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How to Set Up SMTP Using Google App Passwords?

Setting up SMTP for sending emails through your application? If you’re using Gmail, you’ll need to enable App Passwords (especially if you have 2-Step Verification enabled). Follow these simple steps:

 Step 1: Enable 2-Step Verification

  1. Go to your Google Account Security settings.
  2. Scroll down to “How you sign in to Google.”
  3. Click 2-Step Verification and follow the prompts to activate it.

Note: You must have 2-Step Verification enabled to access App Passwords.

How to Set Up SMTP

 Step 2: Generate a Google App Password

  1. After 2-Step Verification is enabled, go back to the Security settings.
  2. Under “Signing in to Google”, select App Passwords.

How to Set Up SMTP

 

  1. In the Select App dropdown, choose Other (Custom name).
  2. Enter a name like SMTP Setup and click Generate.
  3. Copy the 16-character App Password that appears. (No spaces—just the full string.)

This is your new SMTP password. Use it with your full Gmail address when configuring email in your app.

How to Set Up SMTP

 Step 3: Use App Password in SMTP Settings

  • SMTP Server: smtp.gmail.com
  • Port: 587 (TLS) or 465 (SSL)
  • Username: Your full Gmail address (e.g., yourname@gmail.com)
  • Password: Your generated App Password
  • Authentication Method: Normal Password
  • TLS/SSL: Enabled

 Need to Manage or Revoke Access?

You can always revisit the App Passwords page to:

  • Revoke an old App Password
  • Generate a new one
  • Track what apps you’ve given access to

 You’re Done!
 Your SMTP is now securely set up using Google’s recommended method. This helps keep your email communication reliable and protected.

 

FAQs:

1. What is SMTP and why do I need it for sending emails?

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is a protocol used for sending emails from your application to users. It enables reliable email delivery through mail servers like Gmail, ensuring your emails are sent securely and efficiently.

2. How do I enable 2-Step Verification for my Google account?

To enable 2-Step Verification, go to your Google Account Security settings, click on “2-Step Verification,” and follow the instructions. This adds an extra layer of security to your account.

3. Why do I need to generate an App Password for SMTP?

If you have 2-Step Verification enabled on your Google account, you need to generate an App Password to allow third-party applications (like your email client or app) to access Gmail securely without needing your primary Google password.

4. How do I generate an App Password for SMTP?

After enabling 2-Step Verification, go to the “Security” section in your Google Account settings, click “App Passwords,” select “Other” (Custom name), and enter a name like “SMTP Setup.” Then, click “Generate” and copy the 16-character App Password provided.

5. What SMTP settings do I need for Gmail?

For Gmail SMTP setup, use the following:

  • SMTP Server: smtp.gmail.com

  • Port: 587 (TLS) or 465 (SSL)

  • Username: Your full Gmail address (e.g., yourname@gmail.com)

  • Password: The App Password you generated

  • Authentication Method: Normal Password

  • TLS/SSL: Enabled

6. How do I use the generated App Password in my email app?

When setting up SMTP in your email app, enter your full Gmail address as the username and the generated 16-character App Password as the password. Make sure to enable TLS/SSL and use port 587 (TLS) or 465 (SSL).

7. Can I revoke or manage access to my App Passwords?

Yes, you can manage or revoke your App Passwords anytime. Visit the “App Passwords” page in your Google Account settings to revoke old passwords, generate new ones, or review what apps you’ve given access to.

8. Why should I use Google’s recommended method for SMTP?

Using Google’s recommended method for setting up SMTP ensures your email communication is secure and reliable. This method leverages 2-Step Verification and App Passwords, protecting your account and making sure your emails are sent safely.

9. What if I forget or lose my App Password?

If you lose your App Password, you can easily generate a new one by visiting the “App Passwords” section of your Google Account. Simply revoke the old password and generate a new one to continue sending emails.

10. Do I need a Gmail account to set up SMTP?

Yes, you need a Gmail account to use Gmail’s SMTP server for sending emails. The process outlined in the blog post works specifically with Gmail’s SMTP service.

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