How to Add Your Own Email Service (SMTP)

Email InfrastructureSetting Up a Custom SMTP ServiceConnect your own third-party email sending service — Gmail, SendGrid, Mailgun, Amazon SES, and more — directly inside your account.

Overview

The platform allows you to connect your own third-party email sending service (SMTP) instead of using the default Accommador Email System. This is useful if you already have an established sending reputation, need higher volume limits, or prefer to manage your own email infrastructure. This guide walks you through adding, configuring, and activating a custom SMTP service inside your account.

1Where to Find Email Services2Default vs. Custom Email Service3Supported SMTP Providers4Step-by-Step: Adding a Custom SMTP Service5Common SMTP Settings Reference6Important: Limitations of Third-Party SMTP7Enable Reply for SMTP8Switching Back to Accommador9Frequently Asked QuestionsVideo Walkthrough1Where to Find Email ServicesNavigate to the Email Services settings using the steps below: Log in to your accountClick Settings in the left sidebarSelect Email ServicesGo to the SMTP Service tab (or Advanced Settings depending on your interface version)TipYour interface may show tabs labeled 'SMTP Service' or 'Advanced Settings' — both lead to the same SMTP configuration area.

2Default vs. Custom Email ServiceA side-by-side comparison to help you decide which option fits your business: Accommador (Default)Custom SMTP (Third-Party)Managed by the platformManaged by you / your providerFull access to all built-in deliverability toolsSome built-in tools are unavailable (see limitations)No extra setup requiredRequires SMTP credentials from your providerRecommended for most usersBest for users with existing sending infrastructure3Supported SMTP ProvidersWhen you click + Add Service, you can choose from the following providers: Gmail — Google Workspace or personal GmailYahoo MailSendGridOther — covers Mailgun, Amazon SES, Postmark, Zoho, and any SMTP-compatible serviceSetup GuideAdding a Custom SMTP ServiceFollow these five steps to connect your third-party email service.

4Step-by-Step: Adding a Custom SMTP Service

1. Open Email ServicesGo to Settings → Email Services → SMTP Service tab.
2. Click + Add ServiceIn the top-right corner of the page, click the + Add Service button. A popup will appear titled 'Add your own email service'.
3. Select Your SMTP ProviderFrom the SMTP Provider dropdown, select your provider:GmailYahoo MailSendGridOther (for Mailgun, Amazon SES, Postmark, etc.)
4. Enter Your SMTP CredentialsFill in the required fields. These details come from your email provider's dashboard:FieldDescriptionSMTP HostThe outgoing mail server address (e.g., smtp.sendgrid.net)PortUsually 587 (TLS) or 465 (SSL)UsernameYour SMTP login username or API key identifierPassword / API KeyYour SMTP password or API key from the providerFrom NameThe display name that recipients will seeFrom EmailThe email address emails will be sent from
5. Save and Set as ActiveOnce saved, your new SMTP service will appear in the provider list. To start using it:Find your newly added service in the listClick Set as activeConfirm the selectionTipYou can have multiple SMTP services saved and switch between them at any time. Only one can be active at a time.5Common SMTP Settings ReferenceQuick reference for popular providers — verify values in your provider's dashboard before pasting.ProviderSMTP HostPortNotesGmailsmtp.gmail.com587 / 465Requires App Password if 2FA is onSendGridsmtp.sendgrid.net587Use 'apikey' as usernameMailgunsmtp.mailgun.org587Use your Mailgun SMTP credentialsAmazon SESemail-smtp.[region].amazonaws.com587Requires IAM SMTP credentialsPostmarksmtp.postmarkapp.com587Use server API token as credentialsYahoo Mailsmtp.mail.yahoo.com587Requires app passwordZoho Mailsmtp.zoho.com587Use your Zoho account credentials6Important: Limitations of Third-Party SMTPWhen you use a custom SMTP service instead of Accommador, some platform features become unavailable. Please review these limitations before switching:Features NOT available with third-party SMTPCreate dedicated sending domain from the appGoogle Postmaster tools integrationMicrosoft Postmaster tools integrationRisk AssessmentBounce ClassificationInbox Placement TestingSpam Score CheckerBlacklist MonitorManaged Domains & IPsImportantIf these features are important to your email strategy, consider staying on the Accommador Email System, which gives you full access to all built-in deliverability tools.7Enable Reply for SMTPWhen viewing your active SMTP service, you will see an Enable reply checkbox. Enabling this allows inbound replies to emails sent through your SMTP to be received and tracked inside platform conversations.TipIf you need two-way email communication with your contacts, make sure Enable reply is checked for your active SMTP service.8Switching Back to AccommadorYou can switch back to the default Accommador Email System at any time:Go to Settings → Email Services → SMTP ServiceClick on Accommador Email SystemClick Set as active (or select it as the default)Good to KnowAll your custom SMTP services will remain saved and can be reactivated later.9Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: Can I have multiple SMTP services saved?Yes. You can save as many SMTP services as you like. However, only one can be active at a time for outgoing emails.Q: Will my contacts see the SMTP provider details?No. Contacts only see the From Name and From Email you configure — not the underlying SMTP provider details.Q: What happens to emails already sent if I switch providers?Switching providers only affects future emails. Previously sent emails are not affected.Q: My SMTP connection is failing — what should I check?Verify that the SMTP host, port, username, and password are correctMake sure port 587 or 465 is not blocked by your email providerFor Gmail, ensure you are using an App Password (not your regular login password) if 2-Step Verification is enabledFor SendGrid, ensure your sending domain is verified in your SendGrid accountCheck that your sending email address is authorized within your SMTP provider's accountQ: Does using custom SMTP affect my built-in email deliverability tools?Yes. Several built-in deliverability tools (Postmaster integrations, Risk Assessment, Bounce Classification, Inbox Placement, Spam Score Checker, Blacklist Monitor, and Managed Domains/IPs) become unavailable when you switch to a third-party SMTP. Refer to the limitations section above.Q: Which SMTP port should I use — 587 or 465?Use 587 with TLS (recommended by most modern providers) and 465 with SSL. If one port is blocked by your network, try the other.Q: Will replies to my emails come back into the platform?Only if you check the Enable reply option on your active SMTP service. With this enabled, inbound replies are received and tracked inside platform conversations.