How to Configure the Nextcloud Email Server (SMTP)

Nextcloud 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.
2. In Nextcloud, set your own email address under Personal settings first. The test message goes there.
3. Click your avatar, open Administration settings and choose Basic settings. Scroll to Email server.
4. Set Send mode to SMTP and Encryption to None/STARTTLS.
5. Enter the From address (local part and domain, for example cloud @ yourdomain.com), Server address smtp.bulko.io and port 587.
6. Tick Authentication required, enter the SMTP Login and SMTP Password under Credentials, and click Save.
7. Click Send email to send a test message to your personal address.

config/config.php (alternative to the UI)

<?php
// config/config.php (excerpt)
$CONFIG = array (
  // ...
  'mail_smtpmode' => 'smtp',
  'mail_smtphost' => 'smtp.bulko.io',
  'mail_smtpport' => 587,
  'mail_smtpsecure' => '',          // '' = None/STARTTLS, 'ssl' = SSL on port 465
  'mail_smtpauth' => true,
  'mail_smtpname' => 'smtp_xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx',
  'mail_smtppassword' => 'YOUR_BULKO_SMTP_PASSWORD',
  'mail_from_address' => 'cloud',   // local part, before the @
  'mail_domain' => 'yourdomain.com',
  // ...
);

Send a test email

The Send email button in the Email server section sends a test message to the address on your Personal settings page. Nextcloud shows a confirmation when the relay accepts the message, or the SMTP error text if it does not.

For a real-world check, use the password reset link on the login page for a test user, or share a file with an email recipient. If something fails, look at Administration settings -> Logging or data/nextcloud.log.

Troubleshooting

FAQ

Can I force STARTTLS in Nextcloud?

No. Since Nextcloud 26 STARTTLS cannot be enforced; with None/STARTTLS it is used automatically when the server offers it, which Bulko does on 587 and 2525. For a mandatory encrypted connection choose SSL with port 465.

Where are the Nextcloud mail settings stored?

In config/config.php as mail_smtpmode, mail_smtphost, mail_smtpport, mail_smtpsecure, mail_smtpauth, mail_smtpname, mail_smtppassword, mail_from_address and mail_domain.

What emails does Nextcloud send?

Password resets, new account welcome emails, share notifications, activity digests and app notifications. Volumes are usually small.

How much does it cost?

Bulko SMTP is a one-time package: $5 for 5,000 emails, $15 for 20,000, $30 for 50,000 or $60 for 150,000, with no subscription and no expiry.

Can the Nextcloud Mail app use Bulko?

Only for sending. The Mail app also needs IMAP for an inbox, and Bulko SMTP has no IMAP or mailbox.

Is there a daily limit?

Yes, 2,000 emails per day per SMTP account by default. Write to [email protected] if a large instance needs more.