 465 to keep your emails secure.

Before you finish setting up, send a test email to make sure it works. If something goes wrong, check that you’re using the right port with the right security type. No matter which secure port you pick, Gmail lets you send only 2,000 emails per day through its SMTP server, so plan your sending wisely.

Authentication requirements

Setting up Gmail SMTP needs proper login details to make sure your emails get sent. You’ll use smtp.gmail.com as your server and your full Gmail address as your username. You must use TLS/SSL safety locks to protect your emails. If you use two-factor login (2FA), you’ll need to make a special app password instead of your normal Gmail password.

To stay safe and follow Google’s rules:

Make a 16-letter app password in your Google Account safety settings if you use 2FA
Set up your email program with the right outgoing mail settings
Check your login works before sending lots of emails
Keep your mail storage on so Gmail can learn which emails aren’t spam

Don’t turn on “less secure app access.” Instead, use app passwords – they’re safer. If you use Google Workspace, you must turn on SMTP login to show who’s sending the emails. When you set things up, always check your domain name in the HELO or EHLO command to keep your login working right.

Preparing to Use Gmail SMTP Server

To start using Gmail’s SMTP server, you’ll need an active Google account and appropriate security settings enabled. You’ll want to set up two-factor authentication on your account, which requires generating an app password specifically for SMTP access. The SMTP server runs on smtp.gmail.com address for all Gmail users. If you’re using an older application that doesn’t support modern security features, you may need to enable the “Less secure app access” option, though this isn’t recommended for long-term use.

Creating a Google account (if needed)

To use Gmail’s SMTP server, you need a Google account. It’s easy to make one if you don’t have it yet. Go to Google.com and look for “Sign in” at the top right. Click it, then pick “Create account” and “For myself” to set up a personal account.

The best part is that creating a Google account is completely free of charge. You’ll fill out a simple form with your details to keep your email safe. You need to add:

Your full name and the Gmail address you want
A strong password that Google will accept
Your phone number to protect your account
Your birthday and gender

After you put in your info, Google will text a 6-digit code to your phone. Type in this code to prove it’s you. Last, you’ll need to read and say yes to Google’s rules about how they use your info. Click “I Agree,” and your account is ready. Now you can set up your email delivery settings.

Enabling less secure apps (if applicable)

Google has stopped letting users enable “less secure apps” for Gmail’s SMTP server. This feature will be gone completely by September 30, 2024. You now need to use safer ways to set up your SMTP settings.

Authentication Method	Security Level	Best For
App Passwords	High	2FA-enabled accounts
Gmail API	Very High	WordPress sites
OAuth 2.0	Very High	Modern email clients
Legacy SMTP	Low	Outdated applications
Google Workspace	High	Business accounts

If you still use less secure apps, you should switch to these safer methods:

Get an app password if you use two-factor authentication
Use the Gmail API for WordPress sites
Pick OAuth 2.0 for newer email programs
Choose Google Workspace if you run a business

Users with non-Google apps can access the Less secure apps page directly to manage their settings. Using less secure apps puts your account at risk. Hackers can break in more easily, and you miss out on new safety features. Since Google will remove this option soon, it’s better to change now. This way, your email keeps working, and your account stays safe.

Two-factor authentication considerations

You’ll need an app password to use Gmail’s SMTP server since Google requires two-factor authentication (2FA). This extra step keeps your account safe while letting you connect your email apps to Gmail’s SMTP service.

To get and use an app password:

Go to Security > 2-Step Verification > App passwords in your Google Account
Pick your app and device from the list
Copy the 16-character code Google gives you
Use this code instead of your Gmail password in SMTP settings

When you set up SMTP, use smtp.gmail.com as your server. Pick port 465 (SSL) or 587 (TLS), and type in your full Gmail address as the username. Instead of your regular password, enter the app password you got earlier. You only need to set this up once, so you won’t have to remember the app password. This method keeps your account safe and helps make sure your emails get through smoothly. The app password enables you to send email campaigns using your own email address.

Setting Up Google Cloud Project

To start using Gmail SMTP, you’ll need to set up a Google Cloud project and enable the Gmail API for your WordPress site.

You’ll need to access the Google Cloud Console to begin creating your new project.

You’ll then configure the OAuth consent screen and create your credentials, including a Client ID and Client Secret, which allow secure communication between WordPress and Gmail.

Finally, you’ll add authorized redirect URIs to specify which URLs can interact with your Gmail API integration, ensuring your email setup remains secure.

Creating a new project

Want to use Gmail’s SMTP server with WordPress? First, you’ll need to set up a new project in Google Cloud Platform. The steps are easy to follow. Just go to the Google Cloud Platform website and click “My Console” at the top right. Sign in to your Google account, and you’ll see the Developers Console.

To make a new project, click Menu, then IAM & Admin, and choose Create a Project. Fill in these details:

Pick a clear project name that shows what it’s for
Change the Project ID if you want to by clicking Edit
Pick your billing account if you have more than one
Set where to put your project by picking an organization or folder

After you fill in everything, click “Create” to start your project. Remember that your project ID needs to be globally unique across all Google Cloud Platform users. You’ll then see your Dashboard, where you can find your project ID right on the project card. The whole process only takes a few minutes.

Enabling Gmail API

To set up Gmail’s SMTP server, you need to turn on the Gmail API in your Google Cloud project. The steps are simple to follow.

Start by going to the Google Cloud console and picking your project from the top menu. Look for “APIs & Services” and click on Library. Type “Gmail API” in the search box to find it quickly. This helps when you want to set up many Gmail accounts.

