How to Fix WordPress Emails Not Sending Using SMTP

Hey there! If you’ve ever run a WordPress site, you know the struggle of trying to get emails to work properly. Whether it’s contact form notifications, password resets, or order confirmations, a website without reliable email functionality can be frustrating. And if you’re stuck with WordPress emails not sending, you’re probably feeling the heat.

Let me share a little secret—I’ve been there myself. When I first launched my WordPress site, I had the same issue. Emails weren’t reaching my inbox, and customers were left wondering if they’d made it through the checkout process. It was a mess!

But don’t worry! In this article, we’re going to dive into how to fix WordPress emails not sending using SMTP. By the end, you’ll have a solid solution that not only gets your emails working but also ensures that they land safely in your recipient’s inbox (instead of the dreaded spam folder).

Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

Why Are My WordPress Emails Not Sending?

Before jumping into the fix, let’s first understand why your emails might not be sending. WordPress typically uses the PHP mail function to send emails. However, this method can often be unreliable because:

• Web hosting limitations: Shared hosting servers often disable PHP mail to prevent abuse.
• Spam filters: Many email services block PHP emails as they’re commonly used for spam.
• SMTP server settings: Incorrect configuration can prevent your WordPress site from connecting to your email server.

In short, PHP mail is a bit of a wild card, and for consistent email delivery, SMTP is your go-to.

What is SMTP, and Why Does It Matter?

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is the standard protocol used to send emails over the internet. By using SMTP, your WordPress site will send emails through a reliable mail server (like Gmail, SendGrid, or your own hosting provider’s email service) instead of relying on the unpredictable PHP mail function.

So why does SMTP matter?

• Reliability: SMTP ensures your emails are delivered properly, reducing the chance of them ending up in the spam folder.
• Security: It allows you to send emails securely by authenticating the sender.
• Control: You get more control over how emails are sent from your site, including the sender name, address, and encryption methods.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix WordPress Emails Not Sending Using SMTP

Alright, now that we understand why SMTP is crucial, let’s fix your issue. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to get your WordPress emails sending reliably.

Step 1: Install an SMTP Plugin

First things first, we need to install an SMTP plugin. I recommend using WP Mail SMTP, a popular plugin that simplifies the process of sending WordPress emails via SMTP.

How to Install WP Mail SMTP:

1. In your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New.
2. Search for WP Mail SMTP.
3. Click Install Now, and then Activate.

That’s it! WP Mail SMTP is now installed and ready for setup.

Step 2: Configure WP Mail SMTP Settings

Once the plugin is activated, you’ll need to configure it to use your SMTP server. This process will differ based on your email provider (like Gmail, Mailgun, or your web host’s email server).

Here’s how you do it:

1. Go to WP Mail SMTP > Settings.
2. In the From Email field, enter the email address you want your WordPress site to send emails from (e.g., your site’s contact email).
3. For the From Name, enter the name that you want the email to appear as (e.g., your site’s name or your personal name).

Now, let’s select the SMTP mailer.

Step 3: Choose Your SMTP Provider

WP Mail SMTP supports several SMTP services, but here are the most popular options:

1. Gmail SMTP (Recommended for Gmail Users)

• SMTP Host: smtp.gmail.com
• SMTP Port: 465 (SSL) or 587 (TLS)
• Encryption: SSL or TLS
• Authentication: Yes (Use your Gmail username and password)

Note: You may need to enable “Less secure apps” in your Google account settings, or set up Google App Passwords if you have two-factor authentication enabled.

2. SendGrid (Recommended for larger sites)

• SMTP Host: smtp.sendgrid.net
• SMTP Port: 587
• Encryption: TLS
• Authentication: Yes (Use your SendGrid username and API key)

3. Mailgun (Another great option for large sites)

• SMTP Host: smtp.mailgun.org
• SMTP Port: 587
• Encryption: TLS
• Authentication: Yes (Use your Mailgun API credentials)

Once you’ve selected your SMTP provider, input the relevant settings into WP Mail SMTP.

Step 4: Send a Test Email

After configuring your SMTP settings, it’s time to test if everything works properly.

1. Scroll to the Email Test section in WP Mail SMTP.
2. Enter an email address you have access to (like your personal email).
3. Click Send Email.

If the email sends successfully, congratulations! Your SMTP settings are correctly configured.

What if the test email fails?

• Double-check your SMTP credentials (username, password, host, and port).
• Ensure that your hosting provider doesn’t block SMTP connections (some hosts may require specific ports or settings).
• If you’re using Gmail, make sure “Less secure apps” is enabled or use an App Password.

Step 5: Additional Tips for Improving Email Deliverability

Now that your WordPress emails are sending through SMTP, here are a few tips to improve deliverability and avoid getting stuck in spam:

• Use a reputable email address: Use an email address tied to your domain (e.g., info@yourdomain.com), as Gmail or Yahoo addresses can look suspicious.
• Authenticate your emails with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC: These records tell email services that your emails are legitimate. Set them up via your hosting provider or email service.
• Monitor email logs: Some SMTP providers allow you to track email delivery. This is useful for troubleshooting if emails aren’t being delivered as expected.
• Use a transactional email service: For high-volume sites, services like SendGrid or Mailgun are optimized for sending bulk emails reliably.

• How to Set Up a Professional Business Email for Free

Troubleshooting: Common SMTP Errors and Fixes

Even after setting up SMTP, you might encounter a few issues. Let’s go over the most common SMTP errors and how to fix them.

1. SMTP Error: Could not authenticate

• Fix: Double-check your username and password, especially if you’re using Gmail’s two-factor authentication. You may need to create an App Password.

2. SMTP Error: Connection timed out

• Fix: This usually happens when your server is blocking the SMTP connection. Contact your hosting provider and ask them to open the necessary ports (usually 465 or 587).

3. Emails are going to the Spam Folder

• Fix: Ensure you’re using the correct email address and have properly set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records. These help email providers verify your emails’ legitimacy.

FAQ: WordPress Emails and SMTP

Conclusion: Keep Your Emails Flowing Smoothly

There you have it! By following these steps, you’ve successfully configured SMTP on your WordPress site and can now send emails with confidence. Whether it’s a simple contact form submission or an important order confirmation, SMTP ensures your emails are reliable and land in the inbox.

Let me tell you, fixing my email delivery issue made a huge difference for my site! Now, my emails are always on time and always land where they’re supposed to.

Key Takeaways:

• SMTP is the best way to send emails from WordPress.
• WP Mail SMTP is an easy and reliable plugin to configure SMTP.
• Using Gmail, SendGrid, or Mailgun for SMTP can dramatically improve email deliverability.
• Don’t forget to add email authentication records like SPF and DKIM to protect your emails from being marked as spam.

Have you encountered any email issues on your WordPress site? Let me know in the comments or ask questions below—I’d love to help!