---
title: "How to Set Up SMTP Using Custom SMTP in WordPress?"
url: https://nexterwp.com/docs/set-up-smtp-using-custom-smtp-in-wordpress/
date: 2025-08-12
modified: 2026-04-14
author: "Aditya Sharma"
description: "Are your WordPress emails landing in the spam folder or not reaching users at all? By default, WordPress relies on the PHP mail function to send emails — but this..."
image: https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/How-to-Set-Up-SMTP-Using-Custom-SMTP-in-WordPress-1024x538.jpg
word_count: 1329
---

# How to Set Up SMTP Using Custom SMTP in WordPress?

## Key Takeaways

- Nexter Extension allows users to configure Custom SMTP settings in WordPress for reliable email delivery.
- SMTP Host for Zoho Mail is smtp.zoho.com, with ports 2525, 465, and 587 available for different encryption types.
- Gmail SMTP Host is smtp.gmail.com, also supporting ports 2525, 465, and 587 based on the chosen encryption method.
- Enabling Authentication in Nexter Extension requires entering an SMTP username and password for secure email sending.

Are your WordPress emails landing in the spam folder or not reaching users at all? By default, WordPress relies on the PHP mail function to send emails — but this method is unreliable, especially with many hosting providers limiting or blocking it. As a result, essential emails like contact form submissions, order confirmations, and password resets often go undelivered.

This can cause serious issues, especially if you’re running a business or e-commerce website.

A better approach is to send emails using SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) — a method that ensures better email deliverability and avoids the spam folder.

With the [Nexter Extension (Free**)**](https://wordpress.org/plugins/nexter-extension/) plugin, you can easily configure Custom SMTP settings in WordPress. Whether you're using a transactional email service like Zoho Mail, Gmail SMTP or your own SMTP server, this setup ensures your site’s emails are sent reliably and securely.

[LIVE EXTENSION LINK](https://nexterwp.com/nexter-extensions/email-smtp-for-wordpress/)

 

## Learn via Video Tutorial

https://youtu.be/s0gDiK0RnsA?t=370

## How to Set Up Custom SMTP with the Nexter Extension

To set up a custom SMTP with Nexter Extension, from the WordPress Dashboard, go to **Nexter **>** Extensions** > **Utilities**.

Then go to the **SMTP Email **section, enable the toggle, and click on the gear icon (⚙).

![](https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/enable-smtp-email-new.png)

It will open the SMTP Email pop-up, then go to the **Custom SMTP** tab.

In the **From Email **and **From Name** fields, you can add the sender's email ID and name.

In the **SMTP Host** field, you have to add the SMTP server name.

Then, in the **SMTP Port** field, you have to add the SMTP port number.

Then, from the **Encryption** section, you have to select the encryption type. Here you’ll find three options

**NONE** - No encryption. This is not recommended, as emails are sent in plain text and can be intercepted.

**SSL (Secure Sockets Layer)** - Encrypts the connection from the start. Often uses port **465**. Secure and widely used.

**TLS (Transport Layer Security)** - Starts as a plain connection and then upgrades to a secure one using encryption. Usually uses port **587**. Also secure and recommended.

**Auto TLS** - When **enabled**, the system tries to automatically start a TLS-encrypted session if the server supports it. Best used if you're unsure about server capabilities but still want security.

**Authentication** - When **enabled**, it tells the SMTP server to require a username and password for sending emails. Disabling it might be allowed only for trusted, internal servers.

After that, you have to enter the SMTP username and password in the **SMTP Username** and **SMTP Password** fields, respectively.

Once done, click on the **Connect SMTP** button.

If set up properly, you should see a successful connection message, and you can even send a test email to verify the connection.

### Set up SMTP with Zoho Mail

Do you want to use Zoho Mail to send your emails securely from your WordPress site? Then follow the steps.

To use Zoho Mail SMTP, you have to generate an app password.

#### Generate Zoho Mail App Password

1. Log in to your Zoho Mail account.

2. Click on the profile icon at the top right and then click on **My Account**.

![zoho-mail-app-pass-1](https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/zoho-mail-app-pass-1.png)

3. On the next page, click on **Security** from the left sidebar.

![zoho-mail-app-pass-2](https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/zoho-mail-app-pass-2.png)

4. You might have to verify your account. 

![zoho-mail-app-pass-3](https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/zoho-mail-app-pass-3.png)

5. Once done, on the next page, click on **App Passwords** under Security from the left sidebar. Then click on the **Generate New Password** button. 

![zoho-mail-app-pass-4](https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/zoho-mail-app-pass-4.png)

6. In the pop-up, enter an app name (for reference only) and click on the **Generate** button.

![zoho-mail-app-pass-5](https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/zoho-mail-app-pass-5.png)

7. Now you’ll see the app password. Click on the **Click to Copy** link to copy it and save it in a notepad.

![zoho-mail-app-pass-6](https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/zoho-mail-app-pass-6.png)

> *Note: Once you close the pop-up, you won’t be able to see the password again. You have to create a new app and generate a new password.*

#### Zoho Mail SMTP Details

You would also need other [Zoho Mail SMTP details](https://www.zoho.com/mail/help/zoho-smtp.html#smtp-details), along with the app password.

Here are the required Zoho Mail SMTP details - 

**Zoho SMTP Host**: smtp.zoho.com

**Port**: 

- **None**: 2525

- **SSL**: 465

- **TLS**: 587 

#### Set up Zoho Mail SMTP with the Nexter Extension

1. In the Nexter SMTP pop-up, go to the **Custom SMTP** tab. 

You can add the sender's email ID and name in the **From Email **and **From Name** fields.

