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How to Configure Gmail SMTP on Your WordPress Website

This article walks you through setting up Gmail SMTP for your WordPress website using the WP Mail SMTP plugin and Google Cloud Console. This configuration allows you to send emails securely via Gmail instead of relying on your hosting server.

Prerequisites​

  • A Gmail or Google Workspace account
  • Admin access to your WordPress site
  • Access to Google Cloud Console

Step 1: Create a project in Google Cloud​

  1. Go to Google Cloud Console.
  2. Log in with your Google account.
  3. Click Create Project, name it (e.g., "Gmail SMTP"), and click Create.

Create Project in Google Cloud

Project Created

Step 2: Enable the Gmail API​

  1. In the Google Cloud Console, navigate to APIs & Services → Library.
  2. Search for Gmail API, click it, and then click Enable.
  3. Click Create Credentials to begin setting up your OAuth access.

Navigate to APIs & Services

  1. Click Create Credentials to generate a client ID.

Create Credentials

Step 3: Set up OAuth consent screen & credentials​

  1. Go to Credentials → OAuth consent screen.
  2. Choose User Type as External, then click Create.

OAuth Consent Screen

  1. Fill in:

    • App name: SMTP
    • User support email: Your Gmail address
    • Developer contact email: Your Gmail address

OAuth Consent Screen Details

  1. Skip scopes and click Save and Continue.

  2. Under Credentials, click Create Credentials → OAuth Client ID.

    • Application type: Web application
    • Name: Web Client 1 (or your choice)
    • Authorized redirect URI: https://connect.wpmailsmtp.com/google/

OAuth Client ID Configuration

OAuth Client ID Created

OAuth Client Details

  1. Click Create and copy both the Client ID and Client Secret. You'll need these in Step 5.

Step 4: Publish the app​

  1. Go back to OAuth Consent Screen.
  2. Click Publish App to switch from testing to production mode.
info

Testing mode limits usage to 100 users. Publishing removes this limit.

Step 5: Configure WP Mail SMTP plugin​

Install the plugin​

  1. Go to your WordPress dashboard.
  2. Navigate to Plugins → Add New.
  3. Search for WP Mail SMTP, install, and activate it.

WP Mail SMTP Plugin

Configure the plugin​

  1. Go to WP Mail SMTP → Settings.

  2. Fill in:

    • From Email: Your Gmail address
    • Force From Email: Enabled
    • From Name: e.g., "Test Email"
    • Mailer: Google

  3. Paste your Client ID and Client Secret from Google Cloud.

  4. Save the settings.

WP Mail SMTP Settings

Authorize Gmail​

  1. Click Allow plugin to send emails using Google.
  2. Log in to your Google account and grant permissions.
  3. If prompted with a warning, click Advanced → Go to WP Mail SMTP and continue.
  4. You'll be redirected back to your site once authorization is complete.

Authorize Gmail

Gmail Authorization Complete

Step 6: Disable Website Pro Mail System​

  1. In your WordPress dashboard, go to Settings → General.
  2. Disable the Website Pro Mail System to allow WP Mail SMTP to take over.

Disable Website Pro Mail System

Step 7: Test the configuration​

  1. Install the WP Mail SMTP Email Test plugin (if not included).
  2. Go to WP Mail SMTP → Tools → Email Test.
  3. Send a test email.
  4. Look for the message: "Email has been sent!"
  5. Check your inbox to confirm delivery.

You've now configured Gmail SMTP on your WordPress website. This setup improves deliverability and ensures your site uses Gmail's secure and reliable email service.