Using Gmail SMTP to Send Emails For Free

Sending emails directly from your website, application, or custom software is a common requirement for modern digital products. For small-scale use cases, Gmail’s SMTP server provides a simple and free way to send emails without relying on paid third-party services.

Important Security Changes

Due to updated security policies by Google, Gmail SMTP no longer supports traditional password-based login.

To use Gmail SMTP, you must:

• Enable 2-Step Verification (2FA)
• Generate a 16-character App Password
• Use the App Password instead of your Gmail password

The “Less Secure Apps” feature was fully removed in 2025, making App Passwords mandatory for SMTP access.

Generate a Gmail App Password

Step 1: Go to your Google Account → Security

👁 1--Select-Security

Step 2:

• Enable 2-Step Verification (2FA)
• Navigate to App Passwords

👁 2--Click-App-Password

Step 3: Select:

• App: Mail
• Or choose “Other” and name it( e.g., Smtp test)

👁 3--Sample-Name-&-Click-Generate

Step 4: Click Generate

Note: Copy the 16-character password (it will not be shown again)

Configure Gmail SMTP

In your website, app, or CMS (e.g., WordPress SMTP plugins), enter:

• SMTP Host: smtp.gmail.com
• Port: 587
• Encryption: TLS
• Username: Your Gmail address
• Password: Generated App Password
• From Email: Same as your Gmail address

After configuration, send a test email to verify everything is working correctly.

SMTP Configuration Table

Use the following settings to configure Gmail SMTP in your application:

• Use Port 587 with TLS (STARTTLS) for best compatibility and security
• Use Port 465 with SSL only if TLS is not supported by your tool