How to Configure Gmail SMTP Server

If you're building a website, web app, or CRM system, chances are you need to send emails — for contact forms, password resets, notifications, or marketing. One of the most secure and simple ways to do this is by using Gmail SMTP.

In this guide, you'll learn:

What Gmail SMTP is
How to set it up (step-by-step)
Common errors and how to fix them
When not to use Gmail SMTP
How to get expert help if needed

📬 What Is Gmail SMTP and Why Use It?

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is the technology behind how emails are sent online.

Gmail’s SMTP server allows you to send emails from your application, website, or desktop client (like Outlook or Thunderbird) using your Gmail account — securely and reliably.

Gmail SMTP is perfect for:

Contact forms on websites
Web app notifications
Password reset emails
Sending emails from Outlook, Thunderbird, etc.

🔧 Step 1: Prepare Your Gmail Account for SMTP Use

Before your app can send emails via Gmail, you need to allow secure external access.

1.1: Enable 2-Step Verification

Go to myaccount.google.com
Click Security in the left menu
Scroll to “Signing in to Google”
Click “2-Step Verification” and follow the steps

This adds extra security and is required to generate an App Password.

1.2: Create an App Password

Once 2FA is enabled:

Go back to the Security tab
Click App Passwords
Select:
- App: Mail
- Device: Other (name it e.g., “My CRM”)
Click Generate

You’ll get a 16-character password. Copy and save it — you’ll need it for SMTP setup.

📡 Step 2: Configure Gmail SMTP in Your App or Email Client

2.1: Gmail SMTP Server Settings

Setting	Value
SMTP Server	`smtp.gmail.com`
Port (TLS)	`587`
Port (SSL)	`465`
Encryption	TLS or SSL
Auth Required	Yes
Username	Your Gmail address
Password	Your App Password

2.2: Set Up Gmail SMTP in Outlook or Thunderbird

Go to Account Settings
Add new or edit existing account
Enter:
- Name: Your name or business
- Email: Your Gmail address
- Password: Your App Password

SMTP settings:

Server: smtp.gmail.com
Port: 587 (TLS) or 465 (SSL)
Authentication: Yes

Send a test email to confirm.

2.3: Set Up Gmail SMTP in a Web App or CRM

Go to SMTP/Email Settings in your app
Use the server details from above
Username: your Gmail
Password: your App Password
Test and save

If setup is correct, the test email will arrive in seconds.

🛠 Common Gmail SMTP Errors & Fixes

Error Message	Cause	Solution
`535 Authentication failed`	Wrong password or no App Password	Generate and use correct App Password
Timeout / Cannot connect	Port blocked or wrong settings	Use correct port & check firewall
Google blocked sign-in	Google flagged the login attempt	Allow access via your account settings
Daily limit exceeded	Gmail sending limit reached	Wait 24 hours or use a pro SMTP
Relaying denied	IP not authorized	Use correct credentials & settings

📉 Gmail SMTP Sending Limits

Account Type	Daily Limit	Max Recipients
Free Gmail	500 emails	500 per email
Google Workspace	2,000 emails	2,000 per email

Note: Going over limits may block your account temporarily.

🧠 Advanced Options for Google Workspace Users

If you're using a Google Workspace (G Suite) account, you can also use:

1. Gmail SMTP Relay Server

Server: smtp-relay.gmail.com
Authentication: Optional (if IP whitelisted)
Ports: 25, 465, 587
Limit: 2,000 emails/day

2. Restricted Gmail SMTP

Server: aspmx.l.google.com
Port: 25
Auth: Not required
Can only send to Gmail / Workspace accounts

🚫 When Gmail SMTP Is Not Enough

Avoid using Gmail SMTP for:

Cold outreach
Bulk email campaigns
Newsletters

Why?

Strict sending limits
Deliverability risks
Possible account blocks

✅ Use professional SMTP providers like:

SendGrid
Amazon SES
Mailgun
Brevo (Sendinblue)
Saleshandy

These are designed for high-volume sending and better inbox placement.

👨‍💻 Need Expert Help? Let Visernic IT Company Handle It

Don’t want to deal with technical SMTP issues?

Let Visernic take care of it.

✅ Why Choose Visernic?

Certified engineers for SMTP setup & troubleshooting
Gmail, Google Workspace, SendGrid, Amazon SES & more
SPF, DKIM, DMARC configuration for better deliverability
Support for Laravel, WordPress, Node.js, CRMs
Ongoing IT support for startups & enterprises

📩 Contact Visernic

🌐 Website: visernic.com
📧 Email: support@visernic.com
📞 Phone / WhatsApp: +44 7577 062211

✅ Final Thoughts

Gmail SMTP is a secure, simple way to send emails through apps, websites, and email clients.

By following this guide, you can:

Set up your Gmail securely
Generate an App Password
Send emails via SMTP
Fix common SMTP errors

Need help? Contact Visernic and let the pros handle your email infrastructure.

Visernic

Search This Blog