> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.thedaotool.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.thedaotool.com/local-setup/mail-setup.md).

# Mail Setup

This section will help you set up email functionality in The DAO Tool — used to send notifications like bounty assignments, password resets, and email validation.

![MAIL SETUP](/files/ELwmo5RCQoKvWcdxPFAk)

We’ll be using **Gmail's SMTP service** to send emails securely.

## Step 1: Enable 2-Step Verification (if not already)

![2FA](/files/hkA9BrDW2sQB4EPlWNbu)

First, make sure 2-Step Verification is enabled on your Google account.\
You can enable it here: [myaccount.google.com/security](https://myaccount.google.com/security)

## Step 2: Create an App Password

![APPLICATION PASSWORD](/files/3IJxYuXX3l5YgXsGf5qd)

1. Go to your [Google App Passwords](https://myaccount.google.com/apppasswords) page.
2. Please provide a valid name for your application.
3. Click **Create**.\
   Google will give you a **16-character app password** (looks like `abcd efgh ijkl mnop`).

## Step 3: Add to `.env` File

Now open your `/server/.env` file and add the following:

```env
SMTP_USER=your-gmail-address@gmail.com
SMTP_PASS=your-16-character-app-password
```

{% hint style="warning" %}
Make sure your Gmail is a trusted sender (ideally not your personal account) for better deliverability on production.
{% endhint %}

That’s it! Your emails will now be sent using your Gmail account via secure SMTP.


---

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