If you are maintaining a WordPress site, chances are when one of your sites sends an email, it is either acknowledged in junk mail or never delivered. Therefore, we use the WP SMTP Mail plugin for this. This guide will help configure the WP SMTP Mail plugin, resulting in a successful email.
Why Do You Need A WP SMTP Mail Plugin?
That’s where the WP SMTP Mail plugin can help you out, which:
- Boost Email Deliverability: Race to the inbox and Google, Outlook, etc will not block your emails.
- Avoid Spam Problems: Avoid spam problems so Emails Do Not Get into your Junk Folder.
- Test Emails: You can correctly test your email settings before sending important emails.
SMTP vs PHP Mail: Which One is Better for WordPress Emails?
When WordPress sends emails using the default PHP mail() function, it does not verify the sender or authenticate the server. Because of this, email providers like Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo often treat these emails as suspicious and send them to spam or block them completely. SMTP, on the other hand, uses proper authentication and secure servers, which makes your WordPress emails more reliable and trusted.
Here is a clear comparison to help you understand the difference:
| Feature | PHP Mail | SMTP |
|---|---|---|
| Deliverability | ❌ Low – often goes to spam | ✅ High – inbox focused |
| Authentication | ❌ No sender verification | ✅ Proper login & identity |
| Spam Protection | ❌ Weak | ✅ Strong |
| Gmail & Outlook Support | ❌ Poor | ✅ Excellent |
| Error Logs | ❌ Not available | ✅ Detailed error tracking |
With PHP Mail, your hosting server sends emails without proving who you are. SMTP requires a real email account and login, which makes your emails look legitimate. That is why websites using SMTP have much higher delivery rates and fewer spam issues.
If you are running a business website, WooCommerce store, or using a contact form, using SMTP is no longer optional; it is required for reliable communication.
How To Install WP SMTP Mail In 3 Easy Steps?
Step 1 — Install the WP SMTP Mail Plugin
- Login To Your WordPress Dashboard
- Go to Plugins > Add New.
- Type WP SMTP Mail in the search bar.
- Locate the plugin and hit Install Now.
- Once installed, click Activate.
- Configure the settings for Plugin.
Step 2-Specify settings for “Mail”
- Navigate to WP SMTP Mail on your WordPress dashboard.
- Enter the settings below :
- For Email: The email address from which you want to send your emails. Obviously, it needs to be a real email address from your domain.
- From Name: Enter the name that will show to be sent from.
- Mailer: Select the mailer you would like to use. It usually provides options like PHP Mail, SMTP, and sometimes SendGrid/Mailgun.
- Return Path – Match the return path for your emails to the sending email.
If you select SMTP, complete these fields with the following settings instead:
- SMTP Host: The address of your email provider SMTP server.
- Port 587 (TLS) or Port 465(SSL)initiating from sending mail server.
- Encryption — Select TLS/SSL (as recommended by your provider).
- Authentication: Yes
- Existing Password: Type your email
- Password: Provide My Email Account Password.
Step 3: Save Changes
Once you have filled in the appropriate details, click Save Settings.
Step 4: Send a Test Email
- Navigate to the Test Email section.
- A field to enter an email address where you would like a test email sent.
- Click Send Test Email.
If you receive the email at all, congratulations! You have installed and configured the WP SMTP Mail plugin. Otherwise, check your SMTP settings for bad information.
Step 5: What to do after a failed test?
Double-check the settings and correct the mistakes. The message “There was a problem while sending test email” will be shown because:
- The recipient’s email address does not exist and was entered incorrectly.
- The password of the email account is incorrect.
- The SMTP server address is incorrect. Follow Step 2 again and set it to mailout.one.com or send.one.com.
How to Fix Common SMTP Errors in WordPress
When configuring WP SMTP Mail, sometimes the test email fails or WordPress shows an error message. These issues are common and usually caused by incorrect login details, wrong server settings, or blocked connections. Below are the most common SMTP errors and how you can fix them.
SMTP Authentication Failed
This error means WordPress could not log in to your email account.
Fix: Double-check your email address and password. If you are using Gmail or Outlook, make sure you are using an App Password, not your normal login password.
Could Not Connect to Host
This happens when WordPress cannot reach your SMTP server.
Fix: Make sure your SMTP Host and Port are correct. Also verify that your hosting provider allows outgoing SMTP connections.
535 Incorrect Password
This error means the password you entered is wrong or blocked.
Fix: Generate a new App Password from your email provider and update it inside the WP SMTP plugin.
Connection Timeout
This happens when the SMTP server does not respond in time.
Fix: Try changing the encryption type (TLS or SSL) and switch between Port 587 and Port 465 based on your email provider’s recommendation.
Fixing these common SMTP errors will ensure your WordPress emails are delivered properly, helping contact forms, order notifications, and password reset emails reach your users without issues.
Conclusion
This will save your email settings. Using the WP SMTP Mail plugin, you have successfully configured WordPress to send proper emails. Not only does this improve your communication with those who want to engage, but control of delivery builds trust: Your emails are actually being sent.
