Sending Email from WordPress Using SMTP Authentication
By default, WordPress uses the PHP mail function to send email. This method is unreliable on many servers and often results in messages being blocked or marked as spam.
To improve email delivery, WordPress should be configured to send mail using authenticated SMTP.
Recommended plugin
We recommend using the WP Mail SMTP plugin, which is actively maintained and widely used.
https://wordpress.org/plugins/wp-mail-smtp/
Install the plugin
- Log in to your WordPress admin area.
- Go to Plugins - Add New.
- Search for WP Mail SMTP.
- Click Install, then Activate.
Configure SMTP settings
After activation, go to WP Mail SMTP in the WordPress menu and configure the following:
- From Email: An email address that exists on your domain
- From Name: Your website or business name
- Mailer: Other SMTP
- SMTP Host: Your mail server hostname
- Encryption: TLS or SSL (as required)
- SMTP Port: Typically 587 (TLS) or 465 (SSL)
- SMTP Username: Full email address
- SMTP Password: Email account password or app password
Tip: Many mail providers require app-specific passwords instead of mailbox passwords.
Test email delivery
Use the built-in email test feature in WP Mail SMTP to confirm messages are sending successfully.
Note: For high-volume or transactional email, consider using a dedicated email delivery service such as SendGrid, Mailgun, or Amazon SES.