> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.mailchannels.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Setup Kerio Connect

> Configure Kerio Connect to relay outbound mail through MailChannels Outbound Filtering using smart host settings and SMTP authentication.

This guide walks you through configuring Kerio Connect to relay all outbound mail through MailChannels Outbound Filtering.

## Prerequisites

* Access to the Kerio Administration interface
* Your MailChannels SMTP username and password
* SMTP installed and configured on your Kerio Connect system — see the [GFI/Kerio Connect documentation](https://manuals.gfi.com/en/kerio/connect/content/server-configuration/) if not already set up

## Configure the relay

<Steps>
  <Step title="Enable authenticated relay">
    In the Kerio Administration interface, select **Configuration** > **SMTP** to open the main configuration screen.

    Select the **Relay Control** tab. If not already set, check **Allow relay only for:** and then check **Users authenticated through SMTP for outgoing mail**.

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/mailchannelscorporation/qgJx36-4nVXYStTm/images/setting-up-for-kerio-connect/kerioRelayControlTab.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=qgJx36-4nVXYStTm&q=85&s=9d9689d50d5c51299b709dc675271453" alt="Relay Control tab" width="713" height="419" data-path="images/setting-up-for-kerio-connect/kerioRelayControlTab.png" />
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure SMTP delivery options">
    Select the **SMTP Delivery** tab.

    Under **SMTP client options**, uncheck **Use SSL/TLS if supported by remote SMTP server** if it is checked. MailChannels uses opportunistic TLS outbound after content scanning, so this setting is not needed on the client side.

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/mailchannelscorporation/qgJx36-4nVXYStTm/images/setting-up-for-kerio-connect/kerioSMTPDeliveryTab.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=qgJx36-4nVXYStTm&q=85&s=7f9d2de02369a2fe963a60c5c7a1d253" alt="SMTP Delivery tab" width="627" height="425" data-path="images/setting-up-for-kerio-connect/kerioSMTPDeliveryTab.png" />

    <Note>
      Do not remove the default profile from the **SMTP delivery** list. Move it to the last position after adding your MailChannels relay, so it acts as a last-resort destination.
    </Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add the MailChannels SMTP relay">
    Click **Add** to create a new SMTP relay item and enter the following values:

    | Field                                    | Value                                                   |
    | ---------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------- |
    | **Description**                          | `MailChannels Outbound Filtering`                       |
    | **Condition**                            | Always use this relay server                            |
    | **Relay server hostname**                | `smtp.mailchannels.net`                                 |
    | **Relay server port**                    | `25` (or `2525`, `465`, or `587` if port 25 is blocked) |
    | **Relay server requires authentication** | Checked                                                 |
    | **User**                                 | Your MailChannels SMTP username                         |
    | **Password**                             | Your MailChannels SMTP password                         |
    | **Authentication**                       | SMTP AUTH Command                                       |
    | **Enable rule**                          | Checked                                                 |

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/mailchannelscorporation/qgJx36-4nVXYStTm/images/setting-up-for-kerio-connect/kerioSMTPHostPort.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=qgJx36-4nVXYStTm&q=85&s=e872a9fa0985356eb9028616eb57f3bf" alt="SMTP relay configuration" width="664" height="434" data-path="images/setting-up-for-kerio-connect/kerioSMTPHostPort.png" />

    Click **OK** to save. Select your new relay item and use the arrows to move it to the top of the list so it is evaluated before the default settings.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Troubleshooting

**Alternate SMTP ports** — If port 25 is blocked, configure the relay to use port `2525`, `465`, or `587` instead.

**Excluding a domain or sender from the relay** — Add a new SMTP relay item with the exclusion condition and place it *above* any rule that uses **Always use this relay server**. Kerio Connect evaluates rules in order and stops at the first match.