How to use SMTP with Microsoft 365 and Outlook

SMTP is a standard method to send emails securely. This guide walks you through enabling SMTP Authentication, Basic Authentication for SMTP, and how to add the necessary SMTP credentials to Wobaka.

SMTP authentication ensures that only authorized users can send emails through your mail server. It’s a straightforward, reliable way to send emails via any provider — not just Microsoft.

1. Enabling SMTP Authentication for Microsoft 365 Accounts

By default, Microsoft 365 enables SMTP Authentication for user accounts. However, if it’s been disabled or you want to confirm it’s enabled, follow these steps:

Steps to Enable SMTP Authentication:

1. Log into Microsoft 365 Admin Center:
   • Go to Microsoft 365 Admin Center and sign in with an admin account.
2. Navigate to Active Users:
   • In the left-hand menu, click on Users > Active Users.
3. Select the User Account:
   • Find the user who needs SMTP Authentication enabled and click on their name.
4. Open Mail Settings:
   • Under the Mail tab, click Manage email apps.
5. Enable SMTP Authentication:
   • In the Email apps section, scroll down to find SMTP Authentication.
   • Ensure SMTP Authentication is enabled. If it’s disabled, toggle it to enable.
6. Save Changes:
   • After enabling SMTP Authentication, click Save Changes.

2. Enabling Basic Authentication for SMTP

Enabling Basic SMTP Authentication is a simple, reliable solution that lets you use your preferred apps and services without being locked into Microsoft’s ecosystem.

1. Log into Microsoft 365 Admin Center:
   • Go to Microsoft 365 Admin Center and sign in with an admin account.
2. Navigate to Settings:
   • In the left-hand menu, go to Settings > Org Settings.
3. Access Modern Authentication Settings:
   • Under Modern Authentication, find and click on Services & Add-ins.
4. Enable Basic Authentication for SMTP:
   • Find the section for SMTP AUTH and toggle it to enabled if it is disabled.
   • This will allow Basic Authentication for SMTP.
5. Save Changes:
   • Once Basic Authentication is enabled, click Save to apply the settings.

3. Adding SMTP Credentials to Your App

Now that SMTP Authentication is enabled, follow these steps to add your SMTP credentials to Wobaka.

1. Open sending options
2. Enter SMTP Information:
   • SMTP Host: Use smtp.office365.com (for Microsoft 365) or smtp-mail.outlook.com (for personal Microsoft accounts).
   • SMTP Port: Use 587 (for secure connection).
   • Username: This is your full email address (e.g., [email protected]).
   • Password: This is the password for your email account, or if you're using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), you should use an an App Password instead.

4. How to Set Up an App Password for Your Microsoft Account

If you have Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) enabled on your Microsoft account, you’ll need an App Password to use SMTP or other applications. Here’s how to create and use an App Password.

1. Log into Your Microsoft Account:
   • Go to https://account.microsoft.com and sign in with your Microsoft account credentials.
2. Navigate to Security Settings:
   • In the top menu, click on Security.
   • Under Security Basics, click on Advanced security options.
3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (If Not Already Enabled):
   • If you haven't enabled MFA yet, you’ll be prompted to do so.
   • Follow the steps to set up MFA (you can use an authenticator app, text message, or email for verification).
4. Create an App Password:
   • Scroll down to the App passwords section.
   • Click on Create a new app password.
   • An app password will be generated. Make sure to save this password — it’s the one you’ll use for Wobaka.
5. Use the App Password:
   • When setting up email sending in Wobaka, enter the App Password in place of your regular Microsoft account password.