diff --git a/.env.docker.example b/.env.docker.example
index f28a954d9..c3f521336 100644
--- a/.env.docker.example
+++ b/.env.docker.example
@@ -74,6 +74,7 @@ MAIL_PASSWORD="null"
 MAIL_ENCRYPTION="tls"
 MAIL_FROM_ADDRESS="pixelfed@yourdomain.com"
 MAIL_FROM_NAME="Pixelfed"
+MAIL_AUTO_TLS=true  # STARTTLS (false to bypass)
 
 # S3 Configuration (Optional)
 PF_ENABLE_CLOUD="false"