Boost Email Deliverability with Magento 2 SMTP Email

Over 85% of transactional emails fail due to improper SMTP settings. Magento 2 SMTP email configuration ensures secure, authenticated email sending through reliable SMTP servers.

This article will explore the working, benefits, and top providers of Magento 2 SMTP email.

Key Takeaways

SMTP email improves email deliverability and prevents order confirmations.
SMTP ensures secure and authenticated email sending.
Boost security with SSL/TLS encryption and protect your emails.
Avoid spam filters and blacklisting by configuring SPF authentication.
Solve common email issues like spam filtering and connection timeouts.

What is Magento 2 SMTP Email?
How does Magento 2 SMTP Email Work?
Why Use Magento 2 SMTP Email?
7 Best Magento 2 SMTP Email Providers
7 Common Issues & Solutions of Magento 2 SMTP Email
FAQs
Summary

What is Magento 2 SMTP Email?

Magento 2 SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) email is a method of sending emails from a Magento store using an external SMTP server instead of the default PHP mail function.

SMTP email enhances email deliverability. It ensures order confirmations and password resets reach customers' inboxes. It improves security, prevents emails from being marked as spam, and supports encryption (SSL/TLS).

Configuring Magento 2, SMTP requires an extension and proper authentication settings. It is a reliable solution for professional and secure email communication in an eCommerce store.

How does Magento 2 SMTP Email Work?

1. Email is Triggered in Magento 2

Email is Triggered in Magento 2

Magento 2 generates an email notification when a customer:

1. Places an order

2. Registers an account

3. Requests a password reset
The system queues the email for sending based on the store’s email configuration.

2. Magento 2 Sends Email via Configured SMTP Server

Magento 2 is unreliable and doesn’t use the default server’s PHP mail function. It connects to the configured SMTP provider, including:

1. Gmail

2. AWS SES

3. SendGrid

4. Mailgun
The connection is established via SMTP authentication using credentials. Encryption (SSL/TLS) is applied to secure the email transmission.

3. SMTP Server Processes the Email Request

The SMTP provider authenticates the Magento store’s email credentials.
If authentication is successful, the SMTP server relays the email to the recipient’s mail server, including:

1. Gmail

2. Yahoo

3. Outlook
The email is rejected if authentication fails and Magento logs an error.

4. Email is Delivered to the Customer’s Inbox

The recipient’s email provider checks the email for spam risks and authentication, including:

1. SPF

2. DKIM

3. DMARC
If verified, the email is placed in the recipient’s primary inbox and not in spam.
If authentication fails or the email server is blacklisted, the email may be marked as spam or rejected.

5. Magento 2 Logs the Email Status

Magento 2 Logs the Email Status

Magento 2 SMTP extensions track email logs, including:

1. Successfully delivered messages.

2. Rejected emails due to misconfigurations or server errors.

3. Emails that are waiting in the queue for sending.
Admins can resend failed emails and check delivery status. They can also troubleshoot issues using the email log.

Why Use Magento 2 SMTP Email?

1. Reliable Email Deliverability

When using PHP mail, emails often fail to reach customers due to server restrictions or spam filters.
If emails fail to reach customers, it can lead to:

1. Confusion

2. Lost trust

3. Poor customer experience
SMTP ensures that emails are sent through an authenticated mail server. It significantly reduces the chances of emails being lost or marked as spam.

2. Enhanced Security with Authentication & Encryption

SMTP allows store owners to secure their emails using authentication protocols such as:

1. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer)

2. TLS (Transport Layer Security)
These encryption methods prevent unauthorized access. It also ensures that sensitive information, such as customer data and transactional details, is securely transmitted.
Using an SMTP provider helps protect your Magento store from spoofing and phishing attacks.

3. Avoid Spam Issues and Blacklisting

Many email providers have strict spam filters. Emails sent from a Magento store without proper SMTP authentication might be flagged as spam or rejected entirely. It happens because:

1. The email server’s IP address lacks proper authentication records.

2. PHP mail lacks encryption, making it less secure.

3. Some hosting providers block outgoing emails from their servers.
By configuring SMTP in Magento 2, store owners can ensure all emails are authenticated and verified.

