How to Configure Gmail SMTP Settings? The Complete Guide

Gmail has over 4 billion users worldwide, making it the world’s most popular email service provider. It is difficult to say exactly how many emails are sent by Gmail per day, as Google does not release this information.

However, some estimates suggest that Gmail sends over 300 billion daily emails. This would make it the largest email sender in the world.

That’s right, billions of people rely on Gmail to send messages, share files, and keep their personal and professional lives on track.

But have you ever wondered about what’s happening behind the scenes that ensures your email lands in the right inbox at the right time?

The basic Gmail SMTP settings are as stated below.

Let’s learn about the Gmail SMTP in depth. Keep reading.

We are not here to talk tech. We’re here to make it easy for you to understand the Gmail SMTP settings, no matter who you are. Whether you are an IT professional, developer, or email marketer, people who search for “Gmail SMTP settings” typically need to send email from a device or application that does not have Gmail OAuth integration (i.e., log in with Google) built-in. This could include:

Email clients: People who use third-party email clients like Microsoft Outlook or Apple Mail may need to know Gmail’s SMTP settings to connect their Gmail account.

Printers and scanners: Some printers and scanners can send email directly from the device. However, you may need to configure the device with Gmail’s SMTP settings.

Applications: Some applications, such as CRM software and marketing or sales automation platforms, can send email on your behalf. However, you may need to configure the application with Gmail’s SMTP settings.

We’ll explain Gmail SMTP settings straightforwardly, easy-to-understand, without any jargon or confusion.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to configure Gmail SMTP settings like a pro!

What is Gmail SMTP Settings?

Imagine Gmail as the busiest post office of the internet, where billions of emails are sent and received daily. To ensure your outgoing emails reach their destination, you need the right set of instructions – these are Gmail SMTP settings.

In simpler terms, Gmail SMTP settings provide your email client or application with the necessary details to send your emails securely. When you set up your email client with these settings – like telling it the correct address to send mail – you’re ensuring your messages aren’t lost in internet space.

Here are the basic Gmail SMTP settings you need to know:

SMTP Server Address: smtp.gmail.com
Username: Your Gmail email address (e.g., [email protected])
Password: Your Gmail password
Port: 587 (TLS) or 465 (SSL)
TLS/SSL: Yes, required

What are Gmail POP and SMTP Settings?

Before getting into Gmail POP and SMTP settings, let’s understand why they are important.

Identity Verification: Think of SMTP settings as your email passport. When you enter the correct settings – the server address, your full email ID, and your password – Gmail knows you’re the real deal.

Secured Communication: Security is paramount, especially considering the number of crooks. Using SMTP settings with TLS or SSL encryption protects your emails from prying eyes.

Business Communication: With SMTP settings, you can link your custom domain to Gmail, allowing you to send emails from your business domain via Gmail’s business email.

Reliable Deliverability: Gmail SMTP settings are optimized for reliability. With Gmail’s robust servers and anti-spam measures, your emails have a higher chance of landing directly in the recipient’s inbox.

Seamless Integration: Whether you prefer using Outlook, Apple Mail, or any other email client, SMTP settings allow for effortless integration. Set them up once, and voilà! You can manage your Gmail account from your favorite email app without a hitch.

Various Methods to Set up Gmail SMTP Servers

There are three ways to set up Gmail SMTP Servers.

Gmail’s SMTP Server
SMTP Relay Service (for Google Workspace)
Restricted Gmail SMTP Server

Gmail’s SMTP Server

Setting up Gmail’s SMTP server is the most common method for individual users and small businesses. Here’s how you can do it:

SMTP Server Address: smtp.gmail.com
Username: Your Gmail email address (e.g., [email protected])
Password: Your Gmail password
Port: 587 (with TLS) or 465 (with SSL)
TLS/SSL: Yes, required
Sending Limit: Gmail has a daily sending limit of 500 emails for regular accounts. For Google Workspace users, the limit varies based on the subscription plan.

With these settings configured in your email client or application, enabling secure email transmission via the Gmail SMTP server, it’s the preferred choice for personal accounts. However, to promote responsible emailing, it’s advisable to restrict your daily sending to no more than 70 emails as per Gmail’s generous limits.

SMTP Relay Service (for Google Workspace)

The SMTP relay service provides a more advanced setup for businesses using Google Workspace. Here are the details:

SMTP Server Address: smtp-relay.gmail.com
Username: Your Gmail email address
Password: An App-specific password generated from your Google account
Port: 587 (with TLS) or 465 (with SSL)
TLS/SSL: Yes, required
Sending Limit: Google Workspace users can send up to 10,000 emails daily using the SMTP relay service, depending on your plan.

