What Is SMTP?

SMTP stands for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. It is the standard protocol used by servers and applications to send emails. Whenever you click “Send” in webmail, Gmail, Outlook, or a contact form on your website, SMTP is what actually delivers that message to the recipient’s mail server.

In simple terms:

• IMAP/POP = used to read emails.
• SMTP = used to send emails.

Why Do You Need SMTP?

You need SMTP in several scenarios:

• Setting up business email in Gmail or Outlook.
• Making your website contact forms send messages.
• Sending order confirmations or notifications from your web app.
• Configuring WordPress or other CMS email plugins.

Typical Nairahost SMTP Settings

The exact server name can depend on your hosting account, but a common pattern is:

Outgoing (SMTP) server: mail.yourdomain.com
Port: 465 (SSL) or 587 (TLS)
Encryption: SSL/TLS
Username: your full email address (e.g. info@yourdomain.com)
Password: your email password
Authentication: Required
    

Using SMTP in Email Clients (Gmail, Outlook, Phone)

When connecting your Nairahost email to Gmail/Outlook, SMTP is used for sending. By entering the correct SMTP server, port, and login details, your email clients will send outbound mail through your hosting account.

Important points:

• Use the same email/password as the account you created in cPanel.
• Use the secure ports (465 or 587) with SSL/TLS enabled whenever possible.
• Make sure the “From” email address matches the email account you’re logging in with.

Using SMTP in WordPress (WP Mail Plugins)

By default, WordPress uses a function called php mail() which is not very reliable for deliverability. A better approach is to install an SMTP plugin so that WordPress sends emails through your authenticated SMTP account.

1. Log in to your WordPress admin panel.
2. Go to Plugins > Add New.
3. Search for “WP Mail SMTP” or any reputable SMTP plugin.
4. Install and activate the plugin.
5. Go to the plugin settings and choose Other SMTP or similar.
6. Enter your SMTP settings:
   • Host: mail.yourdomain.com
   • Port: 465 or 587
   • Encryption: SSL/TLS
   • Username: your email address
   • Password: email password
7. Save your changes and send a test email from the plugin’s test section.

Common SMTP Errors and How to Fix Them

• Authentication failed: Wrong email or password. Reset your email password and update it in all clients.
• Cannot connect to SMTP host: Wrong hostname, port blocked, or firewall issues. Confirm with Nairahost support.
• Timeout error: Slow network or incorrect port; try switching between 465 and 587.
• Relaying denied: You're trying to send without authentication or using a different “From” address.