4. Integration with Trusted SMTP Providers

Integration with Trusted SMTP Providers

Magento 2 allows integration with various third-party SMTP services. It makes email delivery more efficient and manageable. Some of the most popular and reliable SMTP providers include:

1. Gmail SMTP

2. Amazon SES (AWS Simple Email Service)

3. SendGrid

4. Mailgun

5. Outlook SMTP
These services offer better IP reputation management and email analytics. It ensures optimal email performance.

5. Access to Detailed Email Logs and Reports

Magento 2 SMTP extensions provide real-time email logs and analytics. It helps store owners:

1. Monitor sent, failed, and queued emails.

2. Identify and fix email delivery issues.

3. Track open rates and customer engagement.
Built-in reporting helps merchants quickly resolve email failures. It prevents missed customer communications and business disruptions.

7 Best Magento 2 SMTP Email Providers

Providers	Description	Features	Price	Best For
1. SendGrid	SendGrid, owned by Twilio, is one of the most popular cloud-based SMTP services. It is known for its high email deliverability and detailed analytics. It provides powerful APIs for smooth integration with Magento 2.	High email deliverability with dedicated IP options Advanced analytics and email tracking Supports SPF and DMARC for email authentication Flexible API and SMTP integration Free plan available for 100 emails/day Pro & Enterprise plans available	$19.95/month (50,000 emails)	Medium to large Magento stores require reliable email delivery and tracking.
2. Amazon SES	Amazon Simple Email Service (SES) is a cost-effective and scalable SMTP provider. It is ideal for businesses that send a high volume of emails at low costs.	Very low cost Highly scalable for bulk email sending Strong security and compliance features Supports SPF and DMARC authentication Requires some technical setup but offers great performance Free plan available for 62,000 emails/month	$0.10 per 1,000 emails	Large Magento stores need cost-efficient bulk email sending.
3. Mailgun	Mailgun is a powerful email delivery service. It is designed for developers and businesses that require advanced customization and tracking.	Excellent for transactional and marketing emails Powerful APIs for smooth integration Supports dedicated IPs and email authentication Advanced email analytics and logs Free plan available for 5,000 emails per month Scale & Enterprise plans available	$35/month (50,000 emails)	Developers, SaaS businesses, and Magento stores need advanced customization.
4. Google SMTP	Google SMTP allows Magento 2 to send emails through Gmail or Google Workspace. It is a trusted and secure option for small businesses.	Uses Gmail’s secure and reliable infrastructure Supports SSL/TLS encryption Works well for small to medium email volumes Simple setup with Magento SMTP extensions Free plan available for 500 emails per day	2,000 emails per day at $6/month	Small Magento stores or businesses already using Gmail/Google Workspace.
5. Outlook SMTP	Outlook SMTP, offered by Microsoft 365, is a great option for corporate businesses. It uses Microsoft services and needs a reliable SMTP solution.	Trusted and secure email delivery SPF and DMARC authentication Works well for professional business communication Available with Microsoft 365 subscriptions Free plan available for 300 emails/day	Starting at $6/user/month	Magento stores use Microsoft Outlook for email communication.
6. Postmark	Postmark specializes in fast and reliable transactional emails. It ensures emails reach customers instantly.	Optimized for fast email delivery Focuses on transactional emails, including order confirmation and password reset High inbox placement rate Excellent email logs and tracking	$15/month for 10,000 emails	Magento stores need lightning-fast transactional email delivery.
7. SMTP.com	SMTP.com is a dedicated email provider. It is a powerful solution for businesses sending high email volumes.	Excellent email reputation management Dedicated IP addresses for better email delivery Advanced analytics and reporting 24/7 customer support	Starting at $25/month for 50,000 emails	Magento businesses that send high volumes of emails need dedicated IPs.

