---
title: How to Configure Custom SMTP in ReviewX
description: "Automated review requests, discount coupons, and admin notification emails must reliably land in your customers' inboxes rather than getting flagged as spam. ReviewX includes a built-in **Custom SMTP** engine that routes all emails through your authenticated mail server (such as…"
url: "https://reviewx.io/docs/custom-smtp-setup/"
updated: "2026-09-23"
category: Configuration
---

# How to Configure Custom SMTP in ReviewX

Automated review requests, discount coupons, and admin notification emails must reliably land in your customers' inboxes rather than getting flagged as spam. ReviewX includes a built-in **Custom SMTP** engine that routes all emails through your authenticated mail server (such as Google Workspace, SendGrid, Mailgun, or your web host's SMTP).

![ReviewX Custom SMTP Settings Configuration](https://reviewx.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/custom_smtp_settings_annotated.png)
Configure Server Configuration \[1\], Sender Identity \[2\], and send a live verification test email \[3\] in ReviewX Settings.

## Why Use Custom SMTP?

Default WordPress emails rely on the standard PHP `mail()` function, which frequently lacks SPF, DKIM, and DMARC alignment. As a result, major email providers like Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook often send review requests straight to the spam folder. Using authenticated SMTP guarantees high deliverability, domain alignment, and consistent open rates.

## Step-by-Step Configuration

1. In your WordPress admin menu, navigate to **ReviewX → Settings**.
2. Click the **SMTP** tab.
3. Toggle the switch next to **Custom SMTP** to **Enabled**.
4. Fill in the **Server configuration** section \[1\]:
   - **SMTP host:** Your outgoing mail server address (e.g. `smtp.gmail.com` for Google, `smtp.sendgrid.net` for SendGrid, or your cPanel host).
   - **SMTP port:** Enter `587` for TLS encryption or `465` for SSL encryption.
   - **Encryption:** Select *TLS* or *SSL* from the dropdown.
   - **Username:** Your full email address or SMTP service API username.
   - **Password:** Your email password or generated App Password / API key.
5. Fill in the **Sender identity** section \[2\]:
   - **From email:** The sender address shown to customers (e.g. `reviews@yourdomain.com`). *Note: This must match your authenticated SMTP account domain.*
   - **From name:** The brand or store name displayed in the customer's inbox (e.g. *My Store Reviews*).
   - **Reply-to email:** (Optional) An alternate inbox where customer replies should be directed (e.g. `support@yourdomain.com`).
6. Click the blue **Save & verify** button in the bottom floating toolbar. ReviewX will automatically authenticate with your mail server and update the verification badge to Verified.

## Step 3: Send a Test Email Verification

Once saved, use the **Send another test email** card \[3\] to verify real-world inbox delivery:

1. Enter any target email address in the **Recipient** field (or leave blank to send to your WordPress administrator email).
2. Click **Send test email**.
3. Check the destination inbox to confirm receipt of the ReviewX verification message.

## Common SMTP Provider Settings

| Provider | SMTP Host | Port | Encryption |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Google Workspace / Gmail** | `smtp.gmail.com` | 587 | TLS (Use App Password) |
| **SendGrid** | `smtp.sendgrid.net` | 587 | TLS (Username: `apikey`) |
| **Mailgun** | `smtp.mailgun.org` | 587 | TLS |
| **Amazon SES** | `email-smtp.us-east-1.amazonaws.com` | 587 | TLS |

## Related Articles

- [Email Notifications for New Reviews](https://reviewx.io/docs/how-to-receive-review-notification-email-using-reviewx/)
- [Automated Review Reminder Emails](https://reviewx.io/docs/review-reminder-emails/)