{"id":738,"date":"2019-11-18T08:54:56","date_gmt":"2019-11-18T08:54:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.hostinger.io\/hostinger-tutorials\/uncategorized\/how-to-use-free-google-smtp-server\/"},"modified":"2026-10-27T09:33:46","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T09:33:46","slug":"how-to-use-free-google-smtp-server","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/uk\/tutorials\/how-to-use-free-google-smtp-server\/","title":{"rendered":"How to use the Google SMTP server"},"content":{"rendered":"

You can use Google’s SMTP server to send emails from compatible email clients, applications, and WordPress websites. The Gmail SMTP server address is smtp.gmail.com<\/strong>, using port 587 (STARTTLS)<\/strong> or 465 (SSL\/TLS)<\/strong>.<\/p>

To connect, you’ll need a Gmail or Google Workspace account and a supported authentication method, such as OAuth 2.0 or a Google app password. Below, we’ll cover the SMTP settings, configuration steps, sending limits, and common connection problems.<\/p>

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What are the Gmail SMTP server settings?<\/h2>

To send emails through Google’s SMTP server, use smtp.gmail.com<\/strong> with port 587 (STARTTLS)<\/strong> or 465 (SSL\/TLS)<\/strong>. You can use these settings to connect a Gmail or Google Workspace account to compatible email clients, applications, and websites.<\/p>

Configure your outgoing email settings as follows:<\/p>

Setting<\/th>Value<\/th><\/tr>
SMTP server<\/td>smtp.gmail.com<\/td><\/tr>
SMTP port<\/td>587 (STARTTLS) or 465 (SSL\/TLS)<\/td><\/tr>
Encryption<\/td>TLS\/STARTTLS for port 587; SSL\/TLS for port 465<\/td><\/tr>
Username<\/td>Your full Gmail or Google Workspace email address<\/td><\/tr>
Authentication<\/td>OAuth 2.0 or an app password, depending on the application<\/td><\/tr>
Password<\/td>A Google app password if password-based authentication is supported<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>

Important:<\/strong> Don’t use your regular Google Account password for SMTP authentication. If your application supports Sign in with Google (OAuth 2.0)<\/strong>, use that method.<\/p>

If your application requires password-based authentication, you may be able to use a 16-character Google app password. To create one, enable 2-Step Verification in your Google Account and open the App Passwords page. App passwords may be unavailable for certain accounts or restricted by your organization’s security policies.<\/p>

What is SMTP?<\/b><\/h2>

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) is a standard protocol used to send emails from an email client, website, or application to an outgoing mail server. The server then relays the message to the recipient’s email provider.<\/p>

To send emails through Gmail, your application connects to Google’s outgoing server using the correct port and encryption settings<\/a> and a supported authentication method.<\/p>

SMTP handles outgoing messages, while IMAP and POP3 handle incoming emails. These protocols differ in how they retrieve and store messages<\/a>, which affects how your emails are accessed across devices.<\/p>

Which Gmail SMTP authentication method should you use?<\/h2>

Gmail SMTP supports two authentication methods: OAuth 2.0 and app passwords<\/strong>. Google recommends OAuth 2.0 because it lets applications connect to your account without storing your Google password.<\/p>

Choose the method based on your application:<\/p>