WordPress Not Sending Emails? Here’s the Fix Using SMTP [2025]

WordPress Not Sending Emails? Here’s the Fix Using SMTP [2025]
 

Is your WordPress website not sending emails? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common problems beginners and even advanced users face. Whether it’s contact form submissions, WooCommerce order notifications, or password reset emails, when WordPress fails to deliver emails, it can lead to frustrated users and lost business.
 

But here’s the good news: you can fix it in minutes using SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol). In this easy-to-follow guide, we’ll walk you through why this happens, how to fix it, and how to prevent it forever, even if you're not a tech expert.
 

Let’s dive in!

Why WordPress Fails to Send Emails

By default, WordPress uses the wp_mail() function, which depends on your web server’s PHP mail function. And here's the problem: most shared hosting providers (and even some VPS hosts) block this function or fail to configure it correctly, which means your emails go straight to spam or worse, don’t get sent at all.
 

Common Scenarios When This Happens:
 

• • Contact forms not sending submissions (e.g., Contact Form 7, WPForms)
  
  • WooCommerce not sending order confirmations
  
  • WordPress password reset emails not arriving
  
  • Admin notification emails not showing up
  
  • So, what’s the real solution? SMTP.

What Is SMTP and Why It Works

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is a reliable method of sending emails that uses proper authentication, exactly what email services like Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, and business email platforms require.
 

Instead of relying on your web host’s PHP mail function, SMTP plugins connect your WordPress site directly to your mail server (like Gmail, SendGrid, or your hosting email), ensuring that your messages are authenticated and delivered successfully.

How to Fix WordPress Email Issues Using SMTP (Step-by-Step)
 

Step 1: Install an SMTP Plugin

Go to your WordPress dashboard:
 

• Plugins → Add New → Search for WP Mail SMTP → Click “Install” and then “Activate”.

We recommend:

• 
  • WP Mail SMTP by WPForms
  
  • Easy WP SMTP
  
  • FluentSMTP
  
  Pro Tip: If you're hosting your site with CloudCareHost, our optimized servers and mail settings ensure even better deliverability with SMTP plugins.

Step 2: Choose Your SMTP Mailer

Once the plugin is active:

• 
  • Go to WP Mail SMTP → Settings
  
  Under the “Mailer” section, choose your email service:
  
  • Gmail
  
  • Outlook
  
  • SendGrid
  
  • Mailgun
  
  • Other SMTP (for business emails like [email protected])
  
  If you’re using CloudCareHost email, choose Other SMTP and use the email credentials provided in your cPanel or Hestia Panel.

Step 3: Configure SMTP Settings

Here’s what you'll need:

• 
  • SMTP Host: mail.yourdomain.com or provided by your email service
  
  • SMTP Port: 587 (for TLS) or 465 (for SSL)
  
  • Encryption: TLS or SSL
  
  • Authentication: Yes
  
  • SMTP Username: Your email address
  
  • SMTP Password: Your email password or app-specific password
  
  • Save settings.

Step 4: Send a Test Email

• Head to WP Mail SMTP → Tools → Email Test

• Enter your email and click "Send Email".

• If the email arrives, you’ve successfully fixed the issue!

Bonus Tips for 100% Email Deliverability

• 
  • Use a domain-based email (like [email protected]) instead of free emails like Gmail for professionalism and better spam scores.
  
  • Set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records in your DNS settings. Most premium hosts like CloudCareHost provide easy DNS management for this.
  
  • Avoid blacklisted IPs or low-quality hosting, which can affect your sender reputation. Our secure hosting plans come with premium email deliverability.
  
   

📌 Related Blogs That Help You Master WordPress

• Best SEO Practices for Beginners Using WordPress

• How to Add Images and Media in WordPress Without Slowing Down Your Site

• Common WordPress Beginner Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

• How to Fix the White Screen of Death in WordPress (2025)

Each of these Articles helps you build a faster, stronger, and more professional WordPress website without paying expensive developers.

Why CloudCareHost Is the Best Place for WordPress Hosting

We don’t just offer hosting, we offer high-performance WordPress-optimized infrastructure that eliminates 90% of the problems beginners face:

• Pre-configured SMTP settings

• Email deliverability monitoring

• cPanel or Hestia Panel for easy control

• 99.99% uptime & lightning-fast SSD servers

• Expert support 24/7

Switch to CloudCareHost today and never worry about missed emails, slow sites, or beginner headaches.

Try our hosting today and get FREE WordPress setup + security optimization → Get Started with CloudCareHost

📌 Final Thoughts

Fixing email delivery issues in WordPress doesn't have to be complicated. With the right tools and hosting provider, you can ensure your site is always professional, responsive, and reliable.

If you're still struggling or want everything done for you, our experts at CloudCareHost are just a click away. Whether it's SMTP configuration, DNS records, or full email setup, we’ve got your back.