How to Use Free SMTP Server to Send WordPress Emails (3 Methods)

Do you need to use a free SMTP server to ship WordPress emails?

By default, WordPress makes use of the PHP mail perform, which is unreliable and sometimes marks your emails as spam. Utilizing an SMTP server is one of the best ways to ensure that your WordPress emails really get delivered.

On this article, we are going to present you the best way to use a free SMTP server to ship WordPress emails.

Why Use an SMTP Server to Ship WordPress Emails?

Usually web site homeowners complain concerning the WordPress not sending email issue.

By default, WordPress sends emails by way of the PHP mail perform. Sadly, not all WordPress hosting servers are accurately configured to make use of PHP mail.

Even when the emails are despatched efficiently, they could get incorrectly recognized as spam. This implies they could possibly be mechanically deleted with out ever being seen.

One of the best ways to make sure deliverability in your WordPress emails is by utilizing an SMTP server. It’s the usual protocol to ship emails on the web.

SMTP servers use correct authentication to ensure that the e-mail is distributed by a certified sender. This improves deliverability, and your emails safely land in customers’ inboxes.

Now, you want a plugin to attach your WordPress web site to your SMTP server. We will probably be utilizing the WP Mail SMTP plugin, which is one of the best SMTP plugin for WordPress.

Fortunately, there’s a free version of WP Mail SMTP obtainable as nicely.

That being mentioned, let’s check out the best way to arrange WP Mail SMTP after which the best way to join it to common free SMTP servers.

Putting in the WP Mail SMTP Plugin for WordPress

Step one is to put in and activate the WP Mail SMTP plugin. For extra particulars, see our step-by-step information on how to install a WordPress plugin.

Upon activation, you will note the WP Mail SMTP setup wizard. You’ll be able to skip the wizard as a result of we are going to present you the best way to arrange the plugin manually.

Simply click on the ‘Return to the Dashboard’ hyperlink on the backside.

It is best to now see the WP Mail SMTP » Settings web page, the place you possibly can configure the plugin.

For those who bought a Professional license, then you have to to stick the license key and click on the ‘Confirm Key’ button. You will discover the license key in your account space on the WP Mail SMTP web site.

You could begin by getting into your From E-mail and From Title. WordPress emails will probably be despatched from this e-mail handle and title.

It is best to go away the ‘Pressure From E-mail’ field checked. This ensures that each one emails out of your WordPress web site are despatched from that e-mail handle by way of your SMTP server.

Subsequent, it is best to scroll right down to the Mailer part, the place you possibly can select an SMTP mailing service. Merely click on on the one that you just need to use.

The subsequent steps rely upon which service you select.

We’ll cowl the best way to arrange numerous free SMTP servers step-by-step. You could hold your WP Mail SMTP settings tab open after which comply with the directions in your chosen SMTP server:

1. Sending WordPress Emails Utilizing Gmail SMTP Server

You should use a free Gmail account to ship SMTP emails. For those who don’t have already got a Gmail account, then it is advisable create one earlier than following the remainder of these directions.

With a free Gmail account, you possibly can ship as much as 500 emails per day. Nonetheless, when you have entry to a paid Google Workspace account, then that restrict is elevated to 2000 emails per day.

First, log in to your WordPress admin, the place it is best to have already got put in WP Mail SMTP. On the WP Mail SMTP » Settings web page, you need to choose ‘Google / Gmail’ as your mailer.

Now, connecting WordPress plugins to Gmail and different Google companies will be quite a lot of work. The excellent news is that the Pro version of WP Mail SMTP presents a one-click setup that’s fast and easy. We strongly suggest this.

To get began, merely toggle the ‘One-Click on Setup’ choice to the on place.

You will note a discover that it is advisable save settings earlier than you possibly can proceed, so be sure to click on the ‘Save Settings’ button on the backside of the web page.

Whenever you scroll again down the web page, you will note that there’s now a ‘Check in with Google’ button. You could click on that button to authorize the plugin.

