# SMTP configuration for each sub-site in Scoreapps
At Scoreapps we use a **WordPress Multisite** installation to host our customers' applications and websites under the same environment. This allows us to have their own independent sub-site with their admin panel.
In order for emails (invitations, password reset notifications, etc.) always reach their destination, **it is essential that each sub-site configure its own SMTP server*.
## What is SMTP?
SMTP stands for ** Simple Mail Transfer Protocol**. It is the standard system used by servers to exchange messages. In simple terms, SMTP is the *language* understood by mail servers to send and receive messages.
When you use SMTP instead of WordPress's default PHP mail function, mail is sent from an authenticated server. This provides safer and more reliable delivery and reduces the likelihood that the message will end up in spam.
## Why is the default mail function not enough?
WordPress, by default, uses the 'wp_mail()' function (which in turn uses PHP mail() to send emails. Many hosting providers block or restrict mailing via PHP, and mail providers often mark these messages as spam.
When configuring SMTP:
- **Authentication:** the plugin connects to your SMTP server with a user and password or API key, preventing mail from being treated as spam.
- **Fasibility:* messages are sent via a real mail server (Zoho, Google Workspace, SMTP2GO, Mailgun, etc.), dramatically improving the delivery rate.
- **Control:** you can choose the supplier and shipping credentials for each sub-site, ensuring that the sender and domain align with your customer's mark.
## Where is the activation button?
Our support team has installed **FluentSMTP** at network level. That is why ** you do not have to install any plugins***: it is already available for each sub-site.
To start setting up it, go to your sub-site's admin panel and go to **Settings → FluentSMTP** (or, depending on translation, it can appear in the main menu). There you will see a button or link to activate or configure SMTP.
## How to set up SMTP step by step
Each sub-site administrator must complete the following steps. We recommend that you have access data to your email account (SMTP host, port, username and password or API key) or access to your transactional service (SMTP2GO, SendGrid).
1. **Access your sub-site dashboard.**
2. Go to **Settings → FluentSMTP** (or search for "FluentSMTP" in the menu).
- The first time you will see a setup wizard.
3. **Choose your mail provider:** standard SMTP, Gmail/Google Workspace, Zoho, Amazon SES, SendGrid, Mailgun, Postmark, etc.
4. **Enter credentials:**
- **Host SMTP** (for example, 'smtp.zoho.eu' or 'smtp.gmail.com').
- **Port:** 465 for SSL or 587 for TLS.
- **User name* (full mail) and **Password** or **AP API key** from your provider.
- **Sender address** and **name** that the addressees will see.
5. **Save settings* and, on the same screen, use the **Send test mail***** Enter a personal email address and verify that the message arrives correctly.
6. 6. If you do not receive the email or it is marked as spam, check out:
- That records **SPF, DKIM and DMARC*** are configured in the domain of the sub-site.
- That the user and password be correct and that the provider allow the use of SMTP.
## Good practices
- **Use an email account from your own domain.** Avoid generic Gmail or Hotmail addresses, as they are more likely to be marked as spam.
- **Set SPF, DKIM and DMARC** in the domain or subdomain with which you will send the emails. These records help recipients verify that emails actually come from you and improve the sender's reputation.
- **Test with several suppliers.** Some hosting or mail providers limit the number of messages per hour. If you use a transactional service (SMTP2GO, Mailgun, SendGrid, Amazon SES) you will get better shipping capacity and a panel with statistics and fault logging.
- **Review FluentSMTP logs.** The plugin allows you to view the emails sent, their errors and their status. This is very useful for detecting delivery problems.
## Summary
Setting up an SMTP server for each sub-site is essential to ensure that your emails leave securely and reach their destination. SMTP acts as the official Internet postman, replacing the default WordPress mail function and offering authentication, reliability and control.
Following the steps above, each sub-site administrator will be able to choose and configure the provider that best suits their needs, thus ensuring effective communication with its users.