In recent years, Google has fundamentally changed how email delivery via SMTP works. Devices like hunting cameras, DVRs, and printers that worked flawlessly before are now unreliable—or completely non-functional.
This article explains what changed and why a VPS-based solution is now the most stable and future-proof approach.
What Google Changed
1. Removal of Basic Authentication
- Username + password authentication is no longer supported
- “Less Secure Apps” access has been completely removed
Now only supported:
- OAuth2 (not supported by most cameras)
- App Passwords (limited and unreliable)
2. SMTP-Level Rejection
Previously, emails would land in spam. Now:
- Emails are rejected outright
- Common errors:
550or5.7.x
3. Mandatory DNS Authentication
Proper delivery now requires:
- SPF
- DKIM
- DMARC
4. Restrictions on IoT Devices
Hunting cameras typically:
- lack modern protocol support
- send incomplete or incorrect headers
- fail modern security checks
Why Cameras No Longer Work with Gmail Directly
- No OAuth2 support
- TLS compatibility issues
- Large attachments (images)
- No proper domain authentication
Conclusion: This is not a configuration issue—it’s a fundamental limitation.
The Modern Solution: VPS Relay Server
Camera → SMTP (VPS) → Gmail
Why This Solution Is Superior
✔ Full Compatibility
Works with any camera, old or new.
✔ Full Control
On the VPS you configure:
- SPF
- DKIM
- DMARC
✔ Avoids Google Restrictions
The camera no longer communicates directly with Gmail.
✔ Scalability
- Multiple devices
- High volume image delivery
✔ Long-Term Stability
No reliance on temporary workarounds like App Passwords.
Problems Solved
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Email rejected | Proper DNS authentication |
| Device incompatibility | VPS relay |
| Gmail limits | Own mail server |
| Instability | Full control over delivery |
Conclusion
Google’s changes are not temporary—they define the new standard for email security.
Legacy devices can no longer reliably send emails directly through Gmail.
A VPS-based relay solution is the only stable approach in 2026.
Final Recommendation
If you use hunting cameras or similar IoT devices:
- migrating to a VPS solution is essential
- it improves deliverability
- it eliminates blocking issues
Don’t adapt cameras to Gmail. Adapt your infrastructure.