Emails generated from the Files.com platform are sent by no-reply@files.com by default. Customers on some plans can use a custom SMTP server for all outbound mail, allowing full control over the from address, and integration with email security and authentication standards such as DKIM and SPF.

Enabling Custom SMTP for your outbound email will remove some references to Files.com from the body of some emails. These references cannot be removed unless you use Custom SMTP, as they are required to comply with anti-spam laws such as the CAN-SPAM Act.

We recommend using an email delivery provider designed for high-volume application or SaaS email, such as Amazon SES, Twilio SendGrid, Sinch Mailgun, Azure Communication Service, Mailchimp, or Postmark. These providers also support domain authentication.

Avoid using mailbox-oriented services like Microsoft Exchange, Office 365 or Google Workspace, as they are optimized for end-user email rather than automated system messages. Using a dedicated email delivery service helps ensure reliable message delivery and prevents issues related to throttling, authentication limits, or mail server policy restrictions.

SMTP Settings

By default, your site will use the standard outbound SMTP, which uses the Files.com email service. If you instead enable the custom outbound SMTP, you must provide the information for connecting to your email service. All of the emails generated by Files.com will be sent using the settings you provide.

The Server address must be the fully qualified hostname of your SMTP server. If you wish to use a port other than the default of 25, enter that in the Server port.

The Authentication type refers to how you authenticate to your SMTP service. Valid options are none, plain, normal, or cram_md5. Your mail provider should tell you which option is appropriate for your service. If you select an option besides none for the authentication type, you must also provide the SMTP username and SMTP password that will be used for sending mail. Along with the required address that messages will be sent from, you can also provide a reply-to address.

Automatic Retries

Files.com will automatically retry sending emails through your Custom SMTP server if the server is unavailable or not accepting mail. Retries will continue for up to 4 days.

If you update your Custom SMTP credentials or switch to a different SMTP server, Files.com will use your new settings for subsequent retry attempts. This means you can switch between different mail services without losing critical messages.

Microsoft Exchange Online Is Not Compatible

Microsoft Exchange Online server, Office 365, or smtp.office365.com cannot be used as a custom SMTP server with your Files.com site. Microsoft does not permit authentication via the methods Files.com uses to connect.

For an alternative solution within the Microsoft ecosystem, Azure Communication Services can provide SMTP services for your Files.com site. You can also use other mail providers, such as Amazon SES, SendGrid, Mailgun, or Postmark.