How to Set Up Brevo SMTP on Linux, Windows and WordPress

Brevo is a popular SMTP relay option for VPS users because it offers a generous free sending allowance and works well with websites, apps, and WordPress installations hosted on a VM6 Networks UK VPS.

Brevo SMTP Details

• SMTP host: smtp-relay.brevo.com
• Port: 587 for TLS or 465 for SSL
• Username: Your Brevo SMTP login
• Password: Your Brevo SMTP key

Install Brevo SMTP on Linux

sudo apt update
sudo apt install postfix libsasl2-modules mailutils -y

Edit the Postfix configuration:

sudo nano /etc/postfix/main.cf

Add or update:

relayhost = [smtp-relay.brevo.com]:587
smtp_sasl_auth_enable = yes
smtp_sasl_password_maps = hash:/etc/postfix/sasl_passwd
smtp_sasl_security_options = noanonymous
smtp_tls_security_level = encrypt
smtp_use_tls = yes

Create the SMTP password file:

sudo nano /etc/postfix/sasl_passwd

[smtp-relay.brevo.com]:587 YOUR_BREVO_USERNAME:YOUR_BREVO_SMTP_KEY

sudo postmap /etc/postfix/sasl_passwd
sudo chmod 600 /etc/postfix/sasl_passwd /etc/postfix/sasl_passwd.db
sudo systemctl restart postfix

Install Brevo SMTP on Windows Server

1. Install an SMTP-capable application such as hMailServer or configure your application directly.
2. Set SMTP host to smtp-relay.brevo.com.
3. Use port 587 with TLS enabled.
4. Enter your Brevo SMTP username and SMTP key.
5. Send a test email.

Configure Brevo SMTP in WordPress

1. Install the WP Mail SMTP plugin.
2. Select Other SMTP.
3. SMTP host: smtp-relay.brevo.com
4. Encryption: TLS
5. Port: 587
6. Authentication: enabled
7. Enter your Brevo SMTP username and SMTP key.
8. Save and send a test email.

Final Tip

Add Brevo’s SPF and DKIM records to your DNS zone before sending production email. This helps prevent WordPress emails from landing in spam.