Click on the Gmail API when you see it. Then press the Enable button. After that, you’ll need to make credentials. Click “Create Credentials” and pick OAuth client ID. When you set up Gmail API access, choose the right levels for what you need. You’ll need to set up an OAuth consent screen for your application before proceeding. This helps your SMTP work well and stay secure.

Make sure you see the API listed as enabled before you go on. Once you finish these steps, your Google Cloud project will work with Gmail’s SMTP services.

Configuring OAuth consent screen

Setting up your OAuth consent screen is the next step after turning on the Gmail API. To start, go to the Google Cloud console. Click on APIs & Services, then pick OAuth consent screen. You’ll see two choices for user type: Internal (for your organization) or External (for the public).

When you create your consent screen, keep these key points in mind:

Pick a clear, professional app name that users will see when they log in
Add correct contact details so users can get help when needed
Choose only the permissions your app really needs
Add a link to your privacy policy to show users how you handle their data

To set the right permissions, click “Add or Remove Scopes” and pick only what you need. If you want to use SMTP services, you must add the ‘https://mail.google.com’ scope. The review process requirements may vary depending on the scopes you select. For apps open to the public, make sure to list test users who can try your app during testing. Check all your settings one last time before clicking “Save and Continue.” This process helps keep your WordPress site and Google services working safely together.

Creating credentials (Client ID and Client Secret)

Make sure to give your service account the right permissions. Most often, you’ll need an Editor role or special custom roles that match what your project needs. After setting up permissions, you’ll need to enable Gmail API in your Google Cloud Console. This helps your account work well while keeping everything secure.

Adding authorized redirect URIs

After setting up your service account, you need to add redirect URIs to your Google Cloud Project. These URIs tell Google where to send responses after a user logs in. You can add them through the Google Cloud Console’s Clients page.

You can set up redirect URIs in two ways: through the Cloud Console website or using command lines. When you add these URIs, always use HTTPS since HTTP won’t work. Make sure you type the URIs exactly right to avoid errors with mismatched addresses. You must specify your authorized redirect URIs during the OAuth client setup process.

Steps to set up redirect URIs:

Sign in to Google Cloud Console
Go to the OAuth 2.0 client ID area
Type in your redirect URI just as it appears in your request
Check that all endpoints use HTTPS
Save and test your login process

The gcloud command tool lets you update redirect URIs quickly, which helps when you need to make many changes at once or want to automate the process.

Configuring WordPress to Use Gmail SMTP

To get your WordPress site sending emails through Gmail SMTP, you’ll need to install and activate a reliable SMTP plugin like Post SMTP Mailer or WP Mail SMTP from your WordPress dashboard.

Once activated, you’ll configure the plugin’s settings with your Gmail SMTP credentials, including the server address (smtp.gmail.com), port number (465 for SSL or 587 for TLS), and authentication details. Two-factor authentication must be enabled on your Gmail account for enhanced security.

You can then connect your site to the Gmail API by following the plugin’s setup wizard, which will guide you through the authorization process to warrant secure email delivery.

Choosing an SMTP plugin (Post SMTP Mailer/Email Log)

Setting up Gmail SMTP for WordPress starts with picking a good SMTP plugin. Post SMTP Mailer and WP Mail SMTP are two common choices that help your emails get sent. These plugins work with many email services like Microsoft 365, Amazon SES, and SendGrid.

Look for these key features when choosing a plugin:

OAuth 2.0 security to keep your login details safe
Email logs to see if messages were sent
Backup sending options if your main email server stops working
Quick alerts when emails fail to send

WP Mail SMTP Elite offers setup help if you don’t want to handle the tech details yourself. Both plugins let you use different email services, making it easy to switch if you need to. You can also get mobile apps and browser tools to check your emails. Think about what you really need – some users only want basic features that come free, while others need detailed email tracking and logs for their WordPress site.

Installing and activating the plugin

Want to set up Gmail SMTP in WordPress? First, you’ll need to add the WP Mail SMTP plugin. Go to your WordPress admin panel and find the ‘Plugins’ menu on the left side. Click ‘Add New’ and type ‘WP Mail SMTP’ in the search box.

Look for the plugin and click ‘Install Now’. Wait until it finishes installing. Make sure you’re logged in as an admin if you have any trouble. After it installs, you’ll see an ‘Activate’ button – click it to turn the plugin on.

Check that your site has SSL before you move on. You need this for Gmail to work safely. Your site should start with ‘https’ if SSL is working right.

Next, go to Settings » WP Mail SMTP in your admin panel. Look for the ‘General’ tab. Put your Gmail address in the ‘From Email’ box and pick a sender name for the ‘From Name’ box. Save these settings before you go on to the next steps.

Configuring plugin settings

Want to set up WP Mail SMTP with Gmail? Let’s walk through it. First, go to Settings » WP Mail SMTP in your WordPress dashboard. You’ll see boxes for your Gmail address and sender name – fill those in first.

You can connect your site to Gmail in two ways. The first uses OAuth, which is safer and lets Google check who you are. The second way lets you put in the settings by hand. If you paid for WP Mail SMTP Pro, you can set it up with just one click.

To make it work, you’ll need to put in these settings:

Type smtp.gmail.com as your host
Pick SSL and use port 465
Add your login details
Set up where bounced emails should go

Make sure your site uses SSL to keep your emails safe. After you set everything up, send a test email to check if it works. If the test fails, look at your settings again and check that you let the plugin use your Google account.

Connecting to Gmail API

Setting up Gmail’s API for your WordPress site takes a few simple steps. First, log into your Google account and make a new project in the Google Cloud Console. Just click “Create Project,” name it, and pick where you want it.

