How To Find Your SMTP Server Settings In Outlook: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Edgar Nicov

How-To

5 min. read

Published on November 7, 2025

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Understanding your SMTP server settings is crucial for configuring email clients like Outlook and ensuring your messages are sent successfully. These settings act as the roadmap for your outgoing emails, guiding them from your computer to the recipient’s inbox. Knowing how to find these settings in Outlook allows you to troubleshoot email issues, configure other email applications, or simply understand the technical aspects of email communication.

This guide provides a clear, step-by-step approach to locating your SMTP server information within Outlook. Whether you’re a seasoned tech user or just starting out, these instructions will help you quickly find the settings you need. We’ll cover the different versions of Outlook and where to look for the relevant details, ensuring you can confidently manage your email configuration.

Where Can I Find My SMTP Settings in Outlook?

Finding SMTP Settings in Outlook 365 and Newer Versions

These versions of Outlook have a similar interface, making the process straightforward.

Open Outlook: Launch the Outlook application on your computer.
Go to File: Click on the “File” tab located in the top-left corner of the Outlook window.
Select Info: In the left-hand menu, make sure the “Info” section is selected. If not, click on “Info”.
Account Settings: Click the “Account Settings” dropdown menu and select “Account Settings” again.
Select Your Email Account: In the “Account Settings” window, you’ll see a list of your email accounts. Select the email account for which you want to find the SMTP settings.
Click Change: With your email account selected, click the “Change…” button.
More Settings: In the “Change Account” window, click the “More Settings…” button located in the bottom-right corner.
Outgoing Server Tab: In the “Internet E-mail Settings” window, click on the “Outgoing Server” tab.
My Outgoing Server (SMTP) Requires Authentication: Ensure this box is checked if your server requires authentication.
Advanced Tab: Click on the “Advanced” tab. Here, you’ll find your SMTP server port number. You may also find encryption settings.

Finding SMTP Settings in Older Versions of Outlook (2010, 2013, 2016)

The process is similar to newer versions, but the menu locations may vary slightly.

Open Outlook: Launch the Outlook application.
Go to File: Click on the “File” tab.
Account Settings: Click “Account Settings” and then “Account Settings” again from the dropdown menu.
Select Your Email Account: In the “Account Settings” window, select the email account you’re interested in.
Click Change: Click the “Change…” button.
More Settings: Click the “More Settings…” button.
Outgoing Server Tab: In the “Internet E-mail Settings” window, navigate to the “Outgoing Server” tab.
Advanced Tab: Click on the “Advanced” tab to find the SMTP server port and encryption settings.

Understanding Common SMTP Settings

Setting	Description	Example
SMTP Server	The address of the server that handles your outgoing email.	smtp.example.com
SMTP Port	The specific port number used for SMTP communication. Common ports include 25, 465, 587, and 2525.	587
Encryption Method	The type of encryption used to secure your email communication. Common methods include SSL/TLS and STARTTLS.	STARTTLS
Authentication	Whether your SMTP server requires authentication (username and password) to send emails.	Required
Username	The username associated with your email account.	[email protected]
Password	The password associated with your email account.	YourPassword

Tips for Troubleshooting SMTP Issues

Double-check your settings: Ensure you’ve entered the correct SMTP server address, port number, username, and password. Even a small typo can prevent you from sending emails.
Verify your internet connection: A stable internet connection is essential for sending emails.
Check your firewall settings: Your firewall might be blocking the SMTP port. Ensure that your firewall allows communication on the port used by your SMTP server.
Contact your email provider: If you’re still having trouble, contact your email provider for assistance. They can provide you with the correct SMTP settings and help troubleshoot any issues.
Consider your antivirus: Sometimes, antivirus software can interfere with email sending. Temporarily disable your antivirus to see if that resolves the issue.

Essential SMTP Information

Locating your SMTP server details in Outlook is a straightforward process that empowers you to manage your email settings effectively. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily find the information you need to troubleshoot issues, configure other email applications, or simply understand your email setup better.

FAQ

How do I find my SMTP server name? Open Outlook, go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings. Select your email account, click Change, then More Settings, and finally the Advanced tab. Your SMTP server name will be listed there.

What is the SMTP port number? The SMTP port number is typically found in the Advanced tab of your email account settings in Outlook. Common port numbers are 25, 465, 587, and 2525.

Why is my Outlook not sending emails? Incorrect SMTP settings are a common cause. Double-check your server name, port number, username, and password. Also, ensure your internet connection is stable and your firewall isn’t blocking the SMTP port.

What is the difference between SMTP and POP3/IMAP? SMTP is used for sending emails, while POP3 and IMAP are used for receiving emails. SMTP handles the outgoing mail server, while POP3 and IMAP handle the incoming mail server.