> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://formcarry.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Using Gmail as a Custom SMTP Email Server

> Connect your Gmail account as a custom SMTP server in formcarry, including app password configuration for secure login.

You can use your Gmail account as the SMTP server for formcarry email delivery. Gmail's SMTP server is `smtp.gmail.com` on port `465` with a secure (SSL) connection.

Because Gmail blocks plain SMTP logins by default, you must authenticate in one of two ways:

* Allow less secure app access by signing on with regular credentials, or
* generate an app password **(recommended)**.

Choose the option below that applies to your account.

<Note>
  Gmail has a sending limit of **500 emails per 24 hours**. Review [Gmail Sending Limits](https://support.google.com/mail/answer/22839) before using Gmail for high-volume forms.
</Note>

## Option 1: Allow Less Secure App Access

Some Google accounts still offer a legacy setting that permits third-party SMTP clients to sign in with your regular credentials.

1. Go to your [Google Account Security settings](https://www.google.com/settings/security/lesssecureapps).
2. Enable **Allow less secure app access**.
3. Use your Gmail address and regular password when adding the server in formcarry.

<Warning>
  Google is actively phasing out this option. If the setting is not visible on your account, it has already been removed — skip to Option 2 instead.
</Warning>

## Option 2: Generate an App Password (Recommended)

App passwords let a specific application sign in to your Google account without using your main password. This is the preferred method for all accounts.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Enable 2-Step Verification">
    Go to your [Google Account security settings](https://myaccount.google.com/security) and turn on **2-Step Verification**. App passwords are only available once 2FA is active.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open App Passwords">
    Navigate to [App Passwords](https://myaccount.google.com/apppasswords) in your Google Account.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create a new app password">
    In the **Select app** dropdown, choose **Other (custom name)**, enter a descriptive name such as `formcarry`, and click **Generate**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Copy the password">
    Google displays a 16-digit password **once only**. Copy it immediately and store it somewhere safe — you cannot retrieve it again after closing the dialog.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Use the app password in formcarry">
    When adding your Gmail SMTP server in formcarry, enter your Gmail address as the username and paste the 16-digit app password in the password field — **not** your regular Gmail password.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## SMTP Settings

Use the following values when configuring your Gmail SMTP server in formcarry:

| Setting           | Value                                |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------------ |
| Host              | `smtp.gmail.com`                     |
| Port              | `465`                                |
| Username          | Your Gmail address                   |
| Sender Name       | Your Gmail address (or display name) |
| Password          | Your App Password                    |
| Secure Connection | Yes                                  |

<Tip>
  After you click Save, formcarry tests the connection automatically. If the test fails, confirm that your app password was copied without extra spaces and that 2-Step Verification is still active on your Google account.
</Tip>


## Related topics

- [Use Your Own SMTP Server for Formcarry Email Delivery](/docs/email/custom-email-servers.md)
- [List email servers](/docs/api-reference/forms/list-email-servers.md)
- [Custom HTML Email Templates for Form Notifications](/docs/email/custom-email-templates.md)
- [Create a form](/docs/api-reference/forms/create-a-form.md)
- [Update a form](/docs/api-reference/forms/update-a-form.md)