You may be requested to pick a Google account, comply with the phrases of service, and click on an ‘Enable’ button to permit WP Mail SMTP to ship e-mail.

Congratulations, you will have efficiently linked the present web site with Google. You can begin sending emails by way of Gmail.

However first, it is best to go forward and test that your email is working.

2. Sending WordPress Emails Utilizing Brevo (Sendinblue) SMTP Server

Brevo (previously Sendinblue) allows you to ship as much as 300 free emails every day out of your web site.

To make use of Brevo, be sure to choose ‘Sendinblue’ on the WP Mail SMTP » Settings web page within the screenshot above.

Subsequent, it is advisable create an account on the Brevo website. After confirming your e-mail handle, you may be requested to fill in some details about your corporation. Additionally, you will obtain a textual content message with a affirmation code to enter.

Subsequent, you’ll be requested to decide on a Brevo pricing plan.

Merely click on on the ‘Proceed with a Free plan’ button.

You’ll now see your Brevo dashboard.

Making a New Subdomain for Your E-mail

Earlier than going additional, it is advisable create a subdomain in your web site, equivalent to mail1.yourdomain.com.

To do that, log in to your hosting or domain registrar account, after which comply with their directions for including a subdomain.

In case you are utilizing Bluehost, then it is advisable click on on the Internet hosting tab on the left. You’ll be able to open the management panel by clicking the ‘cPanel’ button on the backside of the web page.

This can launch the cPanel dashboard in your web site.

You’ll be able to scroll right down to the Domains part after which click on the ‘Domains’ choice.

You’ll now see a web page that lists your present domains and subdomains.

To create a brand new subdomain, you have to to click on the ‘Create A New Area’ button.

On the following web page, you have to to enter the subdomain you wish to create adopted by your area title, equivalent to ‘mail1.startawpsite.com’.

Subsequent, it is advisable click on the ‘Submit’ button to proceed. Bluehost will add the subdomain to your internet hosting.

After creating the subdomain, it is advisable add it to your Brevo account.

Including Your Subdomain to Brevo

In your Brevo account, it is advisable go to the Settings web page. On this web page, scroll to the ‘Your Senders and Domains’ part and click on the ‘Configure’ button beneath it.

Subsequent, it is advisable click on ‘Domains’ from the menu that’s displayed, after which click on the ‘Add a website’ button.

Go forward and enter your entire subdomain, equivalent to mail1.yoursite.com. You additionally want to decide on your e-mail area supplier from the dropdown menu. In case your supplier is just not on the listing, merely select ‘Different’.

Be sure you click on the ‘Save this e-mail area’ button if you end up completed.

As soon as the e-mail area is saved, you have to to confirm that it belongs to you. You’ll need so as to add 2 codes to your DNS settings. The primary will confirm that you just personal the area, and the second will enhance e-mail deliverability.

Subsequent, it is advisable open the DNS settings in your area in your hosting account. Your net host ought to have directions for this. Be sure you go away the tab with the Brevo web site open so you possibly can copy the settings.

For instance, in Bluehost, it is advisable go to the Domains tab and click on the ‘Settings’ button subsequent to your web site’s area title.

After that, you will note completely different area settings in Bluehost.

Merely scroll down and click on on the ‘Superior Instruments’ choice.

Right here, Bluehost will present the nameservers in your area and different data.

To handle DNS data, you possibly can click on the ‘Handle’ button subsequent to Superior DNS Data.

Subsequent, Bluehost will show a warning message that solely superior customers ought to change the DNS data as a result of, with the unsuitable settings, you possibly can lose entry to your e-mail and web site.

You’ll be able to merely click on the ‘Proceed’ button.

This can take you to a display the place you possibly can handle your WordPress web site’s DNS data.

You could click on the ‘Add Report’ button after which add the Brevo code report utilizing the data on the Brevo web site. Then, it is best to do the identical so as to add the DKIM report.

After you have added each TXT data to your area’s DNS settings, it is advisable return to the Brevo web site.

