# Sending Mail (SMTP) with Your Virtual Machine Source: https://docs.quake.ai/docs/operate/configuration/smtp Markdown: https://docs.quake.ai/docs/operate/configuration/smtp.md --- # Sending mail (SMTP) with your virtual machine By default, **SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is blocked** on all virtual machines in the Quake AI environment. This policy helps to prevent email abuse. Quake AI is committed to maintaining a secure and reliable platform for all users. **Sending spam is strictly prohibited and may result in the suspension or termination of your account.** Unsolicited mass emails and spam violate our terms of service and undermine the trust and integrity of our community. If you need to send emails from your VM using SMTP, you can request access by opening a support ticket. Please follow the steps below to make sure your request is processed as soon as possible. Note that if you are sending mass emails (that is, mailing lists), please refer to our compliance section below. --- ## Step-by-step: requesting SMTP access To enable SMTP for your virtual machine, you’ll need to open a support ticket at [{SUPPORT_URL}]({SUPPORT_URL}) and include the following information: * Virtual Machine Details * **Name or ID of the VM** you want to use for sending SMTP traffic. * IP Address * The **public IP address** that your VM will use to send email. * PTR Record (Optional) * Do you want us to create a **PTR (reverse DNS) record** for your IP address? * If **Yes**, include the **domain name** that the PTR record should point to. * If **No**, you can skip this part. --- ## Example support ticket Here’s a sample you can copy and customize: > **Subject:** Request to Enable SMTP for Virtual Machine > > **VM Name/ID:** `vm-prod-001` > **Public IP Address:** `123.123.123.123` > **PTR Record:** Yes > **PTR Domain Name:** `mail.example.com` --- ## Important notes - SMTP access is granted on a **case-by-case basis** to prevent spam and misuse. - Make sure your DNS settings match your PTR records for best deliverability. - Allow up to 24–48 hours for the support team to process your request. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our support team. We're here to help! --- # Compliance guidelines for mass email sending ## Compliance with email regulations When sending mass emails, your communications must comply with all applicable laws, rules, and industry standards. This includes, but is not limited to, the following requirements: - **Opt-In Consent:** Only send emails to recipients who have explicitly opted in to receive communications from you. - **Clear Unsubscribe Mechanism:** Every mass email must include a prominent option for unsubscribing. Recipients should be able to opt out and without barriers. - **Accurate Sender Information:** Verify your contact details and sender information are accurate and match the expectations set with your subscribers. **Failure to adhere to appropriate guidelines and requirements may result in the suspension or termination of your account.** ## Best practices for sending mass emails Following these best practices helps you maintain a healthy sender reputation and ensures your messages reach the intended audience: - **Collect Explicit Permission:** Build your mailing list with users who have given their consent. Avoid purchasing or using third-party lists. - **Segment Your Audience:** Organize your recipients based on interests, behavior, or demographics to deliver more relevant content. - **Monitor Engagement Metrics:** Monitor your bounce rates, open rates, click-through rates, and unsubscribe rates to gauge the performance of your campaigns. - **Maintain an Up-to-Date Mailing List:** Regularly remove inactive or bounced email addresses from your list. - **Use a Consistent Sending Schedule:** Establish a regular cadence for your emails to avoid overwhelming your recipients. - **Ensure Proper Authentication:** Use SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records to improve your email delivery rates and protect against spoofing. ## General mass mailing requirements and additional resources Below are a couple of resources that provide a broad look at the requirements for mass mailing including best practices for sending mass emails: - **Google Bulk Sender Guidelines:** [Google's Email sender guidelines FAQ](https://support.google.com/a/answer/14229414?sjid=17875330264486995749-NA) - **Yahoo Mass Email Guidelines:** [Yahoo's Sender Requirements & Recommendations](https://senders.yahooinc.com/best-practices/) Adhering to these guidelines not only helps you meet regulatory requirements but also builds trust with your recipients. ## Conclusion We appreciate your efforts in following these guidelines and best practices. By ensuring that your mass email campaigns are compliant and respectful of recipient preferences, you contribute to a positive and secure email ecosystem. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our support team.