After that, go to “Enabled APIs and Services” and turn on the Gmail API for your project. Make sure to read through Google’s rules to check that you’re following them. Once the API is on, you’ll need to set up OAuth 2.0 to get your client ID and secret code – these help keep your connection safe.

The last step is to set up your WP Mail SMTP plugin. Choose “Google / Gmail” as your email service and follow the steps to link your Gmail account. The plugin walks you through giving the right permissions. Keep an eye on your API use in the Google Cloud Console to stay within Gmail’s limits. When you’re done, your WordPress site will be able to send emails safely through Gmail.

Testing Your Gmail SMTP Setup

After configuring your Gmail SMTP settings, you’ll need to send a test email to verify everything’s working correctly. If you encounter any issues, check your authentication details, server settings, and firewall configurations that might block outgoing SMTP connections.

You can also review your email logs to confirm successful delivery and troubleshoot any errors that may occur during the testing process.

Sending a test email

Want to make sure your Gmail SMTP setup works? Send a test email. First, write a simple test message in your email program. Make sure you’re using the right SMTP server (smtp.gmail.com) and port (587 for TLS or 465 for SSL) before you start.

When testing your email, watch for these key things:

Your Gmail login details must match
Your encryption type (TLS/SSL) must be correct
Your ‘From’ address should be your Gmail address
Look for any error messages while sending

After you send the test email, look in two places: your Gmail “Sent Mail” folder and the inbox where you sent it. This shows if it worked. If you hit any snags, check your SMTP settings again. Make sure your password is right – if you use 2-Step Verification, you’ll need an app password. You can also use online SMTP testing tools to fix connection problems and check your server settings.

Troubleshooting common issues

When testing Gmail SMTP, you may run into some common issues that are easy to fix. First, check if your internet works and make sure your network allows SMTP traffic. You might need to set up special access in your firewall for your email program.

Login problems often come up too. Make sure you’re using smtp.gmail.com as your server and the right ports (465 for SSL or 587 for TLS). If you use two-step login, you’ll need to make an App Password instead of using your normal Google password.

If you can’t connect, look at the Gmail Status Dashboard to see if Google’s servers are working. Your security software might block SMTP, so try turning off your antivirus briefly to test. Watch for Google alerts about strange login tries, as these can stop SMTP from working.

Still having trouble? Check if your internet provider blocks SMTP traffic and make sure your email program uses TLS/SSL for safety.

Verifying email logs

Checking your Gmail SMTP setup means looking at both your settings and email logs to make sure everything works well. If you need to track email problems or look into sender issues, you can use the Email Log Search tool in the Google Admin Console. This tool helps you find emails by searching for senders, receivers, or subject lines.

To check your email logs, do these steps:

Look at how your emails travel and if they reach their targets
Find any problems with sign-in or delivery in the logs
Watch how many emails you send and how many get through
Make sure your emails aren’t marked as spam by looking at message details

To see full message details, click “More” and then “Show original” in any email. You can then use Google’s Message Header Tool to see how your email moved through the system and spot any setup problems. This check helps make sure your SMTP setup works right and your emails get to where they should go.

Advanced Gmail SMTP Usage

You can set up Gmail SMTP with popular email clients like Outlook and Thunderbird using your Gmail credentials or an app password if you’ve enabled two-factor authentication.

If you’re using a custom domain name, you’ll need to verify domain ownership through Google Workspace and update your DNS records accordingly.

To increase your daily email sending limits beyond Gmail’s standard 500-email cap, you can upgrade to a Google Workspace account which allows up to 2,000 emails per day.

Using Gmail SMTP with other email clients (Outlook, Thunderbird)

Gmail works well with email programs like Outlook and Thunderbird. You can read and send Gmail messages right from these apps. To start, turn on IMAP in your Gmail settings and make sure you can use OAuth2 for better safety.

To set up Outlook or Thunderbird, use these server details:

Server name: smtp.gmail.com
Port: 587 for TLS or 465 for SSL

If you have trouble connecting, check these key items:

Your Gmail address and password are typed in right
Your safety settings match (OAuth2 or regular password)
Your port and safety settings are correct
“My outgoing server needs sign-in” is turned on

New versions of these email programs usually work with OAuth2, which is safer than using just a password. If the quick setup doesn’t work, pick “Set Up Manually” and look closely at the extra settings to get your connection working right.

Sending emails from custom domain names

Want to use Gmail with your business email? You can mix Gmail’s great features with your own professional email address. This lets you keep your company’s image while using Gmail’s trusted system.

First, set up your business email through your web host and get your POP3 and SMTP login details. Then open Gmail settings and look for “Accounts and Import.” Here, use POP3 to get emails from your business address. Next, click “Send mail as” and plug in your SMTP server info using SSL on port 465.

You’ll need to prove you own the domain by adding a TXT record and changing your MX records in your DNS settings. This makes sure your emails go to the right place. This setup helps you save money since you won’t need to buy Google Workspace. The whole process takes about an hour while you wait for DNS changes to work, but it’s worth it for better business emails.

Increasing daily email sending limits

Want to send more emails each day? While Gmail lets you send 500 emails daily, you can raise this limit in several ways based on your needs and what you can spend.

The easiest way to send more emails is to get a Google Workspace account. This lets you send up to 2,000 emails each day. If you need to send even more, you can use the SMTP Relay service to send up to 10,000 emails in one day.

Tools like GMass also help you send more emails while making sure they reach their targets.

