Gitea has mailer functionality for sending transactional emails (such as registration confirmation). It can be configured to either use Sendmail (or compatible MTAs like Postfix and msmtp) or directly use SMTP server.
Note: For use in the official Gitea Docker image, please configure with the SMTP version (see the following section).
Note: For Internet-facing sites consult documentation of your MTA for instructions to send emails over TLS. Also set up SPF, DMARC, and DKIM DNS records to make emails sent be accepted as legitimate by various email providers.
Please note: authentication is only supported when the SMTP server communication is encrypted with TLS or `HOST=localhost`. TLS encryption can be through:
- STARTTLS (also known as Opportunistic TLS) via port 587. Initial connection is done over cleartext, but then be upgraded over TLS if the server supports it.
- SMTPS connection (SMTP over TLS) via the default port 465. Connection to the server use TLS from the beginning.
This feature is currently only available for select Proton for Business customers and those with Visionary and Family plans with custom domain addresses. See [ProtonMail's SMTP documentation](https://proton.me/support/smtp-submission) for more information. This limitation can be circumvented by using the ProtonMail Bridge application.
Note that emails sent using SMTP are not [end-to-end encrypted](https://proton.me/support/proton-mail-encryption-explained). However, they’re still stored with zero-access encryption like any other emails in your Proton Mail inbox.
The following configuration should work with ProtonMail's SMTP server:
1. In your browser (or desktop application), sign in to your Proton Mail account and select **Settings → All settings → Proton Mail → IMAP/SMTP → SMTP tokens**.
2. Click **Generate token**.
3. Enter the following details to create a new SMTP token:
- **Token name**: Select a name for your token. This is for your reference only and does not affect the token's functionality.
- **Email address**: Select one of your active custom domain addresses to pair with your token. Copy this email address and use it for the `FROM` and `USER` configuration in `app.ini`.
4. Click **Generate**.
5. Enter your Proton Mail Account password.
Your SMTP username and SMTP token (password) will be generated. You can now enter them as the `USER` and `PASSWD` in your `app.ini` configuration.
```ini title="app.ini"
[mailer]
ENABLED = true
FROM = example.user@customdomain.tld
PROTOCOL = smtp+starttls
SMTP_ADDR = smtp.protonmail.ch
SMTP_PORT = 587
USER = example.user@customdomain.tld
PASSWD = `TOKEN`
```
After closing the popup, you will not be able to see this SMTP token (password) again for security reasons. You can always generate more tokens if you need to rotate passwords.
Note: Your Proton Mail login or mailbox passwords will not work with SMTP
