---
title: Configure email server
slug: cms-13/docs/configure-email-server
docTags: 
createdAt: 2026-07-30T20:22:02.890Z
---

Configure an email server so Optimizely Content Management System (CMS) can send notifications (for example, to editors working with projects or content approvals) and so [Forms](docId\:L0CAFfzw14MQ1z8mUiueF) can send emails from form submissions.

:::hint{type="info"}
**Note**
For Optimizely Digital Experience Platform (DXP) deployments, see [Configure the email server](https://docs.developers.optimizely.com/content-management-system/v13.0.0-CMS/docs//digital-experience-platform/v1.2.0-dxp-cloud-services/docs/configuring-the-email-server) for the DXP-specific procedure.
:::

## Before you begin

Have the following SMTP values ready:

- SMTP host
- SMTP port
- User name
- Password
- SSL requirement (`true` or `false`)
- Default from-address

## Configure the SMTP server

Specify an SMTP server endpoint that the site can reach and that sends emails from the configured from-address. The from-address acts as a fallback. Notifications, forms, and other features that use the .NET SMTP functionality can override it.

Configure settings in `appSettings.json`:

```json
{
  "EPiServer": {
    "CMS": {
      "Smtp": {
        "DeliveryMethod": "Network",
        "Network": {
          "Host": "smtp.example.com",
          "Port": "25",
          "UserName": "user name",
          "Password": "password",
          "UseSsl": "true/false"
        },
        "SpecifiedPickupDirectory": "Pickup directory to place email files in"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

## Default sender for notifications (optional)

Configure default sender settings for notifications. Specify an email address and display name for project, content approval, and similar editor notifications. A notification can override these defaults with a custom sender. When `NotificationEmailAddress` is empty, CMS falls back to the from-address on the SMTP settings in the previous section. When neither value is set, CMS cannot send notifications.

```json
{
  "EPiServer": {
    "Cms": {
      "Notification": {
        "NotificationEmailAddress": "System default email address for notification emails.",
        "NotificationEmailDisplayName": "System default sender name for notification emails. Default value is Optimizely."
      }
    }
  }
}
```