How to Configure Other SMTP

Other SMTP is the catch-all connection type for providers that give you a hostname, port, encryption setting, username, and password — for example Zoho Mail, cPanel email, or a custom relay. Use this when your provider is not listed as a native API/OAuth option.

When to choose Other SMTP

Your host or email vendor documents SMTP settings (host/port/TLS).
You prefer classic SMTP instead of an HTTP API.
You are migrating from another SMTP plugin and already know the values.

Prerequisites

SMTP hostname from your provider (for example smtp.example.com)
Port and encryption they require (commonly 587 + TLS or 465 + SSL)
Username (often the full email address) and password or app-specific password
Permission from the provider to send from your chosen From address

Open SMTPPai

SMTPPai → Dashboard → Add connection
Under Any Other SMTP, click Other SMTP

Field-by-field setup

Connection name

Example: “cPanel SMTP” or “Zoho SMTP”.

From name / From email

Use an address your SMTP account is allowed to send as. Mismatched From addresses are a common reject reason.

SMTP host

Enter the hostname exactly as the provider documents (for example smtp.example.com). Do not invent a host — check hosting docs or the email account’s “mail client setup” page.

Port

Common values:

587 with TLS
465 with SSL

Match the provider’s documentation.

Encryption

Select TLS, SSL, or None as required. Prefer TLS/SSL. There is an option to send without TLS/SSL — it is labeled as not recommended and should only be used if your provider truly requires it (rare on modern hosts).

Username

Usually the full email address, or the SMTP username shown by the host.

Password

SMTP password or app-specific password. Many providers (especially those with two-factor authentication) reject your normal login password — create an app password in their security settings.

Credential storage

Database (encrypted when possible), or

wp-config:

define( 'MAILPAI_SMTP_HOST', 'smtp.example.com' );
define( 'MAILPAI_SMTP_PORT', '587' );
define( 'MAILPAI_SMTP_USER', 'your-email@example.com' );
define( 'MAILPAI_SMTP_PASSWORD', 'your-password' );
define( 'MAILPAI_SMTP_ENCRYPTION', 'tls' );

Save and test

Save the connection.
Test with an inbox you control.
Confirm Email Log shows Sent (or read the error if Failed).

Common failures

Wrong host/port/encryption combination
Using a webmail password instead of an app password
Provider blocking the server IP (ask host to allow outbound SMTP)
From address not permitted for that SMTP login

Tip: If your provider also offers a native API option in SMTPPai (for example Amazon SES), prefer the native integration — you get clearer errors and fewer SMTP handshake issues. Use Other SMTP when that is what the vendor supports.