Gmail SMTP Not Working | How to Troubleshoot

The Simple Mail Transfer Protocol or SMTP refers to an internet standard communication protocol used for electronic mail transfer. Through Gmail SMTP, you can send emails via third-party email clients. However, sometimes due to things like faulty settings, SMTP may not work. Users commonly find Gmail SMTP not working when they cannot send emails even after configuring SMTP settings.

If you also have been dealing with the same issue, you can fix it through certain troubleshooting measures. The most effective ones are allowing less secure applications in Gmail and re-enabling IMAP. Keep reading to know how to implement these fixes.

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How do I Fix Gmail SMTP Not Working 2022?

In order to enable less secure apps and fix unresponsive Gmail SMTP, you should first switch off the two-step authentication. So, it’s good to first understand how to disable it, and then we’ll elaborate on other measures.

Stop using two-step verification.

This option blocks less secure apps from getting utilized. Disable it by following these points.

Head over to your Google account.
Next, choose ‘Manage Your Account‘ from the dropdown that appears.
After that, select ‘Security.’ It’s present in the left column.
Now, in the area of ‘Signing into Google,’ choose the option of ‘2-Step verification.’
Type your Google account’s Password.
Now you can turn off this option by tapping the ‘Turn Off’ button.
When you click it, you verify your action.

Enable less secure apps to make Gmail SMTP responsive

Now that you’ve disabled the two-step verification option, you can allow less secure apps. Do not think this option is unsafe as many email clients like Thunderbird and Outlook are usually needed. Follow these points to allow less secure apps.

Firstly, log in to your Google account.
After that, choose ‘My Account‘ from the dropdown that appears.
Choose ‘Security‘ present on the left-side column.
Now, scroll till you reach the option of ‘Less secure apps.’
Now choose ‘Turn on Access’ present in the dropdown menu.
In the end, enable this option.
Now, you won’t find the Gmail SMTP server not working.

The steps to enable less secure apps for Google Apps administrators.

Google apps administrators can follow specific series of steps to allow access to less secure apps. These are as follows.

Head over to Google Apps Administration Panel.
Here, tap ‘Security‘ followed by ‘Basic Settings.’
Search for the ‘Less secure apps’ section.
Now, tap ‘Go to settings for less secure apps.’
Lastly, choose ‘Allow users to manage their access to less secure apps.’

Create an app password to send emails to a third party.

Creating an app password almost always resolves SMTP not working problem. Here are the steps to generate an app password in Gmail.

Open Gmail and head over to ‘My Account.’
Now, choose the ‘Security‘ option.
Next, go down and from the dropdown menu, choose ‘Signing in to Google.’
Next, from the dropdown menu, choose ‘App password.’
Choose ‘2-step verification‘ and fill in your Password.
Now, activate this verification by inputting an OTP number that must have arrived on your phone.
You will see various applications. Choose the one you require.
After that, choose the ‘Select device‘ option.
Now, choose the device that’s presently used to access Gmail.
Now, hit the ‘Generate’ button.
You will see a yellow bar. Here, input the Password that’s being shown.
Lastly, tap ‘Done.’

Modify IMAP to fix the SMTP issue

The Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP) syncs messages from your mail forward to the system or phone. Through it, emails get downloaded when the user clicks on them. You can also change or re-enable IMAP if you find Gmail SMTP not working. Here are the points you should follow.

Launch Gmail in the browser you use.
Next, hit the gear icon on the top-right part of the page.
After that, tap ‘See all settings.’
A window will appear on the screen.
Here, select ‘Forwarding and POP/IMAP.’
Now scroll till you notice the ‘IMAP Access’ option.
Check the option ‘Enable IMAP.’
Now, disable it and re-enable it. It will refresh the IMAP settings.
Now, you won’t find Gmail SMTP issues after re-enabling IMAP.

Configuring Gmail SMTP Correctly

Although the measures explained above are good for tackling SMTP issues, often incorrect Gmail SMTP configuration is a major reason for users facing problems. If you haven’t set Gmail SMTP accurately, it will not work. So, follow these points to access it in the right manner. The settings should be as follows.

smtp.gmail.com is the name of the SMTP or outgoing mail server.
You must use authentication (Yes).
You must use a secure connection (Yes). As per your mail client, you will need to use TLS or SSL.
Your Username is your Gmail account name.
Your Password is your Gmail account password.
The port number is 465 or 587.
SSL and TLS are required for both.

Configuring Gmail SMTP Settings for Android

If you use a standard SMTP server, you’ll need to modify the settings when you switch over to another internet service provider. Here’s how to configure the SMTP settings for Android.

Hit ‘Menu‘ followed by ‘Accounts.’
Now, tap ‘Menu‘ again, followed by ‘Add account.’
Input your email and Password. Then click ‘Next.’
Configure your IMAP or POP settings.
After that, input SMTP settings.

The security type is None. But you can also choose among various kinds of secured sending.
Check the option of ‘Required sign in‘ if you wish to log in with a password prior to sending emails.
The default port is 25. However, you can also choose 465 or 587 if you send emails through SSL.
In the field of Username, type your email address.
In the field of Password, type your password.

Read Also- How To Fix Gmail Not Working?

Final Thoughts

These are all the measures you should take when you find Gmail SMTP not working. They’ll allow you to benefit from a smooth email exchange if you use a third-party email client. However, if you encounter technical errors midway, seek the help of an email technical support service. The experts are only a call or message away.

Configuring Gmail SMTP