To boost your email sending power:

Get Google Workspace to send 2,000 emails daily instead of 500
Set up SMTP Relay to send up to 10,000 emails per day
Use GMass to send more emails with a basic Gmail account
Break big email lists into smaller groups and send them at different times

Keep track of how many emails you send, and don’t put more than 100 people in one email. This helps you avoid getting your account blocked or having your emails marked as spam.

Security Considerations

To keep your Google SMTP server secure, you’ll need to enable two-step verification and generate app passwords for any third-party applications accessing your account.

You should regularly update both your main Google password and app-specific passwords while monitoring your account’s recent activity log for suspicious logins or unauthorized access attempts.

For maximum protection, consider using Google’s security checkup tool to review your account settings and identify potential vulnerabilities in your SMTP configuration.

Best practices for protecting your Google account

Your Google account needs strong security to keep your information safe. The first step is to turn on 2-Step Verification. This adds extra protection by asking for a second check, like a security key or Google Prompt, when you sign in.

Use a password manager to create and keep track of strong passwords. Check your account recovery options often and make sure they’re current so you can get back in if you need to. Look at your list of devices from time to time and remove any that you don’t know or use anymore through the Security Checkup tool.

To protect your account better:

Add Password Alert to Chrome to spot fake websites and catch password reuse
Take away access from apps and browser add-ons you don’t need
Create special app passwords when using 2-Step Verification with older apps
Look into joining the Advanced Protection Program if you think someone might target your account

Keep an eye on your recent security activity and watch out for any strange login tries or unknown access to your account.

Regularly updating passwords and app passwords

Keeping your Google Account and app passwords up to date helps keep your account safe. When you create a new Google Account password, your old app passwords stop working. You’ll need to make new ones for your apps.

After you change your main password, you must update app passwords in all your connected services. This includes email apps or WordPress sites that use Gmail SMTP. Keep in mind that you need 2-Step Verification turned on to use app passwords. This adds more safety to your account.

To keep your account secure, only create app passwords when you really need them. Check your list of active app passwords often and remove any you don’t use or that look strange. When you make new app passwords, name them clearly with the app and device they’re for. This helps you track where they’re being used. If you see anything odd or get safety alerts from Google, check these right away to protect your account.

These steps will help keep your Gmail SMTP setup safe and working well.

Monitoring account activity

Keeping track of your Gmail SMTP account helps keep it safe from unwanted users. Google makes it easy to watch your account with tools that show you who logs in, where they log in from, and what devices they use. These safety checks help you spot strange patterns or anyone trying to break into your account.

To watch your Gmail SMTP account well, focus on these key things:

Look at your login history often to see the last 10 places and IP addresses that used your account
See if your account is open on more than one device at a time
Watch how many emails are being sent, since too many can trigger alerts
Turn on alerts that tell admins about important things like strange login tries

Google will point out up to three IP addresses that look risky. You’ll get alerts right away if your account needs more security. When this happens, check your recent account use to make sure no one broke in. Keep watching your account closely to protect your SMTP setup and stop security problems before they start.

Alternatives to Gmail SMTP Server

If you’re looking beyond Gmail SMTP, you’ll find several compelling alternatives like SMTP2GO offering 1,000 free monthly emails or MailerSend with 3,000 free monthly emails.

For businesses needing higher volume, services like SendGrid and Brevo provide scalable paid plans with advanced features like detailed analytics and improved deliverability rates.

Your choice should factor in your specific needs around monthly email volume, deliverability requirements, and whether you need additional features like email templates or automation tools.

Other free SMTP services

Several easy-to-use options can replace Gmail‘s SMTP server when you want to send emails. While Gmail works well, these other choices can give you better service and help when you need it.

SMTP2GO lets you send 1,000 emails every month with no daily caps. They deliver 96% of emails successfully and keep your data safe in the EU.

MailerSend gives you 3,000 free emails monthly. If you need more, you can send millions – each extra thousand costs just $1.

Mailjet allows 200 emails each day, adding up to 6,000 monthly. They offer many secure ways to connect and send your messages.

SendPulse tops them all with 12,000 free emails per month. You can use it for both one-time messages and marketing emails.

Each service has its strong points. SMTP2GO makes it easy for teams to work together and track emails. MailerSend helps you plan when to send emails. Mailjet shows you how your emails perform and lets you create custom designs, but their help desk can be slow. SendPulse is easy to use and offers good prices when you need to send more emails. Pick the one that best fits what you need for your emails, like how many you’ll send and how secure they need to be.

Paid SMTP services for higher volume sending

Need to send lots of emails? When Gmail’s daily limits are too low, paid SMTP services can help. While these email services cost more at first, they give you tools you need to send mass emails reliably.

SMTP.com gives you your own cloud space with unique IP addresses and expert help to keep emails flowing. They help you warm up your IPs and check email lists to protect your name. SendX has sent billions of emails for over 3,000 companies, with fair prices and support any time you need it.

SocketLabs offers three levels of service to pick from. Their basic plan lets you send 40,000 emails monthly, while bigger plans give you your own IPs and better tracking. If you need more features, Benchmark Email costs $40 per month for 10,000 emails, with smart sending tools and ways to make sure emails reach inboxes.

These services do more than Gmail’s free SMTP. You get helpful support, better tracking of your emails, and room to grow as you send more. They also follow email privacy rules like GDPR and CCPA to keep you safe.

Comparing features and limitations

Gmail SMTP has limits you should know about before using it for your emails. Free accounts can only send 500 emails per day, with strict rules on who can get them. If you send more than 20 emails per hour or try to reach over 500 people, Gmail might block your account.

