Here’s a clear, practical guide to PrestaShop Email Configuration, from basic setup to common troubleshooting.
1. Where to configure email in PrestaShop
In your Back Office:
Advanced Parameters → E-mail
This is where all outgoing store emails (order confirmations, password resets, contact form, etc.) are configured.
2. Choose the email sending method
You’ll see two main options:
Option A: PHP mail() (simplest)
Uses your server’s built-in mail function
No login details required
Pros
Easy to set up
Works on many shared hostings
Cons
Emails often land in spam
Less reliable
No authentication
Use only for testing, not recommended for production stores.
Option B: Send mail via SMTP (recommended)
This is the best and most reliable method.
You’ll need SMTP details from:
Your hosting provider
Or an email service (Gmail, Outlook, Zoho, Mailgun, etc.)
Typical SMTP fields:
Mail server: smtp.yourdomain.com
Port:
587 (TLS – recommended)
465 (SSL)
Encryption: TLS or SSL
Username: full email address
Password: email password (or app password)
Domain: usually auto-filled
3. Example SMTP settings
Hosting email (common)
Mail server: mail.yourdomain.com
Port: 587
Encryption: TLS
Username: shop@yourdomain.com
Password: ********
Gmail (not ideal for stores, but works)
Mail server: smtp.gmail.com
Port: 587
Encryption: TLS
Username: yourgmail@gmail.com
Password: App Password (not your Gmail password)
Gmail has daily limits and may block traffic on busy shops.
4. Set the “From” email properly
Go to:
Shop Parameters → Contact → Contacts
Make sure:
Email address exists
Uses your domain (e.g. noreply@yourdomain.com)
Matches the SMTP account
Avoid:
@gmail.com with a different domain
Fake or non-existing emails
5. Test email sending
In Advanced Parameters → E-mail:
Use “Send a test email”
Check inbox and spam folder
If it fails, PrestaShop will usually show an error message.
6. Common problems & fixes
Emails go to spam
Use SMTP (not PHP mail)
Use domain-based email
Set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC on your domain
Emails not sending at all
Wrong SMTP port or encryption
Firewall blocking SMTP
Incorrect password
Hosting disables mail()
Contact form not sending
Check Shop Parameters → Contact
Ensure contact email exists
Test SMTP again
7. Best practices (important)
Always use SMTP
Use an email address on your own domain
Set SPF/DKIM/DMARC records
Avoid free email providers for stores
Use a transactional email service for large shops (Mailgun, SendGrid, etc.)