Installation & Quick StartCopy Anchor Link

Get up and running with NorthRelay in 5 minutes. This guide walks you through creating an account, obtaining credentials, and sending your first email.

PrerequisitesCopy Anchor Link

• An email address to create your NorthRelay account
• An application that sends email (WordPress, Node.js, Python, or any SMTP-capable tool)

Step 1: Create an AccountCopy Anchor Link

1. Go to northrelay.ca/signup
2. Enter your email address and create a password
3. Check your inbox for a 6-digit verification code
4. Enter the code on the verification page (code expires after 15 minutes)

Your account starts on the Free tier with 3,000 emails per month at no cost.

Step 2: Get Your SMTP CredentialsCopy Anchor Link

After logging in, navigate to Dashboard → API Keys and click Create API Key.

Your API key acts as both your API token and your SMTP password. Copy it immediately — it will not be shown again.

Step 3: Configure Your ApplicationCopy Anchor Link

Use the SMTP settings above in your application. We have detailed integration guides for popular platforms:

• Node.js (Nodemailer / SDK)
• Python (smtplib / SDK)
• WordPress (WP Mail SMTP)
• Generic SMTP Configuration

Step 4: Send a Test EmailCopy Anchor Link

You can send a test email using either SMTP or the REST API.

Option A: SMTP with swaksCopy Anchor Link

swaks --to recipient@example.com \
      --from you@yourdomain.com \
      --server smtp.north-pipe.ca:587 \
      --auth LOGIN \
      --auth-user your-email@example.com \
      --auth-password nr_live_xxxxxxxxxxxx \
      --tls \
      --header "Subject: NorthRelay Test" \
      --body "Hello from NorthRelay!"

Install swaks on Ubuntu/Debian with sudo apt install swaks, or on macOS with brew install swaks.

Option B: REST API with cURLCopy Anchor Link

curl -X POST https://app.northrelay.ca/api/v1/emails/send \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer nr_live_xxxxxxxxxxxx" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "from": "you@yourdomain.com",
    "to": "recipient@example.com",
    "subject": "NorthRelay Test",
    "text": "Hello from NorthRelay!"
  }'

Step 5: Verify DeliveryCopy Anchor Link

1. Go to Dashboard → Email Logs to see the status of your test email
2. Look for a delivered status — this confirms the email reached the recipient's mail server
3. Check the recipient's inbox (and spam folder) to confirm delivery

If the email shows a bounced or failed status, check the error message in the log entry for details.

SDK Installation (Optional)Copy Anchor Link

For a more integrated experience, install the NorthRelay SDK for your language:

# TypeScript / Node.js
npm install @northrelay/sdk

# Python
pip install northrelay

Plans and QuotasCopy Anchor Link

Upgrade anytime from Dashboard → Billing.

Next StepsCopy Anchor Link

• Send Your First Email — Detailed examples in multiple languages
• DNS Setup Guide — Configure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC for better deliverability
• SMTP Configuration — Deep dive into SMTP settings and TLS
• Sending Infrastructure — How NorthRelay delivers your mail from one protected IP