What SMTP Is And Why It Matters
SMTP stands for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. It is the standard method for sending emails from one mail server to another.
When you connect Gmail to Interceptly via SMTP, you are giving Interceptly permission to:
Send emails from your Gmail address.
Deliver outbound messages through Google’s email servers.
Authenticate sending using secure login details (your Gmail address + an App Password).
In short, SMTP enables Interceptly to send email from your Gmail account.
To connect Gmail via SMTP, you must:
Enable POP and IMAP inside Gmail settings.
Turn on 2-Step Verification inside your Google Account.
Generate a Gmail App Password.
Use that App Password inside Interceptly when adding your SMTP account.
How To Enable POP and IMAP in Gmail
Select the "Forwarding and POP/IMAP" tab.
Under "POP download", select "Enable POP for all mail".
Under "IMAP access", select "Enable IMAP".
Select "Save Changes" at the bottom of the page.
These settings allow external platforms, such as Interceptly, to access your Gmail account and send emails from it.
🚨 Caution: If POP and IMAP are not enabled, SMTP will fail to connect.
How to Turn On 2-Step Verification
Google requires 2-Step Verification before you can create an App Password.
Scroll to the "Signing in to Google" section.
Select "2-Step Verification".
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete setup.
You may need to verify your phone number or authentication method.
💡 Tip: If 2-Step Verification is already enabled, you can move to the next step.
How To Generate a Gmail App Password
An App Password is a 16-character secure password generated by Google. You will use this instead of your normal Gmail password inside Interceptly.
Under "Signing in to Google", select "App passwords".
If you do not see "App passwords":
Use the search bar at the top of the page.
Type "App Passwords".
Select the result from the list.
Under "Select app", choose "Mail".
Under "Select device", choose "Other".
Note: The "Other" option may not appear in every instance.
Type a name such as "Interceptly SMTP".
Select "Generate".
Copy the 16-character App Password that appears.
🚨 Important: You will only see this password once. Save it securely.
How To Add the App Password to Interceptly
When connecting your Gmail account to Interceptly via SMTP:
Use your full Gmail address as the username.
Use the generated App Password as the password.
Do not use your normal Gmail password.
🎓 Note: The App Password replaces your Gmail password for secure third-party access.
Best Practices
Follow these recommendations to ensure smooth email sending:
Use a professional Gmail account connected to your domain.
Avoid sharing your App Password with multiple users.
Regenerate the App Password if access is compromised.
Keep 2-Step Verification enabled at all times.
🎓 Note: Using an App Password keeps your main Gmail login secure while allowing Interceptly to send emails safely.
FAQ
Q: Why do I need to enable POP and IMAP?
A: POP and IMAP allow Gmail to support access settings needed for SMTP connections. If they are off, Interceptly may not be able to send emails through your Gmail account.
Q: Why can’t I see "App passwords"?
A: "App passwords" only appears after you enable "2-Step Verification". Some Google Workspace admins also restrict App Passwords, which can hide the option.
Q: Can I use my normal Gmail password in Interceptly?
A: No, Gmail requires an App Password for most SMTP connections. Your normal Gmail password will usually fail or be blocked by Google.
Q: What if I lose my App Password?
A: You cannot view the same App Password again, so you will need to generate a new one. Then update the SMTP password in Interceptly with the new App Password.
Q: Do I need to redo these steps if I change my Gmail password?
A: No, changing your Gmail password does not automatically change your App Password. You only need a new App Password if you revoke the existing one or generate a replacement.
Q: Can I use the same App Password for multiple tools?
A: It’s possible, but it’s not recommended. Create a separate App Password for Interceptly so you can revoke access without affecting other tools.
🚀 Success! If you experience connection issues, contact the Interceptly Support team for assistance.