How to Fix WordPress Email Delivery Issues with the WP Mail SMTP Plugin

If you’ve ever experienced problems with emails not being delivered from your WordPress site—whether they’re notifications, order confirmations, or password resets—you’re not alone. This is a common issue, and fortunately, there’s a reliable solution: using an SMTP plugin. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to install and configure the WP Mail SMTP plugin to ensure your emails reach your recipients’ inboxes.

Why WordPress Emails Fail

Before diving into the solution, it’s important to understand why emails from WordPress sometimes fail to be delivered. WordPress uses the PHP mail() function by default to send emails, but many hosting providers don’t configure this function correctly, leading to issues like:

• Emails being marked as spam.
• Emails not being sent at all.
• Emails being delayed.

These issues often occur because emails sent via PHP mail() lack proper authentication, which email clients like Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook rely on to filter spam.

The Solution: WP Mail SMTP Plugin

The WP Mail SMTP plugin resolves these issues by reconfiguring WordPress to use an SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) server for sending emails. SMTP is the industry-standard method for sending emails that are less likely to be marked as spam because they include proper authentication.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up WP Mail SMTP

1. Install the WP Mail SMTP Plugin

First, you need to install the WP Mail SMTP plugin. Here’s how:

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
3. In the search bar, type “WP Mail SMTP.”
4. Find the plugin named “WP Mail SMTP by WPForms” and click Install Now.
5. Once installed, click Activate.

2. Configure the WP Mail SMTP Plugin

After activating the plugin, you’ll need to configure it to work with your SMTP service provider.

1. Navigate to WP Mail SMTP Settings:

• Go to WP Mail SMTP > Settings from your WordPress dashboard.

1. Set the From Email:

• Enter the email address you want your emails to be sent from. This should be an address from your domain (e.g., [email protected]) for best results.
• Check the box labeled Force From Email to ensure all emails use this address.

1. Set the From Name:

• Enter the name you want the emails to appear from. For example, you can use your business name.
• Check the box labeled Force From Name to apply this setting to all emails.

1. Choose Your Mailer:

• WP Mail SMTP supports several popular mailers. You can select one based on your preference and needs. Common options include:
  • SMTP: If you have SMTP credentials from your hosting provider or a third-party email service.
  • Gmail: To send emails using your Gmail or Google Workspace account.
  • SendGrid: A reliable service for sending large volumes of emails.
  • Mailgun: Another popular option for high deliverability rates.
• For simplicity, we’ll cover the SMTP option, but the steps are similar for other mailers.

1. Configure SMTP Settings:

• SMTP Host: Enter the SMTP server address provided by your email provider (e.g., smtp.yourdomain.com).
• Encryption: Choose either SSL or TLS based on your provider’s recommendation.
• SMTP Port: Usually, 465 for SSL or 587 for TLS.
• Authentication: Set this to Yes.
• SMTP Username: Enter the username for your SMTP account (usually your full email address).
• SMTP Password: Enter the password for your SMTP account.

1. Save Settings:

• Click Save Settings to apply your configurations.

3. Test Your Email Configuration

Once you’ve configured WP Mail SMTP, it’s important to test it to ensure everything is working correctly.

1. Send a Test Email:

• Go to WP Mail SMTP > Tools.
• Enter an email address where you want to send a test email.
• Click Send Email.

1. Check the Test Email:

• Go to your email inbox and check if the test email arrived.
• If the email was delivered to the inbox, your setup is working correctly.
• If you encounter issues, double-check your SMTP settings or consult your email provider for troubleshooting.

Benefits of Using WP Mail SMTP

• Improved Email Deliverability: By using SMTP, your emails are authenticated and less likely to be marked as spam.
• Better Reliability: Avoid issues with the PHP mail() function that can result in emails not being sent.
• Compatibility: WP Mail SMTP works with a wide range of email services, giving you flexibility in choosing the best one for your needs.
• Detailed Logs: The plugin offers logging features to help you monitor and troubleshoot email delivery.

Conclusion

Fixing WordPress email delivery issues is essential for maintaining effective communication with your users. The WP Mail SMTP plugin provides a straightforward solution to this common problem, ensuring your emails are delivered reliably and securely. Whether you’re running a small blog or a large eCommerce site, setting up SMTP is a simple step that can make a significant difference in how you interact with your audience.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily configure WP Mail SMTP and say goodbye to email delivery issues.

If you are having issues sending email from your WordPress site get in touch.

Photo by Andersen Jensen on Unsplash