Home > Empowering Tips > WordPress Not Sending Emails? How to Fix It with an SMTP Plugin
You’ve set up your WordPress site, installed your forms, and everything looks perfect — until you realize no one is receiving your emails. The contact form never reaches your inbox, customers don’t get their order confirmations, and password resets go missing.
It’s one of the most common issues WordPress users face. But the good news is, it’s easy to fix. The problem isn’t your form plugin or hosting plan — it’s how WordPress sends emails.
Let’s explore why WordPress often fails to deliver messages and how using an SMTP plugin solves the issue once and for all.
Why WordPress Fails to Send Emails
By default, WordPress uses the PHP mail() function to send outgoing messages. While this works in theory, it’s unreliable in real-world use because:
- Many hosting servers aren’t configured to handle mail sent through PHP.
- Messages sent this way often lack authentication, which means receiving mail servers treat them as suspicious or spam.
- Some email systems block unauthenticated mail completely to prevent spoofing.
In short, WordPress can send the message — but without proper verification, it might never reach your inbox.
Why You Need an SMTP Plugin
An SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) plugin makes WordPress send email the same way professional mail systems do — through a secure, authenticated connection.
Here’s what it does:
1. Uses a Real Mail Server
The plugin routes outgoing messages through your domain’s actual mail server (e.g., mail.yourdomain.com) instead of PHP.
2. Requires Authentication
It uses your valid email login credentials to prove your website is authorized to send emails.
3. Ensures Better Deliverability
Authenticated emails are trusted by receiving servers, so they’re far less likely to be rejected or marked as spam.
Why Authentication Is Essential
Authentication protects both you and your recipients. When your site sends authenticated mail:
- It confirms the message truly came from your domain.
- It helps prevent unauthorized use of your domain for spam or phishing.
- It complies with email standards like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC that improve sender reputation.
At Lookafter, we enforce SMTP authentication for all outgoing emails — meaning sending without authentication is not allowed. This policy protects your domain reputation, prevents spam abuse, and ensures all emails from your domain are verifiable and secure.
How to Fix WordPress Email Issues Using an SMTP Plugin
Follow these steps to get your site sending emails reliably again:
1. Create a Dedicated Email Account
For better security, it’s recommended to create a separate email account (for example, webform@yourdomain.com) to use specifically for WordPress form or notification emails.
Using a dedicated address prevents your main email credentials from being stored in the WordPress database and reduces exposure if your site is ever compromised.
(See our guide: How to Create a New Email Account)
2. Install an SMTP Plugin
From your WordPress Dashboard, go to Plugins → Add New, and search for WP Mail SMTP or Easy WP SMTP. Install and activate your chosen plugin.
(See our guide: Setting Up WP Mail SMTP)
3. Enter Your Mail Server Details
Configure the plugin with your hosting’s SMTP settings:
- SMTP Host: Refer to your hosting’s mail server address (For Lookafter email hosting subscribers, find out your server here)
- SMTP Port: 465 (SSL) or 587 (TLS)
- Authentication: Enabled
- Username: Your full email address (e.g., webform@yourdomain.com)
- Password: The password for that email account
4. Test Your Setup
Use the plugin’s “Send Test Email” feature to ensure everything is working.
If successful, all WordPress emails (contact forms, notifications, etc.) will now be sent via your authenticated server.
Final Thoughts
When WordPress fails to send emails, the issue isn’t always technical — it’s about trust. Mail servers need proof that your messages are genuine.
By setting up an SMTP plugin and authenticating your connection, you not only fix delivery problems but also protect your domain’s reputation and improve overall email reliability.
Looking to keep your WordPress site running smoothly?
Our WordPress Maintenance Service covers regular updates, security tightening, performance checks, and backups — so you can focus on your business while we handle the technical side.