This method allows authorized devices or applications within the organization to send emails via gmails SMTP servers.

How do you generate your app-specific password?

Follow these steps to generate your app-specific password.

Step 1: Log in to your Google account & go to the security page.

Step 2: On the search bar, type “app password”

Step 3: You will be asked to enter your password and click Next.

Step 4: Select other as the app and device.

Step 5: Provide the app’s name and click ‘Generate.’

Step 6: Copy the 16-digit app-specific password.

Restricted Gmail SMTP Server

The Restricted Gmail SMTP Server is used by organizations that need to send email from Gmail to other Gmail or Google Workspace users only.

Here are the details:

SMTP Server Address: aspmx.l.google.com
Username: Your Gmail email address (e.g., [email protected])
Password: Your Gmail password
Port: 25 (unencrypted, for non-secure communication)
Sending Limit: Google’s sending limit for this method is not publicly disclosed due to potential abuse concerns.

While this method lacks encryption, it’s suitable for applications or devices that don’t support advanced security protocols.

How to set up POP3 and IMAP for Gmail?

What is POP3?

POP3 stands for “Post Office Protocol version 3.” It’s like a set of rules that helps your email get from a mail server to your email app, like Outlook or Gmail. POP3 is a one-way protocol, meaning that it only downloads email from the server to the client

What is IMAP?

IMAP stands for “Internet Message Access Protocol.” It’s like a set of rules that helps you manage your email on your computer, phone, or email app. IMAP is a two-way protocol, allowing the client and the server to change the email messages.

Below are steps to be followed for setting up POP3 & IMAP for Gmail

1. Enable POP3 and IMAP in Gmail Settings:

Sign in to your Gmail account.
Click on the gear icon in the top right, then select “See all settings.”
Navigate to the “Forwarding and POP/IMAP” tab.
Enable POP for all mail or choose to enable it for mail that arrives from now on.
Enable IMAP access.

2. Configure Your Email Client:

Open your email client (e.g., Outlook, Thunderbird).
Add a new email account.
Enter your name and Gmail address.
Choose the account type:

For POP3:

Select “POP3” as the account type.

Incoming mail server: pop.gmail.com
Port: 995
Enable SSL/TLS encryption for incoming servers.
Outgoing mail server: smtp.gmail.com
Port: 587
Enable SSL/TLS encryption for the outgoing server.

For IMAP:

Select “IMAP” as the account type.

Incoming mail server: imap.gmail.com
Port: 993
Enable SSL/TLS encryption for incoming server
Outgoing mail server: smtp.gmail.com
Port: 587
Enable SSL/TLS encryption for outgoing server

– Enter your full Gmail email address as the username and password.
– Complete the setup and verify the configuration by sending/receiving a test email.

Mastering Gmail SMTP settings ensures your emails reach the right inbox securely. Whether you’re an individual or a business, these settings are your key to professional and reliable email communication. Choose the right method – Gmail’s SMTP server, SMTP Relay Service, or Restricted Gmail SMTP – and configure it correctly. It’s not just about sending emails but ensuring they land where they’re supposed to, every time. Happy emailing!

Utilize your Gmail account to its full potential with SmartReach.io. Significantly enhance its functionality & send customized emails to your contact list.

Automated email sequencing
AI-generated email content
Detailed report to keep track of your campaigns

You can send unlimited contacts to your prospects with any SmartReach.io plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What do you mean by unencrypted for non-secure communication?

A: When we talk about a port being “unencrypted, for non-secure communication,” it means that the data transmitted through it is not protected or encoded. It’s not secure and can be easily accessed by unauthorized parties, making it unsuitable for transmitting confidential or private data.

Q: How is the Gmail sending limits per day?

The Gmail sending limits per day are as follows:

Free Gmail account: 500 emails per rolling 24-hour period
Google Workspace account: 2,000 emails per rolling 24-hour period

Q: Can I send 20,000 emails daily to Gmail?

If you need to send more than 20,000 emails daily, you will either need around 200 email accounts or you will need to use a third-party email marketing service. These services are designed to handle large email lists and comply with all anti-spam laws.

Q: Does the Gmail SMTP Server Work With Two-Factor Authentication?

Yes, the Gmail SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) server does work with two-factor authentication (2FA). However, when you have 2FA enabled for your Gmail account, you’ll need to generate an “app-specific password” to use with applications or devices that don’t directly support the two-factor authentication process.

Loved it? Spread it across!