# How to Configure WordPress to Use SMTP For Sending Emails?

To begin, install a plugin named [WP Mail SMTP](https://wordpress.org/plugins/wp-mail-smtp/) by following the instructions in our tutorial on how to install WordPress plugins. Once the plugin is installed and activated, a new menu will show up under the **Settings** section called **Email**. You will need to navigate to it to configure WordPress to work with SMTP.

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On this page you will see several configuration options available:

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Here’s a list of all of them and what do they configure:

* **From Email** – the email address you want to send emails from – for example, email@yourdomain.com;
* **From Name** – the name that your emails will be sent from;
* **Mailer** – choose whether you want to use the _Default_ PHP mail() functio&#x6E;_, a Gmail/G Suite account, Mailgun, SendGrid_ or other SMTP servers. Choosing the _Default_ mode would send the messages using the PHP mail() function without SMTP authentication. The _Gmail/G Suite, Mailgun_ and _SendGrid_ options require additional info such as Client ID and Client Secret or API key that should be obtained by the respective provider. The _other SMTP server_ option would prompt you to enter additional configuration details which we would describe below.
* **Return Path** – check if you want to match the return path for your emails to the sending email;

If you choose other SMTP servers as a mailer, you would be prompted to add the SMTP server’s configuration settings.

* **SMTP Host** – the hostname for your SMTP server;
* **SMTP Port** – the port your server works on;
* **Encryption** – if you have SSL/TLS encryption available for that hostname, select it here;
* **Auto TLS** – if your server supports TLS encryption, enable this option;
* **Authentication** – check if your SMTP server requires authentication;
* **Username** – the username for your SMTP server;
* **Password** – the password for your SMTP server;

Once you configure those parameters, click **Save Settings** at the bottom of the page.
