SMTP Settings in Kiwiform

What are SMTP Settings?

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) settings allow Kiwiform to send emails through your own email provider. Instead of sending emails from a generic system address, SMTP lets you send emails from your custom email address or domain.

This is useful when you want:

• Emails to appear from your brand domain

• Better email deliverability

• Consistent sender identity

• Full control over email authentication

With SMTP configured, emails sent from Kiwiform — such as notifications or respondent emails — will be delivered through your chosen email service.

Where to Find SMTP Settings

You can configure SMTP from your account settings.

Steps:

1. Open your Kiwiform Dashboard

2. Go to Account Settings

3. Select SMTP Settings

4. Enter your email provider’s SMTP details

5. Save your configuration

Once saved, Kiwiform will use your SMTP server for sending emails related to your forms.

SMTP Configuration Fields

To connect your SMTP server, you’ll need to provide the following details.

SMTP Host

The server address provided by your email provider.

Example:
smtp.gmail.com

Port

The port used by the SMTP server.

Common ports:

• 587 (recommended for TLS)

• 465 (SSL)

Username

Your email account username.

Usually this is your full email address.

Example:
[email protected]

Password

Your email account password or app password.

Some providers (like Gmail) require app-specific passwords instead of your regular login password.

Encryption

Select the security method used by your provider:

• TLS

• SSL
  
  

Why Use Custom SMTP?

Using your own SMTP server provides several advantages.

Branded Email Sender
Emails will be sent from your own domain instead of a generic system email.

Example:
[email protected]

Better Deliverability
Emails sent through authenticated domains are less likely to be marked as spam.

Trusted Communication
Respondents are more likely to trust emails coming from your official domain.

Greater Control
You can manage sending limits, authentication settings, and reputation directly through your email provider.

Common SMTP Providers

You can connect Kiwiform with most email services that support SMTP.

Common providers include:

• Gmail

• Google Workspace

• Outlook

• Office 365

• Zoho Mail

• SendGrid

• Amazon SES

• Custom domain email servers

Each provider supplies the SMTP credentials required to configure the connection.

Example: SMTP Setup with Gmail

If you want to send emails from your Gmail account:

1. Use the SMTP host
   smtp.gmail.com

2. Use port
   587

3. Enable TLS encryption

4. Use your Gmail address as the username

5. Generate an App Password from your Google account security settings

Enter these details in the SMTP settings panel and save the configuration.

When Should You Configure SMTP?

SMTP settings are useful in many situations.

Sending Emails from Your Domain
If you want notifications to appear from your brand email.

Improving Email Deliverability
If your forms send frequent notifications or confirmation emails.

Sending Respondent Emails
When using features like confirmation messages or automated follow-ups.

Business and Team Use
If your organization requires official communication from a verified email address.

Troubleshooting SMTP Issues

If SMTP emails are not being delivered:

Check the SMTP credentials
Ensure the host, port, username, and password are correct.

Verify encryption settings
Use TLS or SSL depending on your provider.

Use an App Password
Some providers require app passwords instead of regular account passwords.

Check sending limits
Some email providers limit the number of emails per day.

Review spam filters
Make sure your domain and sending address are properly authenticated.

Best Practices for SMTP Configuration

Follow these best practices for reliable email delivery.

• Use verified domains for sending emails

• Enable SPF and DKIM authentication

• Use TLS encryption whenever possible

• Avoid sending large volumes from personal email accounts

• Monitor email deliverability from your provider dashboard

Summary

SMTP settings allow you to send emails from your own email provider while using Kiwiform. By connecting your SMTP server, you gain full control over sender identity, branding, and email deliverability.

This feature helps ensure that notifications, confirmations, and automated emails sent from your forms are trusted, branded, and delivered reliably.

Configuring SMTP in Kiwiform, a free Typeform alternative, is a simple way to maintain professional communication with your respondents and team.