How to Use Your ISP's SMTP Mail Server

Using your ISP's SMTP email server is a simple process.

Often, Internet service providers (ISPs) will offer email service alongside their various Internet options. Email service typically includes an email address and use of the ISP's incoming (POP3) and outgoing (SMTP) email servers. You can take advantage of this email service following a few simple steps.

Instructions

1. Determine your ISP's SMTP server. Mail servers have specific names that your Internet connection uses to locate the server and send out mail. Contact your ISP to get the server name.

2. Configure your email program to use the SMTP server. If you use an email client, or program, such as Microsoft Outlook or Mozilla Thunderbird, it will need to be configured to use your ISP's SMTP server. Navigate to the account settings screen and locate the section that asks you to specify the name of the SMTP server. Type in the name provided by your ISP and save your account changes.

3. Test the SMTP server. Setup a test message and see if your email client will let you send it without any error messages. If it does, you have successfully configured your email client to use your ISP's SMTP server. If you get any type of error message, contact your ISP's technical support department to verify that you have configured your email client program correctly.