Do I need my own SMTP to send email under my brand?

Yes. SMTP configuration is required. You connect your own SMTP provider (Gmail, Office 365, Zoho, Hostinger, GoDaddy, iCloud, cPanel, or any standard SMTP). If SMTP is not configured or misconfigured, the system shows an “Error sending email” message and the mail is not sent — BytePhase does not send mail on your behalf as a fallback.