How to Setup AWS Simple Email Service: Complete Step by Step Guide
By Braincuber Team
Published on March 27, 2026
AWS Simple Email Service (SES) is a powerful and cost-effective cloud-based email platform that helps you send and receive emails quickly and easily. With SES, you don't have to worry about managing your mail server, and you can benefit from the scalability and reliability of Amazon's cloud infrastructure.
What You'll Learn:
- Understanding AWS SES and its benefits
- Verifying email addresses and domains
- Creating SMTP credentials for email sending
- Configuring email settings and security
- Best practices for email deliverability
- Integration with applications and services
Prerequisites
Before setting up AWS SES, you'll need:
AWS Account
Active AWS account with appropriate permissions
Email Address
Valid email address for verification and testing
Domain Access
Access to domain DNS settings (optional for domain verification)
How to Configure AWS SES
Step 1: Access AWS SES Console
First, login to your AWS Management Console account and search for Simple Email Service:
Navigate to AWS Console
Login to your AWS Management Console at console.aws.amazon.com
Search for SES
Type "Simple Email Service" in the search bar and select it
Select SES Service
Click on Amazon Simple Email Service from the results
SES Console Access
You'll be directed to the SES Console where you can manage your email service
Step 2: Verify Identities
To start sending emails, you'll need to create and verify an identity. This involves verifying the email address you would use to send emails:
Create Identity
Click "Create identity" to verify an email address or domain
Choose Identity Type
Select "Email address" option and enter your email
Configure Tags
Optional: Add tags for identity management
Create Identity
Click "Create identity" to complete the setup
Email Verification
Check your email inbox and click the verification link to complete the process
Identity Types
You can verify email addresses, domains, or subdomains based on your needs
Verification Status
Once verified, your email will appear in the verified identities list
How to Create SMTP Credentials
Step 3: Create SMTP Credentials
A Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) sends and receives messages through a mail server. Here's how to create credentials for accessing the SES mail server:
Access SMTP Settings
Navigate to your SES dashboard and click on "SMTP settings"
Create SMTP Credentials
Click "Create SMTP credentials" to generate login details
Configure IAM User
Choose to define an IAM username or use the default
Create IAM User
Click "Create" to generate the IAM user and SMTP credentials
Important: Download Credentials
The credentials are displayed only once - download them immediately!
Credentials Include:
- SMTP username and password
- Server name and port
- IAM username for reference
Security Note
Store your SMTP credentials securely and never share them publicly
Using AWS SES SMTP Credentials
Step 4: Configure Applications with SMTP Credentials
Now that you have your SMTP credentials, you can use them to connect your backend applications to the Amazon SES server:
SMTP Server Details
Use the provided server name (typically email-smtp.amazonaws.com)
Port Configuration
Use port 587 for TLS or 465 for SSL connections
Authentication
Use your SMTP username and password for authentication
Test Connection
Send a test email to verify your configuration works
Application Integration
Use these credentials in your email libraries, frameworks, or third-party applications
Best Practices and Tips
Important Considerations:
- Sandbox Mode: New AWS accounts start in sandbox mode with sending limits
- Production Access: Request production access to remove sending limits
- Domain Verification: Consider verifying your domain for better deliverability
- DKIM and SPF: Set up DNS records for improved email authentication
- Monitoring: Use Amazon CloudWatch to monitor email sending metrics
- Bounce Handling: Implement proper bounce and complaint handling
Start in Sandbox
New accounts are limited to verified email addresses only
Request Production Access
Submit a request to remove sending restrictions
Set Up DNS Records
Configure DKIM, SPF, and DMARC for better deliverability
Monitor Performance
Use AWS CloudWatch to track email metrics and bounces
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AWS Simple Email Service (SES)?
AWS SES is a cloud-based email platform that helps you send and receive emails reliably and cost-effectively. It provides the infrastructure for sending marketing, notification, and transactional emails without managing your own mail server.
How do I verify my email address in AWS SES?
Navigate to the SES console, click "Create identity", select "Email address", enter your email, and click the verification link sent to your inbox. The email will appear as verified in your identities list.
What are SMTP credentials and why do I need them?
SMTP credentials are login details that grant you access to the SES mail server. You need them to connect your applications, frameworks, or email clients to AWS SES for sending emails programmatically.
What is sandbox mode and how do I get out of it?
Sandbox mode restricts new AWS accounts to sending emails only to verified addresses. To exit sandbox mode, submit a production access request in the SES console with details about your email use case.
How can I improve email deliverability with AWS SES?
Improve deliverability by verifying your domain, setting up DKIM and SPF DNS records, maintaining low bounce rates, implementing proper bounce handling, and monitoring your sending reputation through CloudWatch metrics.
Ready to Transform Your Email Strategy?
AWS Simple Email Service provides the scalability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness you need for professional email communications. Start sending emails with confidence using Amazon's powerful email infrastructure.