If you need to send lots of emails for your business, paid SMTP services work better:

You can send more emails – GMass lets you send up to 10,000 daily, while SocketLabs has no limits
You get better tracking – see who opens and clicks your emails right away
Lists clean themselves – the service handles bad addresses and complaints
More emails reach inboxes – you get your own IP address and better security checks

Gmail SMTP works fine for sending a few business emails or testing. But it lacks good tracking tools and doesn’t handle bounced emails well. Think about how many emails you’ll send, what tracking you need, and how many need to reach inboxes when picking between Gmail and paid options.

Troubleshooting Gmail SMTP Issues

When you encounter Gmail SMTP issues, you’ll typically face either authentication errors (like “Invalid username/password”) or deliverability problems (such as emails landing in spam).

You can quickly resolve most authentication issues by generating an app password or checking your security settings in your Google Account. For delivery problems, guarantee you’re using the correct port numbers (587 for TLS or 465 for SSL) and verify that your network or firewall isn’t blocking SMTP traffic.

Common error messages and their solutions

Email problems with Gmail can be hard to fix if you don’t know what the error codes mean. Learning about common errors will help you solve email issues faster. Error 421 usually means your connection has run out or your IP address needs approval.

Error 450 happens when someone’s inbox is full or you’ve sent too many emails. Error 451 shows up when you send to many domains at once or break email rules. Error 550 means your login failed or you typed the wrong email address.

To fix these errors:

Make sure your IP address isn’t blocked
Space out when you send emails
Check if your security settings work right
Keep track of how many emails you send

If you get stuck, first check your Gmail settings (use smtp.gmail.com with port 465 or 587). If the problem keeps happening, try turning off your antivirus for a bit or use Google’s email service instead. Look at Gmail’s Status page to see if Gmail is having problems. Also, make sure your internet works well before you try other fixes.

Dealing with authentication problems

Gmail SMTP often has login problems, but you can fix them easily. First, check that you’re using your full Gmail address and the right password. If you use two-step checking, you’ll need to make a special app password instead of your normal Gmail password.

Check that your SMTP settings use ‘smtp.gmail.com’ with port 465 (SSL) or 587 (TLS). Your network setup matters too – try turning off your firewall or antivirus to see if they’re stopping SMTP. If you get a “535-5.7.8 Username and Password not accepted” error, look for typing mistakes in your login details.

To stay safe, turn on two-step checking and use app passwords for your programs. Make sure your account backup info is current. If your work or school runs your Google account, their rules might limit your SMTP use.

If nothing works, look at your error reports to find out what’s wrong with the login.

Resolving deliverability issues

Getting your emails into Gmail inboxes means fixing several common problems that can hurt delivery. You’ll need to build a good sender reputation and use tools like SPF and DKIM to prove your emails are real. Watch how many emails you send and stay within Gmail’s daily limits to avoid any red flags.

To get more emails delivered:

Clean your email list often by checking addresses and removing bad ones
Set up SPF records and DKIM signing to prove your emails are real
Watch how people interact with your emails to keep a good sender score
Make it easy for people to unsubscribe to avoid spam reports

Keep an eye on things like HTML file size (stay under 102KB) and how fast you send emails. If your emails aren’t getting through, check your IP score and make sure your domain’s SPF settings are right. Send big email campaigns over several days instead of all at once, and test your emails first to make sure they look good in different email programs.

Gmail SMTP Server Limitations

When using Gmail’s SMTP server, you’ll need to work within the daily limit of 500 emails for free accounts or 2,000 emails for Google Workspace accounts.

You’re also restricted to 25MB for attachment sizes, including both the email message and any files you’re sending.

Additionally, you’ll want to be mindful of Google’s content filtering system, which can flag suspicious emails or temporarily suspend your sending privileges if you exceed limits or trigger spam detection.

Daily sending limits

Gmail has three main sending limits you should know. Regular Gmail accounts can send 500 emails per day. Google Workspace users get 2,000 emails daily. SMTP relay users can send up to 10,000 messages every 24 hours.

These limits work on a rolling 24-hour basis, not by calendar day. You also need to watch how many people you send to at once. Regular Gmail users can send to 100 people per message. Google Workspace users can send to 2,000 people, but only 500 can be outside their organization.

If you use Gmail’s portable SMTP server, you can only send 99 emails per day. To send to more people at once, try using Google Groups – each group only counts as one person. Keep in mind that emails from aliases and vacation replies count in your daily total. You can use other email servers to get around Gmail’s limits.

Watch how many emails you send. If you go over the limits, Gmail might block your account for up to 24 hours.

Attachment size restrictions

If you send files through Gmail’s SMTP server, you need to know about size limits. Gmail lets you attach files up to 25MB, but there’s a catch. Files get bigger during MIME encoding, so you can only attach files around 12.5MB in practice.

Service	Attachment Limit	Notes
Gmail	25MB	Converts to Drive link if larger
Outlook	20MB	Hard limit
Hotmail	10MB	Most restrictive
Yahoo	25MB	Similar to Gmail
AOL	25MB	Matches Gmail’s limit

You have options when sending large files through Gmail’s SMTP server. You can let Gmail turn big attachments into Google Drive links. You can also zip your files to make them smaller, or split them into parts and send multiple emails. The best way is to use Google Drive directly. It works smoothly with Gmail and lets you share files of any size while your emails still get through.

Content filtering considerations

Gmail has rules about what you can send through its email server. These rules check your emails to make sure they follow Google’s policies. When you use Gmail’s server to send emails, you need to know what content is allowed.

