When using Gmail as an SMTP server, the From address is wrong

Platform Notice: Cloud and Data Center - This article applies equally to both cloud and data center platforms.

Support for Server* products ended on February 15th 2024. If you are running a Server product, you can visit the Atlassian Server end of support announcement to review your migration options.

*Except Fisheye and Crucible

Summary

Problem

When using Gmail as an SMTP server, you may find that the "From" address doesn't use the address that is specified in the Mail Server configuration. For example, if you specify "no-reply@mycompany.com", you may see emails being sent as "someone@mycompany.com".

Diagnosis

This problem only occurs when using Gmail as your SMTP server to send emails.

Cause

Google will rewrite the "From" field if you do not own the email address being used. Google explains this in their knowledge base.

Solution

Resolution

You'll need to add an alias to the account Confluence is using to send email. This is particularly true if you're using an email account that doesn't exist. Alternatively, you can create a new service account specifically for Confluence to use.

Updated on April 8, 2025

Still need help?

The Atlassian Community is here for you.