📧 How to Use Gmail SMTP Server to Send Emails for Free in 2025 (Complete Guide)

Read Time:3 Minute, 8 Second

Looking for a reliable and free way to send emails from your website or app? This SMTP setup guide for 2025 shows you exactly how to use Gmail SMTP to send free emails with Gmail—securely and efficiently.

Whether you’re running a contact form, an e-commerce notification, or automated alerts, Gmail’s SMTP server is a great way to get started at zero cost.

✅ What is Gmail SMTP?

Gmail SMTP is a mail server provided by Google that lets you send emails through your Gmail account using the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP). It’s commonly used by developers and website owners to send transactional or notification emails from their applications.

⚙️ Gmail SMTP Server Settings for 2025

Here are the essential SMTP settings for using Gmail in 2025:

Setting	Value
SMTP Server	`smtp.gmail.com`
Port	587 (TLS) or 465 (SSL)
Requires Auth	Yes
Username	Your Gmail address
Password	App Password (not Gmail password)
Encryption Type	STARTTLS or SSL

These values are required whether you’re using WordPress, Python, PHP, or any third-party email service.

🔐 Step 1: Enable Two-Step Verification on Gmail

Before you use Gmail SMTP, you must activate 2-Step Verification:

Go to Google Account Security.
Turn 2-Step Verification ON.
Follow the instructions to verify your phone number.

🔑 Step 2: Generate an App Password

Gmail no longer allows you to use your account password for SMTP access. Instead, you’ll need an App Password:

Visit the App Passwords page.
Choose “Mail” as the app, and “Other” as the device.
Click Generate.
Copy the 16-character password. Use it in place of your Gmail password when authenticating via SMTP.

🛠️ Step 3: Sending Email with Gmail SMTP (Python Example)

Here’s a working code example in Python using Gmail’s SMTP:

import smtplib
from email.mime.text import MIMEText

sender = "your_email@gmail.com"
receiver = "recipient@example.com"
app_password = "your_app_password"  # Use App Password here

msg = MIMEText("This is a test email using Gmail SMTP.")
msg["Subject"] = "SMTP Test Email"
msg["From"] = sender
msg["To"] = receiver

with smtplib.SMTP("smtp.gmail.com", 587) as server:
    server.starttls()
    server.login(sender, app_password)
    server.send_message(msg)

print("Email sent successfully!")

This is part of a standard SMTP setup guide 2025 for developers.

📌 Gmail SMTP Daily Limits

For free Gmail users, daily sending limits are:

✅ 100–150 emails/day via SMTP
✅ 500 emails/day through Gmail web interface

Need to send more? Use Google Workspace (G Suite) for up to 2,000 emails/day or switch to tools like SendGrid or Amazon SES.

⚠️ Troubleshooting Common SMTP Errors

Avoid these errors by double-checking your SMTP configuration settings.

Error	Solution
`535 5.7.8 Username/password error`	Use App Password instead of your Gmail password
`Connection timed out`	Check your firewall or try switching port (587/465)
`Daily quota exceeded`	Wait 24 hours or upgrade to Google Workspace

💡 Tips to Improve Email Deliverability

Use valid From, To, and Subject fields.
Avoid spammy content like “FREE $$$ NOW”.
Set up SPF and DKIM records if you’re using a custom domain.
Use a verified sender name and address.

🏁 Conclusion

Using Gmail SMTP to send free emails in 2025 is one of the easiest ways to start with transactional or automated mailing. With just a Gmail account, a few security steps, and a simple script, you can send reliable and secure messages directly from your application or website.

This SMTP setup guide 2025 ensures you meet both Google’s security requirements and maintain deliverability.

🔎 FAQs

Q. Can I use Gmail SMTP without 2-Step Verification?
❌ No. Google requires 2-Step Verification and App Passwords for SMTP use.

Q. Is Gmail SMTP really free?
✅ Yes, with daily sending limits. Perfect for small-scale use.

Q. What alternatives exist for bulk emails?
🔁 Use Google Workspace, Mailgun, SendGrid, or Amazon SES for large-scale email delivery.