How Do I Configure the <mailSettings> Section in web.config to Send Email?

To send email from an ASP.NET website (such as a simple enquiry form), you must configure the <mailSettings> section inside your web.config file. This tells ASP.NET which SMTP server to use, along with your email login details.

Replace the example email address, SMTP hostname, and password with your own details.

<configuration>
  <system.net>
    <mailSettings>
      <smtp from="email@yourdomain.com">
        <network 
          host="mail.yourdomain.com" 
          port="25" 
          userName="email@yourdomain.com" 
          password="youremailpassword" />
      </smtp>
    </mailSettings>
  </system.net>
</configuration>
        

<configuration>
  <system.net>
    <mailSettings>
      <smtp from="email@yourdomain.com" deliveryMethod="Network">
        <network 
          host="mail.yourdomain.com" 
          port="587"
          enableSsl="true"
          userName="email@yourdomain.com"
          password="youremailpassword" />
      </smtp>
    </mailSettings>
  </system.net>
</configuration>
        

Important Notes

• email@yourdomain.com must be a real mailbox hosted on your domain.
• mail.yourdomain.com should be your actual SMTP hostname.
• Use port 587 + SSL/TLS whenever possible for best deliverability.
• Ensure your domain has correct SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records.

Once configured, you can send email using SmtpClient or any ASP.NET mail library.