From right here, it is advisable click on the button labeled ‘Authenticate this e-mail area’. You have to be taken to a brand new web page, the place you possibly can see a hit message that it’s authenticated.

Enabling Brevo in WP Mail SMTP

Now, you simply want to complete enabling Brevo in your WordPress web site. Merely return to the WP Mail SMTP Settings web page that you just opened up earlier and discover the API key field.

Then, click on the ‘Get v3 API Key’ hyperlink.

This hyperlink will open up the right web page of your Brevo account in a brand new tab.

Right here, you simply want to repeat the SMTP key worth.

When you’ve copied it, return to WP Mail SMTP and paste within the API key.

Additionally, you will have to fill within the sending area that you just entered in Brevo earlier, equivalent to mail1.yoursite.com.

Be sure you click on the ‘Save Settings’ button after doing so.

Congratulations, you will have efficiently arrange Brevo. You simply want to attend for them to activate your account.

Now, it’s time to go forward and test that your email is working.

3. Sending WordPress Emails Utilizing SendGrid SMTP Server

SendGrid presents a free plan that allows you to ship as much as 100 free every day emails.

First, it is advisable go to the SendGrid web site and click on the ‘Begin For Free’ button to create your free account.

After creating your account, a verification course of will probably be triggered. Your account will probably be positioned briefly on maintain whereas they ask you some questions by way of e-mail. They do that to be sure to will use the service in a means that aligns with their insurance policies and values.

As soon as your utility is authorised, you possibly can check in to your SendGrid dashboard.

Making a Sender Identification

Your first step is to create a sender id, which is the ‘from’ handle used in your emails. To do that, it is advisable click on on ‘Sender Authentication’ within the Settings part on the backside of the dashboard menu.

This can take you to the SendGrid Sender Authentication web page.

It is best to scroll right down to the Single Sender Verification part after which click on the ‘Get Began’ button underneath ‘Confirm an Tackle’.

This can show a type the place you possibly can create a sender.

Then, merely enter the title, e-mail handle, and mailing handle you need to use in your emails. If you end up completed, you possibly can click on the ‘Create’ button to retailer your sender particulars.

You’ll obtain a affirmation e-mail in your inbox to confirm this business email address.

Be sure you click on the hyperlink within the message to finish the one sender id setup.

When you’ve verified your e-mail handle, go forward and return to your SendGrid dashboard by clicking the Dashboard hyperlink within the sidebar.

Producing an API Key

The subsequent step is to generate an API key so you possibly can join your web site to your SendGrid account and begin sending emails.

Utilizing the SendGrid dashboard menu, it is advisable discover the E-mail API part and click on ‘Integration Information’.

On the following web page, you may be requested to decide on an integration technique.

Contained in the SMTP Relay field, go forward and click on the ‘Select’ button.

You could give the API key a reputation that can remind you what you’re utilizing it for sooner or later.

On this instance, we named it ‘WP Mail SMTP’.

Now, you possibly can click on the ‘Create Key’ button to generate the API key.

It is best to see a message confirming that it was efficiently created, and the API key will probably be displayed beneath.

You’ll need this key within the subsequent part, so go away the SendGrid tab open in your browser.

Connecting WP Mail SMTP to Your SendGrid Account

Subsequent, return to your WordPress admin browser tab and go to WP Mail SMTP » Settings. It is best to have already chosen SendGrid in your mailer. If not, choose it now.

On the backside of the display, you will note a field for getting into your SendGrid API key. Merely copy and paste it right here, then click on the ‘Save Settings’ button.

Subsequent, it is advisable confirm that your integration is working.

First, go to the E-mail Check tab in your WP Mail SMTP settings. Then, enter your e-mail handle and click on the ‘Ship E-mail’ button.

It is best to see a message that the check e-mail was despatched efficiently. You’ll be able to affirm this by going to your inbox and checking the e-mail is there.

Now that your check e-mail has been despatched efficiently, return to the tab together with your SendGrid API web page. You could go forward and verify the ‘I’ve up to date my settings’ field. Then, click on the ‘Subsequent: Confirm Integration’ button.

