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Using SendGrid with GoHighLevel

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Using SendGrid with GoHighLevel SMTP

If you manage multiple workspaces in tools like ClickUp and want reliable email automation, integrating SendGrid with GoHighLevel is an essential step. This guide walks you through connecting SendGrid as your SMTP provider so your marketing, transactional, and automation emails send from your domains with better deliverability.

The process is handled inside your SendGrid account and your GoHighLevel agency or sub-account, and it only takes a few minutes when you follow the steps in order.

What you need before setting up GoHighLevel SMTP

Before you connect SendGrid to GoHighLevel, make sure you have these prerequisites ready:

  • An active SendGrid account with access to Settings.
  • At least one verified sending domain in SendGrid (recommended).
  • Admin or agency-level access in GoHighLevel.
  • DNS access (for domain authentication in SendGrid).

Having these items prepared will help you complete the GoHighLevel SMTP configuration without interruptions.

Step 1: Configure your domain in SendGrid

The first step happens entirely inside SendGrid and is required to send emails through GoHighLevel using your own domain.

  1. Log in to your SendGrid account.

  2. In the left navigation, go to Settings.

  3. Click Sender Authentication.

  4. Under Domain Authentication, choose to authenticate your domain.

  5. Follow the guided wizard to add the DNS records provided by SendGrid to your domain host.

  6. Return to SendGrid and click to verify once your DNS records have propagated.

Domain authentication is strongly recommended before using SendGrid as the SMTP provider for GoHighLevel, as it improves inbox placement and reduces the chance of emails landing in spam.

Step 2: Create an API key in SendGrid for GoHighLevel

GoHighLevel connects to SendGrid using a secure API key instead of a username and password. Create a dedicated key that you will paste into your GoHighLevel settings.

  1. While still in SendGrid, go again to Settings.

  2. Click API Keys.

  3. Select Create API Key.

  4. Give the key a clear name, such as GoHighLevel SMTP, for easy identification.

  5. Set permissions to at least what is required for sending emails (usually Full Access or Restricted Access with Mail Send enabled).

  6. Click Create & View to generate the key.

  7. Copy the API key immediately and store it safely. You will need it for GoHighLevel and will not be able to view it again later.

Keep this tab open or save the key temporarily in a secure notes tool until you complete the GoHighLevel configuration.

Step 3: Add SendGrid as SMTP in GoHighLevel

Now that your domain is authenticated and you have an API key, you can connect SendGrid inside your GoHighLevel account.

Open GoHighLevel SMTP settings

  1. Log in to your GoHighLevel agency or sub-account.

  2. Navigate to Settings from the left sidebar.

  3. Click on the SMTP & Mail (or similar email services) section.

The exact wording of the menu can vary slightly by account, but you are looking for the place where you define SMTP or email service providers in GoHighLevel.

Enter SendGrid SMTP details in GoHighLevel

In the SMTP configuration screen, choose SendGrid as your provider and enter the necessary credentials:

  • Provider: Select SendGrid if listed, or choose custom SMTP if required.
  • API Key: Paste the SendGrid API key you created.
  • From Email: Use an email address from your authenticated domain (for example, noreply@yourdomain.com).
  • From Name: Enter the name you want recipients to see (brand or company name).
  • Reply-To: Optionally specify a separate reply-to address.

Double-check that the From Email matches a domain that has been authenticated in SendGrid for the best results when sending through GoHighLevel.

Step 4: Test your SendGrid connection in GoHighLevel

After saving your settings, you should test the connection directly from GoHighLevel.

  1. Click the Test or Send Test Email button inside the SMTP configuration area.

  2. Enter an email address you can access (for example, your work inbox).

  3. Send the test and wait for it to arrive.

If the test email arrives successfully, your GoHighLevel and SendGrid integration is working. If not, review your API key, domain authentication, and From Email settings.

Managing email sending after GoHighLevel integration

Once SendGrid is active as your SMTP provider, all outgoing emails from that GoHighLevel account will route through SendGrid, including:

  • Campaign broadcasts.
  • Automation and workflow emails.
  • One-off emails from conversations.
  • System or notification emails configured to use SMTP.

Monitor your SendGrid dashboard regularly to track delivery metrics and maintain a healthy sending reputation for your GoHighLevel automations.

Deliverability tips for GoHighLevel and SendGrid

  • Warm up new domains gradually by sending small volumes first.
  • Use authenticated domains only and avoid free mailbox providers as From Emails.
  • Maintain clean lists by removing invalid or bounced contacts.
  • Stay compliant with anti-spam regulations in all GoHighLevel campaigns.

Troubleshooting common GoHighLevel SMTP issues

If you run into problems while connecting SendGrid to GoHighLevel, start with these checks:

  • Invalid API key: Ensure there are no extra spaces when pasting the key and that it has mail send permissions enabled.
  • Unverified domain: Confirm your domain is authenticated inside SendGrid and DNS records are fully propagated.
  • From Email mismatch: Use a From Email address that matches an authenticated domain to prevent rejections.
  • Sending limits: Verify your SendGrid plan has not hit rate or volume limits that could impact GoHighLevel sending.

If the problem persists, compare your setup with the official instructions in the original SendGrid and GoHighLevel article and update any mismatched settings.

Official SendGrid and GoHighLevel documentation

For reference, you can review the original provider-specific steps in the official documentation here: Using SendGrid as the SMTP provider. This source outlines how GoHighLevel expects SendGrid to be configured and is useful if you suspect an account-level issue.

Next steps to optimize your GoHighLevel setup

After SendGrid is connected and working, you can focus on building higher-converting automations, funnels, and campaigns inside GoHighLevel. To get strategic help implementing CRM, automations, and email marketing best practices, you can explore expert resources at Consultevo.

By following the steps above and carefully authenticating your domains, creating a secure API key, and configuring SMTP correctly, you ensure that GoHighLevel and SendGrid work together for stable, trackable, and scalable email delivery across all of your pipelines and automations.

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