How to send emails from Descope with SMTP

Configure Descope to send authentication emails through AutoSend SMTP.

Descope uses email for authentication flows like OTP verification, magic links, and password resets. By default, Descope uses its built-in email delivery, but you can configure it to use AutoSend SMTP for better deliverability and email tracking.

Prerequisites

Verified Domain

Make sure you have a verified domain added in AutoSend to send emails from.

API Key

Create a new API key for SMTP authentication or use the existing one.

Configuration

1. Open Descope Connectors

   1. Go to your Descope Console
   2. Navigate to Connectors in the sidebar.

   
2. Search SMTP Connector

   1. Search for SMTP
   2. Click the SMTP card to create a new SMTP connector.

   
3. Enter SMTP Credentials

   Fill in the following settings:

   Field	Value
   Connector Name	AutoSend (or your preferred name)
   Server Hostname	smtp.autosend.com
   SMTP Port	587
   Username	autosend
   Password	Your AutoSend API key (AS_xxx)
   Sender Address	[e-mail] (must match your verified domain)
   Sender Name	Your app name (e.g., “MyApp”)

   
4. Test Configuration

   Click the Test button to verify your SMTP configuration is working correctly. Check the Test Results panel for success or error details.

   
5. Save Connector

   Click Create to save your SMTP connector.

6. Use in Authentication Flows

   1. Navigate to Flows in Descope
   2. Select or create your authentication flow
   3. Add a connector action where email sending is needed
   4. Select your AutoSend SMTP connector
   5. Configure the email recipient (typically {{user.email}})

Dynamic Values

Descope supports dynamic values in sender fields using template syntax:

• Sender Address/Name: Use {{options_<value>}} format for dynamic sender configuration
• Recipient: Set the To field dynamically with {{user.email}}

Refer to Descope’s Dynamic Values documentation to learn how to set dynamic values when using messaging connectors.

Troubleshooting

Emails not being sent

• Verify your SMTP credentials are correct
• Check that your sender email domain is verified in AutoSend
• Ensure the sender address matches a verified domain
• Check Descope connector test results for specific errors

Authentication failed

• Double-check your API key is correct
• Ensure you’re using autosend as the username
• Verify your API key is active in the AutoSend dashboard

Connection errors

• Verify the hostname is smtp.autosend.com
• Try using port 465 with implicit TLS if port 587 fails
• Check if your network blocks outbound SMTP connections

Emails going to spam

• Ensure your domain has proper DNS records (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
• Use a professional sender name, not just “noreply”
• Check your domain reputation in AutoSend

Next Steps

Verify Your Domain

Set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC for better deliverability

Email Activity

Monitor your email delivery and engagement

Webhooks

Set up webhooks to track email events in real-time

SMTP Introduction

Learn more about AutoSend SMTP configuration