Gmail scans all outgoing emails automatically. It looks for words and content that might cause problems. The system can stop or block emails that don’t meet its standards.

Keep these key points in mind when sending emails through Gmail:

Gmail may block your emails if they’ve certain sensitive words or “confidential” information
These rules check both regular emails and automatic messages from your website
Different departments can get different emails based on what’s in the message
Gmail’s filters catch harmful content before it goes out

Check your emails regularly to make sure they follow Gmail’s rules. This is extra important when sending business or private information. You can set up special rules to help your emails get through. This helps your emails reach their destination and keeps your sending reputation strong.

Best Practices for Using Gmail SMTP

To maintain a strong sender reputation with Gmail SMTP, you’ll need to consistently monitor your email engagement metrics and keep your bounce rates below 2%.

You can optimize your email deliverability by following anti-spam best practices, including proper authentication, avoiding spam trigger words, and maintaining clean email lists.

Your email content should incorporate personalization, clear calls-to-action, and mobile-friendly formatting to boost engagement rates and prevent your messages from being flagged as suspicious.

Maintaining a good sender reputation

Sending emails through Gmail SMTP means keeping up a good reputation. This needs four key steps: keeping your email lists clean, using security checks, handling feedback, and watching how your emails perform. To get more emails into inboxes, you need to work on these areas regularly.

Clean your email list often by taking out bad addresses and people who don’t open your emails. Set up security steps like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to show emails come from you and stop fakes. Keep track of your sender score and watch out for any blocks on your emails.

Remove bad email addresses to keep bounce rates under 2%
Handle unsubscribe requests in one day to avoid spam reports
Look over your security settings once a month
Check your email stats weekly, like spam reports and open rates

Send emails at steady times and don’t suddenly send too many at once. Split your list into groups and send content people want to read. This keeps readers interested. These steps will help your emails reach more inboxes when using Gmail SMTP.

Adhering to anti-spam policies

Following Gmail’s anti-spam rules helps your emails reach the right people and keeps your sender score high. When using Gmail SMTP, you need to set up proper checks like SPF, DKIM (with 1024-bit keys), and DMARC for your domain.

To avoid spam flags, keep your sending patterns steady. Use specific IP addresses for each type of message and keep the same ‘From:’ address for each kind of email. Don’t mix sales emails with account notices, and only send from domains you own. Keep spam rates under 0.3% in Postmaster Tools, and stay within Gmail’s limit of 500 emails per day for free accounts.

Make your SMTP access safe by turning on two-step login and using special app passwords. Follow the rules about getting user permission in your area, and never buy email lists. By spacing out your emails and using clean sending methods, you’ll keep your domain’s good name and ensure your emails go through Gmail’s SMTP server. Check your account often to spot any strange activity that might affect your sending rights.

Optimizing email content for deliverability

Sending emails through Gmail SMTP works best when you focus on content quality. Your success depends on how well you handle message size, content value, and reader actions. Keep your HTML files under 102KB so Gmail won’t cut off your messages and hide key parts.

Follow these tips to get your emails to the inbox and keep readers interested:

Use the 80/20 rule – make 80% of your content what readers expect, and 20% about your business goals
Send different types of content in separate emails – keep business updates away from sales messages
Spread out your mass emails over several days so readers don’t get tired of them
Keep messages short and remove extra code and spaces

Watch how your readers respond and change your approach when needed. Send content that matches what people signed up for – no more, no less. When you stick to these rules and respect what your readers want, more of your emails will reach inboxes, and your readers will stay happy and involved.

Future of Gmail SMTP and Email Sending

You’ll need to prepare for Google’s shift to “Sign in with Google” authentication in September 2024, which will replace traditional SMTP username/password login for third-party apps.

Your email strategy should embrace emerging trends like ultra-personalization and interactive content, as these features are becoming standard expectations for recipients.

To stay competitive, you’ll want to focus on mobile-first design and automated workflows, since over 67% of email interactions now happen on mobile devices.

Upcoming changes to Google’s email services

Big changes are coming to Gmail in 2024 and 2025. Soon, you’ll see new rules for how you send and get emails through Gmail’s SMTP server. These rules will make Gmail safer and change how you use it.

From September 2024, Gmail will switch to “Sign in with Google” for all outside apps. By 2025, you’ll also need new email addresses to follow privacy laws. Get ready for these key changes:

Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and use safe app passwords for SMTP
Old username and password login for outside apps will stop working
You must use SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to prove your emails are real
Update your DNS settings and add clear ways to unsubscribe

These updates will make email safer and easier to use. Start making these changes now, before they become required, to keep your emails running smoothly.

Emerging trends in email delivery

Email systems are changing fast, with new tools making Gmail delivery smarter and easier. Smart software now looks at how people read emails and changes sending times to get better results.

You can now watch your email stats in real-time, which helps catch problems early. By sending emails at the right pace and to the right groups, you can work well within Gmail’s rules and get more emails to reach inboxes.

New tech is making email better and safer. Better security keeps your emails protected, while smart devices help send more relevant messages to your readers. AI helps write better subject lines and can even create whole email series. With faster internet, you can send emails that match what’s happening right now on social media.

To get the most from these new tools, use strong security like two-step login, change your passwords often, and keep your email list clean. These simple steps, along with new tech, will help more people open and read your emails.

Preparing for future updates

Gmail SMTP is changing, so you need to get ready as Google adds stricter rules for security and proof of who you are. You’ll need to change how you send emails to keep them working well and follow new rules, mainly about cloud security and mass email sending.

To keep your Gmail SMTP working in the future, focus on using strong security steps and staying ready for new rules. The most vital things are email checking tools like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, which you’ll need to use to make sure your emails get through.

