HostArmada Web Hosting Knowledge Base

Knowledge is power! Use that power and achieve total and unconditional control over the Web Hosting Services!

How to use Google's free SMTP server

What is an SMTP service?

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) is a standard communication protocol for sending email messages. It is one of the most used protocol types worldwide. SMTP is used by email software mostly for sending mail, while the POP3 (Post Office Protocol 3) or the IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) is primarily for receiving mail. All modern email client programs support SMTP.

Sending email with a free mailbox provider like Gmail or Yahoo is likely the most efficient way to send small scale, person-to-person email. On the other hand, sending high volume marketing and transactional email might require senders to seek alternative options. Often these alternative options involve a web hosting provider like HostArmada or an e-mail specific service like Mailgun.

Why and how to use Google’s free SMTP service?

Google’s Gmail SMTP server is entirely free and available to anyone who has created a Gmail account. It can be used freely to send emails or with contact forms, newsletter blasts, or all sorts of other notifications.

Here are the settings that you should use when setting up Google’s SMTP server:

  • Outgoing Mail (SMTP) Server: smtp.gmail.com
  • Use Authentication: Yes
  • Use Secure Connection: Yes (TLS or SSL depending on your mail client/website SMTP plugin)
  • Username: your Gmail account (e.g., [email protected])
  • Password: your Gmail password
  • Port: 465 (SSL required) or 587 (TLS required)

Was this article useful and on point?

Find out more about HostArmada entire range of optimized Web Hosting Services and take action today on improving your website Loading Speed, Security, and overall Stability!