7 Common Issues & Solutions of Magento 2 SMTP Email

Common Issues	Cause	Solution
1. Emails Not Sending in Magento 2	Incorrect SMTP settings, including hostname, port, and authentication. Server firewall or hosting restrictions. SMTP provider blocking outgoing emails.	Check SMTP credentials. Ensure the correct SSL/TLS encryption type is selected. Use an SMTP extension. Check if the hosting provider allows outbound SMTP connections. Test email sending using Magento 2’s SMTP test feature.
2. SMTP Authentication Failed Error	Incorrect username or password. SMTP provider requires OAuth authentication. Google/Gmail blocks less secure apps.	Double-check the username and password in SMTP settings. Enable “Less Secure Apps” or use App Passwords if using Gmail. If using OAuth, configure it properly in your SMTP extension. Contact your email provider to verify account credentials.
3. Emails Going to Spam Folder	Missing SPF and DMARC records. Poor sender reputation or blacklisted IP. Email content triggering spam filters.	Set up SPF and DMARC records for domain authentication. Use a dedicated SMTP provider like SendGrid or Mailgun. Avoid spammy subject lines and excessive links in email content. Monitor domain reputation using tools like Google Postmaster Tools.
4. Connection Timed Out Error	SMTP provider blocking the connection. Incorrect SMTP port configuration. Server firewall blocking outgoing requests.	Use the correct SMTP port. Whitelist the SMTP provider’s IP in the firewall. Check if hosting restrictions apply. Try switching to a different SMTP provider.
5. Emails Delayed or Stuck in Queue	High email volume with limited sending capacity. SMTP provider’s rate limits were exceeded.	Use bulk email services like Amazon SES or SendGrid for better handling. Optimize Magento’s cron job settings to process queued emails faster. Reduce unnecessary emails to avoid rate limits.
6. "Too Many Login Attempts" Error	The SMTP provider is blocking access due to multiple failed login attempts. Exceeded email-sending limits.	Wait for some time and retry logging in. If using Gmail, check for security alerts and unlock the account. Consider upgrading to a higher email-sending quota if using a free SMTP provider.
7. Magento 2 SMTP Emails Not Showing in Logs	Magento’s email logging is disabled. SMTP extension is not configured properly.	Enable email logging in the SMTP extension settings. Check var/log/system.log or var/log/exception.log for SMTP-related errors. Test email sending from Stores > Configuration > SMTP Test Email.

FAQs

1. How do I configure the SMTP in Magento 2?

To configure the SMTP in Magento 2, install an SMTP extension for Magento 2. Then, enter your SMTP email settings in Magento under Magento 2 SMTP settings. Use a custom SMTP provider like Gmail or AWS SES to improve email deliverability and security.

2. Why is my Magento email not sending?

If your email is sent incorrectly, check your Magento 2 email settings and email SMTP configuration. Ensure that your custom email provider is authenticated. Test your setup by using the send test email feature in the SMTP extension.

3. Can I use a custom SMTP provider in Magento 2?

You can set up a custom SMTP provider by modifying your SMTP email settings in Magento. The solution for Magento improves email reliability for email messages. These include order confirmations and email marketing campaigns.

4. What is the best SMTP extension for Magento 2?

A good SMTP extension for Magento 2 should support popular email SMTP providers. It provides advanced email setup options and offers logs for tracking email messages. A reliable extension helps store owners manage store email. It ensures every contact email reaches customers successfully.

Summary

Magento 2 SMTP email allows store owners to send emails via an authenticated SMTP server. The article explores the benefits of the email, including:

Uses SMTP authentication and encryption to prevent email failures and spam issues.
Supports providers like Gmail and Outlook for better email performance.
Provides logs for sent, failed, and queued emails to troubleshoot issues efficiently.
Ensures emails meet SPF and DMARC authentication standards for inbox placement.

Enhance your store’s email reliability and security with Magento 2 SMTP. Pait it with managed Magento hosting for hassle-free configuration.

Ruby Agarwal

Technical Writer

Ruby is an experienced technical writer sharing well-researched Magento hosting insights. She likes to combine unique technical and marketing knowledge in her content.