The SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) server is the actual engine that delivers your emails to your subscribers’ inboxes. Sendonyx allows you to connect your own SMTP servers (like Amazon SES, Mailgun, or your private SMTP) to keep costs low and maintain full control over your sending reputation.
1. Choosing Your Provider
Before adding a server in Sendonyx, make sure you have your SMTP credentials ready from your provider.
- The Path: Navigate to Verify > Sending Server in your dashboard.
- The Action: Click the [+ Add Sending Server] button and select your provider type from the list.
The Golden Trio: Most users prefer Amazon SES for the lowest cost, Postmark for the best speed, or their own Custom SMTP for maximum privacy. Make sure your provider account is out of “Sandbox mode” before connecting.
2. Entering Credentials
You will need to fill in the technical details provided by your SMTP service.
- Hostname: The server address (e.g.,
email-smtp.us-east-1.amazonaws.com). - Port: Usually
587(TLS) or465(SSL). - Username & Password: These are your SMTP-specific credentials (often different from your main account login).
Port Blockage: Some hosting providers block Port 25 by default to prevent spam. We strongly recommend using Port 587 with STARTTLS for the most stable connection.
3. Testing the Connection
Once you save the settings, Sendonyx will attempt to establish a “handshake” with your server.
- The Action: Click the Test Connection button.
- The Email Test: Enter an email address you own to receive a test message. If the message arrives, your server is officially live.
Quota Limits: Remember that Sendonyx only facilitates the sending; your SMTP provider still dictates your hourly or daily limits. If you get a “Rate limit exceeded” error, you need to upgrade your plan with your SMTP provider directly.