GMAIL "SMTP Error: Could not authenticate"

oh, here’s some extra info:

The SMTP debugging output is shown below:
SMTP -> get_lines(): $data was “”

SMTP -> get_lines(): $str is “”

SMTP -> get_lines(): $data is “”

SMTP -> get_lines(): timed-out (10 seconds)
SMTP -> FROM SERVER:

SMTP -> get_lines(): $data was “”

SMTP -> get_lines(): $str is “”

SMTP -> get_lines(): $data is “”

SMTP -> FROM SERVER:

SMTP -> ERROR: EHLO not accepted from server:

SMTP -> FROM SERVER:

SMTP -> ERROR: HELO not accepted from server:

SMTP -> ERROR: AUTH not accepted from server:

SMTP -> NOTICE:
EOF caught while checking if connected

You can try this: https://support.google.com/mail/answer/14257?p=client_login&rd=1

I was able to get it to work, using a Gmail account. Here are the relevant settings:

Mailer: Send all WordPress emails via SMTP.
SMTP Host: smtp.gmail.com
SMTP Port: 587
Encryption: Use TLS encryption.
Authentication: Yes: Use SMTP authentication.
Username: [your – entire – Gmail or Google Apps email address]
Password: [your password for your Gmail or Google Apps email account]

Do we need to make any change in MX entry?
I cant connect using neither 465 nor 587. I tried all possible options.

Still it says
Boolean (false) &
“SMTP Error: Could not authenticate”

Any solution? Can you give me a detailed view.
I am using [email protected]…. not [email protected]. i.e gmail account itself

Thanks

Some hosts do not allow outbound connections on 587. I blogged about how to test it: https://www.mcbsys.com/techblog/2014/12/testing-an-outbound-port-from-your-web-host/.

“SMTP Error: Could not authenticate” is not a connectivity issue. He’s already connected.

Jason, I was responding to the ajaysolskjaer’s statement, “I cant connect using neither 465 nor 587.” But you’re right, the actual error message indicates it’s not a connection issue but an authentication issue.

I also had problem with authentication with my gmail and the reason was gmail wanted phone number because “We’ve detected unusual activity on your account. To sign in, please follow the instructions below. Provide a phone number to continue. We’ll send a verification code you can use to sign in.”. Unusual activity was sending mails from wordpress.

I get the same error. I’m using a Google Apps account and I have tried every combination. I even tried to go back to gmail and log in using the creds I was inserting to make sure I was using correct ones or they hadn’t expired or something.
Nothing works.
Any ideas?

I also tried a non-google-apps regular gmail account and got the same results. It does not allow this to work.

Same error at bottom each time:
SMTP -> ERROR: Failed to connect to server: Connection refused (111)
I have verified all settings and double checked credentials.

Help! ??

I tried everything too. Finally switched to free Mandrill. Problem solved.

I have Mailchimp but don’t understand Mandrill at all… ??

Try this: https://support.google.com/mail/answer/78754

I did this and it seems to be working now:
If you’re still having problems, visit https://www.google.com/accounts/DisplayUnlockCaptcha and sign in with your Gmail username and password. If necessary, enter the letters in the distorted picture.

If not try going through the entire list, that should solve your issue, hopefully. ??

Google has been increasing their security. Access Gmail with OAuth 2.0 or you’re going have to jump through hoops like @elvinong pointed out; application-specific passwords, two-factor authentication, Captcha, and enabling less secure apps as an account setting

Chris so read about it ?? Mandrill is really good way of sending emails from your website. Much better solution than fight with regular email such as gmail …

Peter, it’s worked flawlessly so far and I think I can stay under the 12,000 limit on the free plan :). And they have a plugin.