On the following display, you need to click on the ‘Confirm Integration’ button.

It is best to then see a message confirming that SendGrid obtained your e-mail and your setup is full.

Authenticating a Subdomain in SendGrid

To complete organising SendGrid, it is best to create and authenticate a subdomain to assist enhance your e-mail deliverability.

Now, it is advisable create a subdomain in your web site, equivalent to sg.yourdomain.com. You are able to do this by logging in to your hosting account and following their directions for including a subdomain.

In case you are utilizing Bluehost, then it is advisable log in to your net host account and click on on the Internet hosting tab on the left. You’ll be able to open the management panel by clicking the ‘cPanel’ button on the backside of the web page.

This can launch the cPanel dashboard in your web site.

You’ll be able to scroll right down to the Domains part after which click on the ‘Domains’ choice.

You’ll now see a web page that lists your present domains and subdomains.

To create a brand new subdomain, you have to to click on the ‘Create A New Area’ button.

On the following web page, you need to enter the subdomain you wish to create.

We advise utilizing sg.yourdomain.com in your subdomain. Be sure you click on the ‘Submit’ button to retailer your new subdomain.

After creating the subdomain, it is advisable add it to your SendGrid account.

To do that, it is advisable return to the Settings » Sender Authentication web page in your SendGrid account. Below ‘Area Authentication’ it is advisable click on the ‘Get Began’ button.

Now, it is best to choose your DNS host. That is your website host, equivalent to Bluehost or SiteGround, until your area title is registered with a distinct firm.

Within the second step, choose the ‘Sure’ choice for ‘Would you additionally wish to model the hyperlinks for this area?’ Which means your emails will probably be proven as coming out of your area, not SendGrid’s.

Then, merely click on the ‘Subsequent’ button.

Now, it is advisable enter your area within the ‘Area You Ship From’ field. Beneath this, click on the ‘Superior Settings’ hyperlink to open up some extra choices.

From right here, you possibly can uncheck the ‘Use automated safety’ field and verify the ‘Use customized return path’ field. Then, sort the primary a part of your subdomain for the ‘Return Path’.

As an example, in case your subdomain is sg.instance.com, then sort in sg.

When you’ve executed this, you need to click on the ‘Subsequent’ button.

Subsequent, you will note some DNS data that it is advisable add to your area. You’ll be able to seek the advice of your net host’s documentation or consult with our Brevo technique for assist doing this.

After you’ve added the data, go forward and click on the ‘Confirm’ button on the backside of the display. It is best to then see a hit message.

Lastly, check your SMTP e-mail once more to make certain that emails are being despatched accurately.

Testing That Your SMTP Mail is Working

The ultimate step for all these strategies is to ship a check e-mail to ensure all the things is working because it ought to.

First, go to the ‘E-mail Check’ tab within the WP Mail SMTP settings. Then, enter the e-mail handle the place you need the check e-mail to be despatched if it’s completely different from the default.

Merely click on the ‘Ship E-mail button, and your e-mail will probably be despatched.

It is best to see a message to let that the e-mail was despatched efficiently.

Subsequent, go forward and verify your inbox to ensure that the check e-mail has arrived.

Different Free SMTP Mailer Choices

There are different free SMTP mailer choices you can use as an alternative of those we’ve lined:

• Outlook: This entails an extended setup course of than different strategies, however the benefit is which you could ship many emails (as much as 5,000 per day).
• Amazon SES: This service is simply advisable if you’re assured with expertise, because the setup is sort of complicated. It’s free in your first yr.
• SMTP.com: This can be a sturdy and dependable choice. The disadvantage is that it’s only free in your first 30 days, then it’s important to pay to make use of it.

For all these, you may get directions by choosing the mailer in your WP Mail SMTP settings web page after which clicking the documentation hyperlink. This can open up the directions in a brand new tab.

We hope this text helped you discover ways to use a free SMTP server to ship WordPress emails. You may additionally like to take a look at our articles on the best email marketing services and our comparability of the best virtual business phone number apps (with free choices).

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