Turn on two-step login and use special app passwords when connecting through SMTP. Watch your sending limits and stay within Google’s rules about spam, mainly when sending lots of emails. Set up email checking tools to prove who you’re and help your emails reach their targets. Keep your email lists up to date and always include an easy way to unsubscribe.

As Gmail changes its rules, check your email setup often and make changes when needed. Think about moving to Google Workspace if you want to send more emails or need to use your own web address for growing email needs.

Conclusion

Gmail SMTP server offers you a reliable, secure, and cost-effective solution for sending emails through your applications and websites. You’ll benefit from Google’s established infrastructure, high deliverability rates, and straightforward integration with popular email clients and automation tools.

Whether you’re managing a small website or running email campaigns, Gmail SMTP provides the essential features you need while maintaining strong security standards through SSL/TLS encryption and two-factor authentication support.

Recap of key points

Getting started with Gmail’s SMTP server requires five basic parts: the server name (smtp.gmail.com), login details, secure connections through TLS/SSL, the right port numbers (587 for TLS or 465 for SSL), and your Gmail login info. When you know how to use these settings and manage your account, you can send emails reliably through Google’s strong system.

Gmail’s SMTP server offers many good reasons to use it for your emails:

You can send up to 99 emails per day with a free Gmail account, or 500 emails with a paid Google Workspace account
You can use Gmail aliases to keep your privacy when sending from different email addresses
You can connect the server to email apps like Thunderbird and Outlook
You get Google’s top-level security and high email delivery rates

Gmail’s SMTP server is safe and works well, but you must follow Google’s rules. The server works easily with many apps and websites, making it great for both home and work use. If you need to run a WordPress site or handle work emails, Google’s SMTP server is a solid choice that you can trust.

Final thoughts on using Gmail SMTP server

Gmail’s SMTP server is a strong and safe way to handle emails across many systems. When you use Gmail SMTP in your work, make sure to keep your email safe with two-step login and new passwords from time to time.

Feature	Free Gmail	Google Workspace
Daily Limit	500 emails	2,000 emails
Custom Domain	No	Yes
Priority Support	No	Yes
API Access	Limited	Full
Security Features	Standard	Advanced

To get the most from Gmail SMTP, slow down your email sending to stay within daily limits and keep a good sending record. You’ll get Google’s solid system plus handy tools like email backup and search. Keep an eye on your account use and try to use checked domains when you can. If your business is getting bigger, think about moving up to Google Workspace. It gives you higher limits and more tools. Whether you run a small website or handle business emails, Gmail SMTP is a safe, low-cost choice that can grow with you.

FAQs

You’ll find that Gmail SMTP works with any free Gmail account, though you’re limited to sending 500 emails per day (2,000 for Google Workspace users). While you can use Gmail SMTP with custom domain emails through aliases, it’s not recommended for large-scale email marketing campaigns due to potential deliverability issues.

If you experience email delivery problems, check your authentication settings, verify your app passwords if using 2-step verification, and guarantee you’re not exceeding daily sending limits.

Can I use Gmail SMTP server with a free Gmail account?

Gmail’s SMTP server works with any free Gmail account. You can use it at no cost to send emails through Gmail’s solid system. To get started, you just need to add the right settings to your email program or WordPress site. These include the server name (smtp.gmail.com) and your Gmail login details.

Here’s what you need to know when using a free Gmail account for sending emails:

Use your full Gmail address for the username, along with your normal Gmail password
Pick port 587 for TLS or port 465 for SSL
Set up custom domain names by changing your Gmail settings
Send up to 500 emails each day within any 24-hour span

While Gmail does have some limits, they work well for most people and small companies. Since it’s free, you won’t have any costs to think about. It’s perfect for basic email needs. When you hit the daily limit, you’ll have to wait a day before sending more emails. You can still get emails during this waiting time.

How many emails can I send per day using Gmail SMTP?

Gmail limits how many emails you can send each day based on your account type. Regular Gmail users can send up to 500 emails daily, while Google Workspace users get 2,000 emails per day. The number of people you can add to one email also changes with your account type.

Account Type	Daily Email Limit	Recipients per Message
Standard Gmail	500	100
Google Workspace	2,000	500 external
POP/IMAP Users	100	100

When using SMTP, you can only send 100 emails per minute to stop spam. If you need to send more emails, try spreading them across several days or use an SMTP relay service. Google watches for sudden jumps in sending patterns, so keep your email volume steady. Going over your limits could get your account blocked for 24 hours. For big email campaigns, you might want to look at email marketing services that let you send more emails than Gmail’s SMTP server allows.

Is Gmail SMTP server suitable for large-scale email marketing?

Gmail’s SMTP server isn’t a good choice for sending lots of marketing emails. This is due to three main limits: daily sending caps, delivery problems, and missing marketing tools. Free Gmail lets you send just 500 emails per day, while Google Workspace allows 2,000 – far too few for big marketing plans.

Instead, you should use special email services like SendGrid, Mailgun, or Mailjet. These services give you:

No limits on how many emails you can send
Better ways to track if emails get delivered
Clear stats on how your emails perform
Tools to handle big mailing lists

While Gmail SMTP costs nothing, paying for an outside service makes more sense for large-scale marketing. These services have better systems, get more emails to inboxes, and offer key marketing tools. You’ll need to pay based on which service you pick and how many emails you send. Using these services also keeps your Gmail account safe from being shut down for sending too much.

For serious marketing, pick a service that can handle your email volume while making sure your messages reach people and give you the tools you need.

