A step-by-step guide to setup SMTP email on your Shopify store?

Running a Shopify store means every email matters — from order confirmations to abandoned cart reminders. Yet too often, those messages slip into spam or look unprofessional to customers. That’s where SMTP comes in. By setting it up correctly, your store’s emails land reliably in inboxes and carry the credibility your brand deserves. This guide walks you through it step by step.

Why SMTP is a game-changer for Shopify emails

One of the biggest frustrations for Shopify merchants is watching important emails end up in the spam folder. Order confirmations, shipping updates, or marketing messages lose their purpose if customers never see them. The problem comes from Shopify’s default email system, which often lacks the authentication signals that email providers look for.

SMTP fixes this by sending messages through a trusted mail server with proper verification. That means your emails carry the right credentials to reach inboxes instead of being flagged as suspicious. The result isn’t just technical—it directly impacts your business. Higher deliverability leads to better open rates, stronger customer trust, and ultimately, more sales.

6 steps to set up SMTP on your Shopify store

Setting up SMTP may sound technical, but the process is straightforward once you know the path. You’ll go from enabling security in your Google account to adding the right details inside Shopify. Follow these five steps and your store’s emails will start sending through a secure, reliable channel.

Step 1: Choose the SMTP setting

Head into your Shopify admin panel and look for the option to configure custom email notifications. By default, Shopify sends emails through its own system, but this is where many merchants run into spam issues. To gain more control, you’ll need to connect an external SMTP service.

Popular choices include:

• Gmail SMTP – free, beginner-friendly, and widely supported.
• Domain email (name@yourstore.com) – adds branding and customer trust.
• Other providers like Outlook, SendGrid, or Amazon SES – great for stores with higher email volume.

The key here is simple: tell Shopify, “Don’t send my emails through your server, send them through mine.”

Step 2: Log in to your Google account

Next, sign in to the Google account you want Shopify to use for sending emails. This will act as the “from” address customers see in their inbox.

A few quick tips when choosing the account:

• Use a professional-looking address — ideally your store’s domain email (e.g., support@yourstore.com).
• If you don’t have one yet, your Gmail address (yourname@gmail.com) will still work fine.
• Make sure this account is secure and only accessible by authorized team members.

Once logged in, you’ll be ready to adjust security settings that allow Shopify to send emails on your behalf.

Step 3: Set up 2-Step Verification

Before Google allows you to create an app password, it requires that 2-Step Verification (2FA) is enabled. This adds a layer of security to your account and is a non-negotiable step in the SMTP setup.

Here’s how to enable it:

• Go to your Google Account → Security settings.
• Find 2-Step Verification and click Get started.
• Choose your preferred method:
• • Authenticator app (recommended for stronger security).
  • SMS code sent to your phone.

Once 2-Step Verification is active, your Google account is secure enough to generate an app password that Shopify can use.

Step 4: Create an app password

Now that 2-Step Verification is active, it’s time to generate the app password Shopify will use to connect with Gmail SMTP. This password is different from your normal Google login and is created specifically for third-party apps like Shopify.

Follow these steps:

• Open your Google Account → Security.
• Scroll to App passwords and select it.
• Under “Select app,” choose Mail.
• Under “Select device,” pick Other (Custom name) and enter something like Shopify SMTP.
• Google will generate a 16-character password.

Copy this password and keep it safe — you’ll need it in the next step when entering SMTP details in Shopify.

Step 5: Enter SMTP details in Shopify’s custom email settings

With your app password ready, head back to Shopify and open the custom SMTP settings screen. This is where you’ll plug in the details that connect your store to Gmail’s server.

Fill in the fields as follows:

• Server: smtp.gmail.com
• Port: 587
• Email sender: yourname@gmail.com (or your domain email if you have one)
• Reply email: yourname@gmail.com
• Password: paste the 16-character app password you just created

Double-check that each field matches exactly — even a small typo can break the connection. Once entered, save your changes to confirm the setup.

Step 6: Save settings and test

• Hit Save in Shopify.
• Send a test email (order confirmation or abandoned cart email).
• What to check: inbox delivery, no “via shopifyemail.com” tag, no spam folder.

Troubleshooting common errors

Even with the right setup, a few issues can pop up. Here’s how to fix the most common ones:

• Wrong port or server mismatch → If emails aren’t sending, try switching between port 587 (TLS) and 465 (SSL). Both are supported by Gmail.

• App password not accepted → Double-check that 2-Step Verification is turned on in your Google account. Without it, Google won’t let the app password work.

• Emails still landing in spam → Add SPF and DKIM records in your domain’s DNS settings. These authenticate your emails and signal to providers like Gmail that your messages are safe.

• Pro tip for branding → Use a domain email (e.g., support@yourstore.com) with Gmail SMTP instead of a generic Gmail address. Customers take branded emails more seriously.

Best practices for Shopify SMTP email setup

Getting SMTP up and running is a big step forward, but a few extra habits will keep your emails professional and reliable in the long run:

• Use a branded sender address – A domain email (like hello@yourstore.com) looks far more trustworthy than a personal Gmail.

• Keep your app password secure – Store it safely and avoid sharing it with team members who don’t need access.

• Test every new notification – Each time you change your email templates, send yourself a test to make sure formatting and deliverability still work.

• Monitor your deliverability – Check whether emails consistently land in inboxes, not spam. Tools like Mail Tester can help.

• Upgrade when needed – If your store grows and you’re sending thousands of emails a day, consider a dedicated provider such as SendGrid, Mailgun, or Amazon SES for better scalability.

Conclusion

Setting up SMTP on your Shopify store takes just a handful of steps, but the impact is huge. Instead of worrying about lost confirmations or spammed receipts, you’ll know your emails are reaching customers where they should — their inbox. That reliability builds trust, improves engagement, and supports every sale you make.

Whether you stick with Gmail SMTP or upgrade later to a dedicated provider, the foundation is now in place. Test your setup, keep your sender details professional, and let your store’s communication reflect the same quality as your products.

Updated on: 12/09/2025