Email · Website glossary

SMTP

Quick answer · What is SMTP?

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol is used to submit and transfer email between systems.

IN PRACTICE

SMTP: an example

A mail application submits a message to its outgoing server, which transfers it toward the recipient's service.

KEEP IN MIND

SMTP handles sending and transport; mailbox synchronization normally uses another protocol or service API.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a practical example of SMTP?

A mail application submits a message to its outgoing server, which transfers it toward the recipient's service.

Does SMTP synchronize the messages in my mailbox?

SMTP handles sending and transport; mailbox synchronization normally uses another protocol or service API.

Which concepts should I read alongside SMTP?

IMAP: Internet Message Access Protocol lets clients access and manage messages held on a mail server.
MX record: A DNS record that identifies a mail exchanger for a domain and its preference value.