Guide
WordPress not sending emails? How to fix it with SMTP
Short answer: WordPress sends email through the web server by default, and mail services often reject or spam those messages. Send through a real mail server instead (SMTP, Google or Microsoft 365) and set up SPF and DKIM for your domain.
Why WordPress emails disappear
- The server’s own mail function is missing or blocked by the host.
- The sender address is “wordpress@yourdomain” – a mailbox that does not exist.
- Your domain has no SPF / DKIM records allowing the server to send for it.
- The server’s IP address has a poor reputation.
The fix, step by step
1
Choose a mail service
Your existing Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, or a sending service (Brevo, Amazon SES, Mailgun…).
2
Connect WordPress
An SMTP plugin sends every email through that service – with a real sender address of your domain.
3
Add SPF and DKIM
The records your mail service gives you, in your domain’s DNS.
Then send a test email to a Gmail and an Outlook address and check that it arrives in the inbox.
Keep an eye on it
An email log shows what was sent and what failed, so a broken password reset or contact form is noticed the same day – not weeks later.
GITECHY SMTP
SMTP, Google or Microsoft 365, an email log with Resend, a test email with explanations, alerts when sending fails and a backup server. Discover GITECHY SMTP.
Questions
My contact form says “sent” but nothing arrives – why?
The form handed the message to WordPress, and the server could not deliver it or the mailbox rejected it. An SMTP connection with SPF / DKIM solves it.
Do I need a paid mail service?
Not always – Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 you already pay for can send. For many emails a sending service is cheaper and faster.
Related
Emails that arrive
GITECHY SMTP – monthly or yearly license, updates included.