How to Use Gmail or Google Workspace as Your Sparkforge SMTP Provider

By Sparkforge Support Team ·Last reviewed May 3, 2026

Sparkforge can send through Gmail or Google Workspace using SMTP credentials — turn on 2-step verification, generate an app-specific password, and add it under Settings → Email Services. SMTP is one mailbox at a time; for full inbox sync, use the dedicated Gmail integration instead.

Connecting Gmail or Google Workspace as an SMTP provider lets Sparkforge send email through a specific Google mailbox using SMTP authentication. It's not an inbox sync — if you need two-way email (sending and receiving) for the whole account, use the dedicated Gmail integration.

What this does and doesn't do

  • Does: routes outbound Sparkforge email through one Gmail or Workspace mailbox via SMTP.
  • Doesn't: connect your full Workspace domain for sending and receiving across the whole account.

Step 1: Turn on 2-step verification

You can't generate an app password without 2-step verification on the Google account.

  1. Go to google.com and click your profile icon.
  2. Click Manage your Google Account → Security.
  3. Under "Signing in to Google," turn on 2-Step Verification.

If 2-step verification is missing entirely, your Workspace admin has it disabled. They'll need to enable it under Admin → Security → Authentication → 2-Step Verification → Allow users to turn on 2-Step Verification.

Step 2: Generate an app-specific password

  1. From Manage your Google Account → Security, click App passwords. (Re-enter your Google password if prompted.)
  2. Type a name — "Sparkforge SMTP" works.
  3. Click Create.
  4. Copy the 16-character password Google shows you. You can't view it again after closing the dialog.

Step 3: Add the SMTP service in Sparkforge

  1. Pick the right scope: a sub-account for one location, or Agency View to apply across all locations.
  2. Open Settings → Email Services.
  3. Click Add Service in the top right.
  4. Pick Gmail from the provider dropdown.
  5. Enter the Gmail or Workspace login email.
  6. Paste the app password into the Password field.
  7. Click Save.

Reply behavior

Replies go to the address configured as the sender or reply-to. If you only have SMTP set up (no inbox sync), replies may not show up automatically in Sparkforge Conversations unless reply tracking is configured separately.

Sender address requirements

Google's SMTP expects the From address to match the authenticated mailbox. If they don't match, delivery can fail or recipients see a "sent via" disclaimer. The simplest fix is to send from the same address whose credentials you used.

Note for users in the Philippines

Use a VPN when connecting to Gmail SMTP — regional restrictions sometimes block the initial handshake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a specific email address if my company uses Workspace?
SMTP authentication is tied to one mailbox. Sparkforge needs the login email and app password for that single account to relay through Google's SMTP servers.
Why use an app-specific password instead of my regular Gmail password?
App passwords let third-party tools authenticate without exposing your main credentials, and they only work where you assign them. They're required when 2-step verification is on.
Can I use the same app password for multiple integrations?
Google recommends a separate app password per integration. Easier to revoke without breaking other tools.
What if 2-step verification doesn't show up in my Google settings?
Your Workspace admin has it turned off. Ask them to allow users to enable 2-Step Verification under Admin → Security → Authentication.
Will every email I send appear to come from this Gmail address?
Usually yes. Google expects the From address to match the authenticated mailbox — mismatches cause delivery failures or "sent via" disclaimers.

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