How to Fix WordPress Not Sending Emails: A Step-by-Step Guide

Email notifications are crucial for WordPress websites, whether for contact form submissions, password resets, order confirmations, or user registration alerts. However, one common issue many site owners face is WordPress not sending emails. This can lead to missed inquiries, order notifications, or other important communications.

In this SEO-optimized guide, we’ll cover why WordPress might not be sending emails and provide step-by-step solutions to help you fix this issue.

Why Is WordPress Not Sending Emails?

By default, WordPress uses PHP’s mail() function to send emails. This method can be unreliable for various reasons, including server misconfigurations, email provider restrictions, or your emails being flagged as spam. Common causes include:

• Hosting provider restrictions on email delivery
• Incorrect WordPress or plugin settings
• Spam filters blocking emails
• Missing or wrong email authentication (SPF, DKIM)

Now, let’s go through the step-by-step process to resolve this issue.

Step-by-Step Solutions for WordPress Not Sending Emails

Step 1: Test If WordPress Is Actually Sending Emails

Before diving into any fixes, it’s essential to determine whether WordPress is sending emails or if they are simply not being delivered.

• How to Test WordPress Email:
  1. Install and activate the plugin Check & Log Email from the WordPress plugin repository.
  2. Go to Tools > Check & Log Email.
  3. Enter a test email address and send a test message.
  4. If the email is sent successfully but not delivered, it means WordPress is sending emails, but they are being blocked or filtered.

Step 2: Install an SMTP Plugin

If WordPress is not sending emails reliably, it’s best to use SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) instead of the default PHP mail function. SMTP provides a secure and authenticated way of sending emails and ensures that they reach the intended recipient.

• How to Install and Configure an SMTP Plugin:
  1. 1. Install and activate the WP Mail SMTP plugin.
     2. Go to WP Mail SMTP > Settings.
     3. Choose your mailer service (e.g., Gmail, Sendinblue, Mailgun, SMTP.com).
     4. Configure the settings by entering your SMTP server, port, encryption, and authentication details.
     5. Click Save Settings and use the Email Test tab to send a test email.

Step 3: Use a Transactional Email Service

If your hosting provider has email sending limitations, you can switch to a transactional email service. These services specialize in sending large volumes of emails reliably. Some popular services include SendGrid, Mailgun, and Amazon SES.

• How to Set Up a Transactional Email Service:
  1. 1. Sign up for a transactional email service like SendGrid or Mailgun.
     2. Obtain your API Key and configure your SMTP plugin to use this service.
     3. Test the email functionality using the email testing tool in your SMTP plugin.

Step 4: Check Email Spam Filters

Sometimes WordPress emails are being sent, but they end up in the spam folder. This can happen due to missing or incorrect email authentication records, such as SPF (Sender Policy Framework) or DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail).

• How to Set Up SPF and DKIM Records:
  • • 1. Log in to your domain’s DNS management settings.
      2. Add or update your SPF record to include the mail server sending your emails:

    v=spf1 include:spf.yourmailer.com ~all

    • 1. Set up a DKIM record (this is usually provided by your transactional email service or hosting provider).
      2. Test your email sending again to ensure it’s no longer being flagged as spam.

Step 5: Check Your Hosting Provider’s Email Settings

Some hosting providers may have restrictions on sending emails using PHP’s mail() function. If that’s the case, you should contact your hosting provider to check if they block outgoing emails or limit email functionality.

• Contacting Your Hosting Provider:
  • 1. Reach out to your host’s support team and ask if there are any email restrictions on your account.
    2. If restrictions exist, ask if they can be lifted or if you need to switch to SMTP email sending.

Step 6: Check Plugin Conflicts

Sometimes, a poorly configured plugin can interfere with WordPress emails. For example, if you’re using multiple contact form or eCommerce plugins, their settings may conflict with one another.

• How to Check for Plugin Conflicts:
  1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins and deactivate all email-related plugins.
              2. Reactivate each plugin one by one, testing the email functionality after each activation.
              3. Once you find the plugin causing the issue, either reconfigure its settings or replace it with a more reliable option.

Step 7: Use a Different From Address

Many email providers block messages sent from noreply@yourdomain.com or unverified email addresses. Try using a different “From” address in your settings, preferably one that matches your domain.

• How to Change the From Address:
  1. 1. Go to WP Mail SMTP > Settings.
     2. Enter a verified email address (e.g., info@yourdomain.com) in the From Email field.
     3. Save the settings and send a test email.

Conclusion

Ensuring your WordPress site sends emails reliably is vital for communication, notifications, and business transactions. By following the steps above, you can resolve issues related to WordPress not sending emails. Whether the problem lies with your server settings, email provider, or WordPress configuration, solutions such as using SMTP, setting up email authentication, or utilizing a transactional email service can fix the problem.

If you need professional assistance with fixing email issues or improving your WordPress website, feel free to contact Craftwebx, your trusted web development partner.