diff --git a/.env.example b/.env.example
index 70158ddc2..fcb857751 100644
--- a/.env.example
+++ b/.env.example
@@ -67,6 +67,7 @@ MAIL_PASSWORD=null
 MAIL_ENCRYPTION=null
 MAIL_FROM_ADDRESS="pixelfed@example.com"
 MAIL_FROM_NAME="Pixelfed"
+MAIL_AUTO_TLS=true  # STARTTLS (false to bypass)
 
 ## S3 Configuration (Post-Installer)
 PF_ENABLE_CLOUD=false