Fixed: WordPress is not sending emails [updated]

Common reasons WordPress is not sending emails

Several things can stop WordPress from sending emails. Here are the usual suspects:

• Incorrect or missing email settings
• Poor server or hosting configuration
• Conflicts with other plugins
• Email deliverability issues (spam filters, domain mismatch, etc.)
• WordPress isn’t set up to use a reliable mailer

Luckily, each one has a clear solution.

1. Your email settings are incorrect or incomplete

WordPress relies on PHP’s mail() function by default, but without proper settings, emails won’t send at all — or will vanish into spam folders.

How to check:

• Go to your WordPress contact form plugin or email plugin settings (like WPForms or Contact Form 7).
• Look for “From” and “To” email addresses.
• Check for typos or domain mismatches — using an address like [email protected] on a site hosted on example.com often triggers deliverability issues.

How to fix:

• Use an email address that matches your site’s domain, like [email protected].
• Set the “From Name” to your site or brand name so it looks trustworthy.
• Avoid using free addresses like Gmail or Yahoo in your email settings.

2. Email configurations are not set up well

WordPress doesn’t include built-in email configuration tools. So if you don’t install an SMTP plugin or set up a third-party email service, you’re relying on the default — and that’s often unreliable.

How to check:

• Install a plugin like Check & Log Email to test if WordPress is sending emails at all.
• If the test fails or the email goes to spam, it’s time to upgrade your configuration.

How to fix:

• Install a plugin like WP Mail SMTP or Post SMTP.
• Choose a mailer service like SendLayer, SendGrid, Mailgun, or your web host’s SMTP service.
• Enter your SMTP credentials in the plugin and send a test email.

3. A plugin is interfering with email sends

Some plugins (especially security, caching, or form plugins) can disrupt how WordPress sends emails. Conflicts between plugins or misconfigured features can silently break email functionality.

How to check:

• Deactivate all plugins except your contact form or email plugin.
• Send a test email. If it works, reactivate plugins one at a time until the issue reappears.
• Use a plugin like Query Monitor to spot errors when sending email.

How to fix:

• Once you find the conflicting plugin, check its settings for email-related options.
• Contact the plugin developer if you need help resolving the conflict.
• Consider replacing the plugin if it’s outdated or poorly supported.

4. Your server isn’t configured correctly

Some hosting providers block outbound emails or disable PHP’s mail function entirely to prevent abuse. Even if it’s not blocked, poor configuration can still result in your messages getting flagged or dropped.

How to check:

• Ask your hosting provider if PHP mail is enabled.
• Check your server logs for errors related to email.
• Try sending a test email through WP Mail SMTP and note the error messages.

How to fix:

• Use SMTP instead of relying on the default PHP mail function.
• Switch to a managed host that supports WordPress email properly.
• Add SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records to your DNS to improve deliverability (your SMTP provider should give you these).