2. Then add the Zoho Mail SMTP server name or host in the **SMTP Host** field.

3. After that, enter the correct port number as per your desired encryption type in the **SMTP Port** field.

4. Then, accordingly, select the correct option from the Encryption section.

> *Note: Based on your entered port number, you have to select the correct encryption type; otherwise, it will not connect.*

5. Then enable the **Authentication** toggle.

> *Note: You can enable the Auto TLS toggle if you want to automatically use the TLS encryption type if your server supports it.* 

6. Then, in the **SMTP Username** field, add your Zoho account email ID.

7. After that, add the generated app password in the **SMTP Password** field.

8. Then click on the **Connect SMTP** button.

You should see a successful connection message.

#### Send Test Email

Once authorized, you’ll see a field to send a test email, add an email ID, and click on the **Send** button to verify the connection.

![](https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/zoho-mail-send-test-email-new.png)

You should receive a test email in your entered email address.

### Set Up Custom SMTP with Gmail SMTP

Do you want to use Gmail SMTP as your custom SMTP to send emails from your WordPress site? Then follow the steps.

To use Gmail SMTP, you have to generate an app password.

#### Generate Google Account App Password

1. Log in to your Google account.

2. Click on the profile icon at the top right and then click on **Manage Your Google Account**.

![google-app-pass-1](https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/google-app-pass-1.png)

3. On the next page, click on **Security** from the left sidebar.

![google-app-pass-2](https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/google-app-pass-2.png)

4. On the next page, scroll down to the **2-Step Verification** section and click on it.

![google-app-pass-3](https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/google-app-pass-3.png)

5. You might have to verify your account.

![google-app-pass-4](https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/google-app-pass-4.png)

> *Note: Make sure you have enabled the 2-step verification. If not enabled, then enable it first.*

6. Once enabled, you’ll see the **App passwords** section in the 2-Step Verification page.

If you don’t see the App Password section, then go to this link.

[https://myaccount.google.com/apppasswords](https://myaccount.google.com/apppasswords)

![google-app-pass-5](https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/google-app-pass-5.png)

7. Then enter an app name (for reference only) and click on the **Create** button.

8. Now you’ll see the app password in a pop-up. Copy it and save it in a notepad. 

![google-app-pass-6](https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/google-app-pass-6.png)

> *Note: Once you close the pop-up, you won’t be able to see the password again. You have to create a new app and generate a new password.*

#### Gmail SMTP Details

You would also need other [Gmail SMTP details](https://developers.google.com/workspace/gmail/imap/imap-smtp), along with the app password.

Here are the required Gmail SMTP details - 

**Gmail SMTP Host**: smtp.gmail.com

**Port**: 

- **None**: 2525

- **SSL**: 465

- **TLS**: 587 

#### Set up Gmail SMTP with the Nexter Extension

1. In the Nexter SMTP pop-up, go to the **Custom SMTP** tab.

You can add the sender's email ID and name in the **From Email **and **From Name** fields.

2. Then add the Gmail SMTP server name or host in the **SMTP Host** field.

3. After that, enter the correct port number as per your desired encryption type in the **SMTP Port** field.

4. Then, accordingly, select the correct option from the Encryption section.

> *Note: Based on your entered port number, you have to select the correct encryption type; otherwise, it will not connect.*

5. Then enable the **Authentication** toggle.

> *Note: You can enable the Auto TLS toggle if you want to automatically use the TLS encryption type if your server supports it.* 

6. Then, in the **SMTP Username** field, add your Gmail ID.

7. After that, add the generated app password in the **SMTP Password** field.

8. Then click on the **Connect SMTP** button.

You should see a successful connection message.

#### Send Test Email

Once authorized, you’ll see a field to send a test email, add an email ID, and click on the **Send** button to verify the connection.

![](https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/custom-smtp-gmail-send-test-email-new.png)

You should receive a test email in your entered email address.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What should I do if my SMTP connection fails during setup?**
A: If your SMTP connection fails, double-check the SMTP Host and Port settings. Ensure that the encryption type matches the port number you've selected; for example, SSL typically uses port 465 and TLS uses port 587. Additionally, verify that the Authentication toggle is enabled, as disabling it may prevent connection to the SMTP server. A successful connection message will confirm that the setup is correct.

**Q: What are the best encryption settings for SMTP in WordPress?**
A: For SMTP in WordPress, using SSL or TLS is recommended for secure email transmission. SSL encrypts the connection from the start, while TLS starts as a plain connection and upgrades to a secure one. If you're unsure about your server's capabilities, enabling Auto TLS allows the system to automatically select TLS if supported. Choosing the right encryption type is essential to protect sensitive information.

**Q: How do I send a test email after setting up SMTP?**
A: After setting up SMTP with the Nexter Extension, you can send a test email to verify the connection. In the Nexter SMTP pop-up, there will be a field to enter an email address for the test. Click the Send button, and if everything is configured correctly, you should receive the test email in your inbox, confirming that the setup is successful.

**Q: What SMTP details do I need for Gmail?**
A: To use Gmail SMTP, you'll need the SMTP host 'smtp.gmail.com' and the appropriate port based on your encryption choice: port 465 for SSL and port 587 for TLS. Additionally, you must generate an app password in your Google account if you have 2-Step Verification enabled. These details are essential for ensuring that your emails are sent securely and reliably.