If you're having issues sending emails from your website (contact forms, reset password, etc.), setting up Gmail SMTP is a reliable alternative. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process to use your Gmail account to send emails from your site.
Requirements
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A Gmail or Google Workspace (G Suite) account
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Access to your web hosting control panel (cPanel or WHM)
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SMTP support in your script or app (most CMS platforms support this)
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"Less secure apps" access enabled (for Gmail personal accounts), or an App Password if 2FA is enabled
Step 1: Enable SMTP Access in Gmail
Option 1: For accounts without 2FA
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Scroll down to "Less secure app access"
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Turn Allow less secure apps to ON
⚠️ Google may phase this out. Use Option 2 if you can't find it.
Option 2: For accounts with 2FA enabled (recommended)
You’ll need to create an App Password.
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Make sure 2-Step Verification is enabled
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Click on App Passwords
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Select App → Other (Custom name) → e.g., My Website
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Click Generate
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Copy the 16-character app password
⚙️ Step 2: Configure SMTP in Your Application
Use the following SMTP settings in your app or website:
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| SMTP Host | smtp.gmail.com |
| SMTP Port | 587 (TLS) or 465 (SSL) |
| Encryption | TLS or SSL |
| SMTP Username | Your full Gmail address |
| SMTP Password | Your Gmail password or App Password |
| From Email | Your Gmail address |
| From Name | Anything you prefer |
✅ Port 587 with TLS is the most commonly used.
Example Configuration in WordPress (Using WP Mail SMTP)
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Install the WP Mail SMTP plugin
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Go to WP Mail SMTP > Settings
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Choose Mailer: "Other SMTP"
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Enter:
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SMTP Host:
smtp.gmail.com -
SMTP Port:
587 -
Encryption:
TLS -
SMTP Username: your Gmail address
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SMTP Password: your Gmail/App password
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Save and test!
Example Configuration in PHP
⚠️ Common Issues & Fixes
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
SMTP connect() failed |
Use the correct port (587 or 465) and check your firewall |
Username and Password not accepted |
Ensure your Gmail password/App Password is correct |
| Gmail blocks the sign-in attempt | Check Gmail security alerts or use App Password |
| Port 25 blocked | Use port 587 or 465 instead |
| Email goes to spam | Set proper “From Name” and SPF records |
Test the SMTP Connection (Optional)
From your hosting terminal:
Or use PHP’s mail() test or WP Mail SMTP’s test email feature.
✅ Final Tips
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Use App Passwords if 2FA is enabled — they are more secure.
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Never share your Gmail credentials in public scripts or repos.
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For heavy email sending, consider Gmail API or use a transactional email service like Mailgun, SendGrid, or Amazon SES.