Can I use Gmail SMTP server with my custom domain email?

Yes, you can use Gmail SMTP with your custom domain email, and it’s free to set up. First, you’ll need your own domain name and an email service, which can be a free one like ImprovMX.

To start, go to your Gmail settings and look for “Accounts and Import.” There, you can add your custom email under “Send mail as.” You’ll need to put in your SMTP server info, which you can get from free services like Brevo. You can use port 465 or 587, and Gmail will send you an email to check that you own the address.

Keep in mind that free SMTP services often limit how many emails you can send. You’ll need to set up two things: one way to get emails and another way to send them. After everything is checked and working, you can easily switch between your Gmail and custom email when you write messages. Gmail will even use the right address when you reply to emails.

What should I do if my emails are not being delivered?

When your emails don’t go through Gmail SMTP, first check your internet link, server setup, and safety settings. Make sure your SMTP settings show smtp.gmail.com and use port 465 for SSL or 587 for TLS. Your network must let SMTP traffic pass through, and Gmail servers need to be up and running.

To get your emails delivered better:

Add email safety checks with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC
Look for any blocks on your IP address
Don’t use words that might flag your email as spam
Keep within Gmail’s daily limits (500 emails for free accounts)

If you still have trouble, try turning off your firewall or virus protection to see if they block SMTP. For accounts with 2-step checking, make a special App Password just for SMTP. Look at your Google Account safety page for any warning signs that might stop your emails. Check if the receiving mailbox is full, and try sending again if you get short-term errors.

How does Gmail SMTP server compare to other free SMTP services?

Gmail’s SMTP server offers better value than other free email sending tools, with a daily limit of 500 emails. This is much more than what you get with SMTP2GO’s 1,000 monthly emails or SendGrid’s 100 daily emails.

Google’s strong standing and smart systems help Gmail deliver emails better than most. While SMTP2GO gets 96% of emails to reach inboxes, Gmail often does even better by catching spam and using secure sending methods.

Gmail also works well with many email tools, which makes it easy to use with your current setup.

Gmail’s SMTP server comes with safety features and basic tracking built in, unlike services like MailerSend or SendPulse that need extra setup. While paid services may have special features, Gmail’s free server has what you need to send emails well.

It works great for small business owners and people who run WordPress sites that send a normal amount of emails.

Can I use Gmail SMTP server with email marketing software?

Gmail’s SMTP server isn’t a good choice for email marketing tools because it sets strict limits. Free accounts can only send 100 emails per day. While you can connect Gmail SMTP to marketing tools and CRMs, you’ll quickly run into problems. The limit of 3,000 emails per month is too low for most businesses. If you go over these limits, Gmail might block your account for a while.

Gmail SMTP lacks key features needed for marketing emails:

No tracking tools to see how well your emails perform
No way to send bulk emails or merge mail
Limited ways to connect with other business tools
No dashboard to check how your emails are doing

You should look at SMTP services made for marketing instead. These services let you send more emails, track results, and make sure more emails reach inboxes. Gmail SMTP works fine for sending a few business emails or testing things out. But it’s not built to handle lots of marketing emails or complex email tasks.

What are the security risks of using Gmail SMTP server?

Using Gmail’s SMTP server comes with several key risks to your email safety. These risks range from login problems to spammers trying to abuse the system.

One big risk is email spoofing. This happens when bad actors change email headers to make fake emails look like they came from you. These fake emails often trick people into sharing private details or clicking harmful links. Another worry is that criminals can use weak spots in SMTP to spread computer viruses or crash your email service.

To keep your account safe, you need to take some steps. First, turn on Google’s two-step login check and use special app passwords instead of your main password. Don’t let less secure apps use your account, as this makes it easier for others to break in. Always use port 587 with TLS safety features (or port 465 with SSL) to stop others from stealing your data. Set up MTA-STS rules to make sure other mail servers only connect through safe, checked channels. Keep an eye on your email sending habits to spot anything strange.

How can I increase my daily sending limit with Gmail SMTP?

Want to send more emails through Gmail SMTP? You can boost your limits above the basic caps of 500 emails per day for regular Gmail and 2,000 for Google Workspace.

The best way to send more emails is to use SMTP Relay service. This lets you send up to 10,000 messages in one day. You’ll need to set it up in your Google Workspace admin console and make sure your senders are approved.

You can also try these methods to send more emails:

Use Google Groups – sending to a group only counts as one email
Create extra Gmail accounts to split up your emails
Set up email forwarding, which has its own separate limits
Use SMTP Relay with trusted IP addresses

If you send lots of emails for your business, you can connect your system to CRM tools through SMTP Relay. This helps you send many emails safely while following Google’s rules.

Is it possible to use Gmail SMTP server without creating a Google Cloud project?

Using Gmail’s SMTP server is easy, and you don’t need a Google Cloud project. All you need to do is set up your email program with smtp.gmail.com. First, turn on two-factor login for your Gmail account and use the right SMTP settings.

Setting Type	SSL Configuration	TLS Configuration
Server Address	smtp.gmail.com	smtp.gmail.com
Port Number	465	587
Authentication	Required	Required
Username	Full Gmail Address	Full Gmail Address
Security Protocol	SSL	TLS

This simple method lets you send up to 500 emails daily with a basic Gmail account. If you have Google Workspace, you can send up to 2,000 emails. Put in your full Gmail address as the username. If you use two-factor login, you’ll need to make a special app password. This works well with many tools like WordPress, Outlook, and even office machines like printers. By using Gmail SMTP this way, you’ll get Google’s strong email system, safe sending, and a backup of all sent emails.