Wednesday, August 6, 2025

WordPress Not Sending Emails? Here’s How to Fix It (Step-by-Step Guide)

 








📩 WordPress Not Sending Emails – What’s the Issue?

Many WordPress users report that their website doesn't send email notifications — whether it's for contact forms, user registrations, or password resets. This issue usually happens because WordPress uses PHP’s mail() function, which many hosting providers disable or block to prevent spam.

✅ Step-by-Step Troubleshooting (in Third Person)

🔹 Step 1: Test If Emails Are Actually Sending

Before fixing anything, it’s best to check whether WordPress emails are going out.

  • Install the plugin “Check & Log Email”.

  • Go to Tools > Check Email.

  • Send a test email to verify if WordPress is delivering messages.

If the email doesn't arrive, proceed to the next steps.

🔹 Step 2: Install an SMTP Plugin

Using SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) ensures reliable email delivery.

Recommended SMTP plugins:

  • WP Mail SMTP by WPForms (most popular)

  • Post SMTP

  • Easy WP SMTP

🔹 Step 3: Configure the SMTP Plugin

In WP Mail SMTP:

  1. Go to WP Mail SMTP > Settings.

  2. Choose your mailer (e.g., Gmail, Sendinblue, Outlook, SMTP).

  3. Enter credentials such as:

    • SMTP host: smtp.gmail.com (if using Gmail)

    • Port: 465 or 587

    • Authentication: ON

    • Username & App Password

🔐 For Gmail, a one-time App Password must be created in Google account security settings.

🔹 Step 4: Set the “From” Email Correctly

  • Make sure the "From Email" in WordPress matches the email configured in SMTP.

  • Example: If using info@domain.com, all outgoing emails must be sent from that address.

Mismatch between plugin and server email settings causes many delivery failures.

🔹 Step 5: Verify with a Test Email

Once configured:

  • Go to WP Mail SMTP → Email Test

  • Send a test email to confirm it works

  • If successful, all future WordPress emails (like WooCommerce orders, password resets, form notifications) will work

🔧 Additional Tips:

  • Use a business email (like hello@yourdomain.com) instead of personal Gmail or Yahoo

  • For high-volume emails, consider SendGrid, Mailgun, or Amazon SES

  • Always monitor email logs using plugins to troubleshoot failed deliveries

📌 Conclusion

WordPress not sending emails is a common issue — but using an SMTP plugin solves it 95% of the time. Configuring a trusted mail server ensures reliable communication between the website and users.

Every WordPress site should use SMTP for better deliverability and fewer issues.