Knowledgebase

WordPress Not Sending Email Issue

If your WordPress site is not sending emails, it's a common issue and can be caused by a variety of factors. Here's a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and fix the problem:

  1. Check Spam Folder:

    • Sometimes, emails from WordPress can end up in the recipient's spam folder. Ask the recipient to check their spam folder.
  2. Verify Email Settings:

    • Go to Settings > General in your WordPress dashboard. Ensure that the "Email Address" field is correct. This is the email address from which WordPress sends emails.
  3. Check SMTP Plugin:

    • If you're using an SMTP plugin (like WP Mail SMTP or Easy WP SMTP), make sure it's properly configured. Check the plugin settings to ensure the SMTP server, port, username, and password are correct.
  4. Test Email Functionality:

    • Use a plugin like "Check Email" to send a test email from your WordPress site. This will help you confirm if the email function is working.
  5. Check PHP Mail Function:

    • WordPress uses the PHP mail function by default. Some hosting providers may have restrictions on using this function. Check with your hosting provider to ensure it's enabled.
  6. Use a Different Email Address:

    • If your email address is from the same domain as your website (e.g., admin@yourwebsite.com), some servers might block these emails as a security measure. Consider using a different email address.
  7. Check Server Email Logs:

    • If you have access to server logs, check them for any errors related to email sending. This can provide insight into the issue.
  8. Check with the Hosting Provider:

    • Contact your hosting provider and ask if there are any restrictions or issues with sending emails from your server.
  9. Use an Email Delivery Service:

    • Consider using an email delivery service like SendGrid, SMTP.com, or Amazon SES to reliably send emails from your WordPress site. These services often provide better deliverability rates.
  10. Check for Email Queue:

    • Some plugins might use an email queue system. Make sure that the queue is not stuck and emails are being sent.
  11. Check for Plugin Conflicts:

    • Deactivate all plugins and try sending an email again. If it works, reactivate each plugin one by one to identify if any of them is causing the conflict.
  12. Check for Theme Conflicts:

    • Temporarily switch to a default WordPress theme (like Twenty Twenty-One) to see if the issue persists. This will help determine if the problem is related to your current theme.
  13. Check DNS Settings:

    • Ensure that your DNS records (MX, SPF, DKIM) are properly configured for email delivery.
  14. Check Firewall and Security Plugins:

    • Some security plugins or firewalls might block outgoing email traffic. Check their settings to ensure that email sending is allowed.
  15. Debug Mode:

    • Enable WordPress debug mode to see if there are any error messages related to email sending. Add the following code to your wp-config.php file:
    php
  1. define( 'WP_DEBUG', true ); define( 'WP_DEBUG_LOG', true ); define( 'WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false );

If none of these steps resolve the issue, consider seeking help from the WordPress community forums or contacting your hosting provider for further assistance. Provide as much detail as possible about the issue and any error messages you're encountering.

 
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