How to Configure SMTP in Ghost (Self-Hosted)

Ghost SMTP settings

Step-by-step setup

1. Buy an SMTP package on the Bulko SMTP Relay page and copy the username and password from Dashboard -> SMTP Access (they are also emailed to you after payment).
2. On your Ghost server, open the install directory (often /var/www/ghost) and edit config.production.json.
3. Add or replace the mail object with the example below. Keep from at the mail level, not inside options.
4. Use port 587 with "secure": false: Nodemailer (the library Ghost uses) upgrades the connection with STARTTLS. If you prefer port 465, set "secure": true.
5. If you run Ghost in Docker, set the same values as environment variables with double underscores, for example mail__transport=SMTP, mail__options__host=smtp.bulko.io, mail__options__port=587, mail__options__auth__user=....
6. Run ghost restart (or restart the container) so Ghost reloads the config.
7. Optional: verify your sending domain in Bulko (DKIM selector bk1 and a bnc. return-path CNAME) so SPF, DKIM and DMARC align for your From domain.

config.production.json (mail section)

{
  "mail": {
    "from": "'Your Site' <[email protected]>",
    "transport": "SMTP",
    "options": {
      "host": "smtp.bulko.io",
      "port": 587,
      "secure": false,
      "auth": {
        "user": "smtp_xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx",
        "pass": "YOUR_BULKO_SMTP_PASSWORD"
      }
    }
  }
}

Send a test email

The quickest test is a staff invite: in Ghost Admin open Settings -> Staff, invite a user with an address you can read, and check that the invitation arrives. You can also sign out and use the password reset link on the login screen, or sign up as a member through Portal to trigger a magic login link.

If nothing arrives, run ghost log (or docker logs) and look for the SMTP response. A connection timeout usually means your host blocks the port; a 535 line means the credentials are wrong.

Troubleshooting

FAQ

Can Ghost send newsletters through SMTP?

No. Ghost's docs state that Mailgun is required for bulk mail. A custom SMTP server in config.production.json handles transactional email such as staff invites, password resets and member login links.

Which port should I use for Ghost SMTP?

Port 587 with "secure": false is the usual choice. Use 465 with "secure": true for implicit TLS, or 2525 with "secure": false if your host blocks the standard ports.

Where does the From address come from?

Ghost uses mail.from as the default sender. You can add a display name, for example 'Acme Support' <[email protected]>. The address must be on a domain you control.

Does this work on Ghost(Pro)?

No. The mail block in config.production.json applies to self-hosted Ghost. Ghost(Pro) handles email delivery itself.

How much does Bulko SMTP cost?

Packages are one-time payments: $5 for 5,000 emails, $15 for 20,000, $30 for 50,000 or $60 for 150,000. Unused emails do not expire, and the default limit is 2,000 emails per day.

Can Ghost receive replies through Bulko?

No. Bulko SMTP is outgoing only and has no inbox or IMAP. Replies go to the From or Reply-To mailbox you set.