WordPress Not Sending Emails: How to Fix Email Delivery Issues

One of the most frustrating WordPress problems is when your site fails to send emails. Whether it’s contact form submissions, password reset links, or order confirmations, missing emails can disrupt both user experience and business operations. This guide explains the causes and step-by-step fixes.

Common Causes of Email Delivery Problems

• PHP mail() limitations: Many shared hosting servers block or restrict the default PHP mail function.
• Spam filtering: Emails may be delivered but flagged as spam by providers like Gmail or Outlook.
• Incorrect “From” address: Using an email that doesn’t match your domain can trigger rejection.
• Lack of authentication: Missing SPF, DKIM, or DMARC records reduce trust with email servers.
• Plugin conflicts: Some plugins override or misconfigure email settings.

Step-by-Step Fix Guide

1) Test if WordPress Is Sending Emails

Install a plugin like Check & Log Email. Send a test message to confirm whether WordPress is generating emails at all. If not, move to SMTP configuration.

2) Use SMTP Instead of PHP mail()

SMTP ensures reliable email delivery by authenticating with a mail server. Install one of these plugins:

• WP Mail SMTP
• Post SMTP

After installation, configure with your email provider’s SMTP settings (e.g., Gmail, Outlook, SendGrid).

SMTP Host: smtp.yourdomain.com
Port: 465 (SSL) or 587 (TLS)
Username: your-email@yourdomain.com
Password: your-email-password
Encryption: SSL/TLS

3) Set a Proper “From” Email Address

Always use an email address tied to your domain (e.g., noreply@yourdomain.com) instead of free providers like Gmail or Yahoo. Many mail servers reject mismatched domains.

4) Configure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC

To improve deliverability and trust:

• SPF: Authorizes your server to send email for your domain.
• DKIM: Cryptographically signs messages to prevent tampering.
• DMARC: Provides policies for handling suspicious emails.

Set these DNS records via your hosting or domain registrar. Most email providers (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, etc.) provide record values to add.

5) Check for Plugin Conflicts

Deactivate other email-related plugins and test again. Sometimes multiple SMTP plugins or newsletter tools interfere with each other.

6) Use a Transactional Email Service

If you send many emails (orders, newsletters, notifications), consider a professional service:

• SendGrid
• Mailgun
• Amazon SES

These services integrate with WordPress and ensure high deliverability rates.

When to Contact Your Host

If all else fails, contact your hosting provider. Ask:

• Is mail() blocked on your server?
• What SMTP host and port should be used?
• Are there email-sending limits per hour/day?

Summary

1. Test if WordPress can send emails at all.
2. Switch from mail() to SMTP with proper authentication.
3. Use a domain-based “From” email address.
4. Set SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records in DNS.
5. Consider a transactional email provider for better reliability.

With these steps, you can fix WordPress email delivery issues and ensure your users never miss an important message again.

👉 Need more help? Explore our WordPress Troubleshooting Guide for step-by-step solutions to the most common errors.