pfSense: Configuration Email Notifications with GMAIL SMTP

Step 1: Generate an App Password in Google

1. Go to Google Account Security Settings (https://security.google.com/settings/security/apppasswords).
2. Type in pfSense (or your prefer name) as the custom name.
3. Click on Create.

4. Copy the generated app password. You will need this later in the setup process.

Step 2: Configure Email Notifications in pfSense

• Access the pfSense web interface.
• Navigate to: System > Advanced > Notifications.

Below is a pfSense email notification setting for Gmail SMPT:

• Email Server: smtp.gmail.com
• SMTP Port: 465
• Secure SMTP Connection: ✅ check Enable SMTP over SSl/TLS
• From e-mail address: <username>@gmail.com
• Notification E-Mail address: <username>@gmail.com
• Notification E-Mail auth username (optional): <username>@gmail.com
• Notification E-Mail auth password: the app password you generated earlier from Google's App Passwords page.
• Notification E-Mail auth mechanism: PLAIN

Step 3: Save and Test the Configuration

1. Scroll down and click SAVE at the bottom of the page.
   • Important: Ensure you save the configuration before testing. This step is crucial for the settings to take effect.
2. After saving, click Test SMTP Settings to verify that the email notifications are working correctly.

If everything is set up properly, you should receive a test email confirming that pfSense can successfully send notifications through Gmail.

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