> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.yaycommerce.com/yaysmtp/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.yaycommerce.com/yaysmtp/how-to-set-up-smtps/how-to-connect-sendgrid.md).

# How to Connect SendGrid

In other to get started with this, you need to first create a free account plan with SendGrid and verify your account by following their instructions, you can get started by clicking [here](https://signup.sendgrid.com/).

Then, log in to your account and follow these 3 steps to complete the SMTP connection:

1. Add and authenticate your domain name
2. Verify your DNS records
3. Create, copy and integrate SendGrid's API

**Add and authenticate your domain name**

To get started on authentication, in SendGrid’s left menu go to **Settings > Sender Authentication** or [follow this link](https://app.sendgrid.com/settings/sender_auth).

![](/files/-MO0_-QN2K5WOU2XqGmo)

On the first authentication setup page, you’ll need to answer 2 questions:

* **Which Domain Name Server (DNS) host do you use?** Choose your DNS provider from the list or choose Other Host (if yours is not listed).
* **Would you also like to brand the links for this domain?** select **Yes**, so that all links in your Emails would be branded with your own domain.

Then, click **Next** and add your **domain** name.

![](/files/-MO0VvRP_FtXMAZxI3JC)

Click on **Advanced Settings,** then uncheck **Use automated security,** check **Use custom return path,** then add a subdomain in the **Return Path** field.

![](/files/-MO0ZFul3mik9DgVUgzH)

**Verify your DNS records**

Click **Next** to see the 3 DNS text records, we recommend contacting your hosting support for guidance on how to add these 3 records to your hosting and don't worry, the process is quite easy.

![](/files/-MO0aq826zip-GXiD9mD)

Note that some hosting could take up to 24 hours for new records to take effect, but when it's done, go back to SendGrid and  check the box labeled **I have added these records,** then click **Verify** button. If the verification does not show a success message it means the record is still propagating, just check back later, but if all goes well, then you'll see the success message.

![](/files/-MO0_F5mXSzsbUSPN3pA)

**Create, copy and integrate SendGrid's API**

This is the **last process** which is quite easy because we will connect SendGrid by using the available API and a direct link to this API page is available next to the API's field or just [click here](https://app.sendgrid.com/settings/api_keys) to visit the page. You could either create a new key there in 2 clicks or just copy the existing key you see.

![A Gif image showing how to connect SendGrid API to YaySMTP](/files/-MO0ggp1J_W7OvhR1scS)

**Note:** 

The SendGrid mailer will not be able to work on your site until you’ve completed these three processes involved in the settings.