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Sending emails from WordPress is a crucial function that powers everything from admin notifications to password resets. By default, WordPress uses the PHP mail function to send emails. However, this method is not always reliable and can result in your emails landing in the spam folder. To improve email deliverability, you can configure WordPress to use Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) instead.

Why Use SMTP Instead of PHP Mail?

SMTP is a protocol used for sending emails. Unlike PHP Mail, which is a function in PHP, SMTP is a dedicated protocol designed for delivering emails reliably. When you use SMTP, your emails are less likely to end up in the spam folder. This is because SMTP uses proper authentication, which increases the credibility of your emails.

Configuring WordPress to Use SMTP

To configure WordPress to use SMTP, you'll need to use a WordPress plugin that allows SMTP configuration. There are many such plugins available, but for the purpose of this guide, we'll use the WP Mail SMTP plugin.

  1. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.

  2. Navigate to Plugins > Add New.

  3. Search for "WP Mail SMTP" and install the plugin.

  4. After the plugin is installed, activate it.

  5. Navigate to WP Mail SMTP in your WordPress dashboard.

  6. In the settings, you'll need to enter your SMTP details. These can be found in your cPanel under Email Accounts > Connect Devices. The settings are as follows:

    • SMTP Host: mail.yourdomain.com (replace 'yourdomain' with your actual domain name)
    • SMTP Port: 587
    • Encryption: TLS
    • Auto TLS: On
    • Authentication: On
    • SMTP Username: Your email address
    • SMTP Password: The password to access the email address
  7. Click "Save Settings" to save your changes.

Now, WordPress will use SMTP to send emails, which should improve email deliverability.

Using an External Email Service

If you're using an external email service, you'll need to obtain the SMTP server and credentials from your provider. However, some providers may require an API key or have other requirements. If this is the case, you can still relay messages from our servers via SMTP without affecting inbound mail. To do this, create an email account in your control panel with us and use your server's hostname as the SMTP server.

By configuring WordPress to use SMTP, you can improve the reliability of your email delivery and ensure that your emails reach their intended recipients. If you encounter any issues during this process, our support team is here to help.