What You’ll Learn
- Why WordPress emails fail to deliver
- Test if emails are actually being sent
- Configure SMTP for reliable email delivery
- Verify email settings are working
Prerequisites
- MainWP Dashboard installed and activated
- Admin access to your Dashboard site
- SMTP credentials from your email provider (for SMTP setup)
Why Emails Fail to Deliver
PHP mail() Not Configured
Many hosting servers don’t have the PHPmail() function properly configured. WordPress uses this function by default, so emails simply don’t get sent.
Spam Filtering
Even when emails are sent, they may be blocked:- Recipient servers reject emails from unknown senders
- Spam filters block emails without proper authentication
- Emails end up in spam folders and go unnoticed
- IP reputation issues cause delivery failures
No Authentication
The default PHP mail function doesn’t authenticate with email servers. Modern email providers increasingly reject unauthenticated messages.Test Email Delivery
Before configuring SMTP, verify whether emails are being sent at all.1
Install a test plugin
Install and activate a plugin like Check & Log Email on your Dashboard site.
2
Send a test email
Use the plugin to send a test email to yourself.
3
Check results
If the email doesn’t arrive (including spam folder), your server’s email configuration needs attention.
Configure SMTP
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) uses proper authentication to ensure emails are delivered reliably.Recommended SMTP Plugins
| Plugin | Features |
|---|---|
| Post SMTP Mailer/Email Log | Email logging, multiple providers, detailed diagnostics |
| Easy WP SMTP | Simple setup, works with most SMTP providers |
| WP Mail SMTP | Multiple integrations, email logging, backup connections |
Set Up SMTP
1
Install an SMTP plugin
Install and activate one of the recommended plugins on your Dashboard site.
2
Get SMTP credentials
Obtain SMTP settings from your email provider:
- SMTP host (e.g., smtp.gmail.com)
- SMTP port (typically 587 for TLS or 465 for SSL)
- Username (usually your email address)
- Password or app-specific password
3
Configure the plugin
Enter your SMTP credentials in the plugin settings.
4
Send a test email
Use the plugin’s test email feature to verify configuration.
5
Check MainWP emails
Trigger a MainWP action that sends email (like a daily digest) and confirm delivery.
Popular SMTP Providers
| Provider | Notes |
|---|---|
| Gmail/Google Workspace | Requires app password if 2FA enabled |
| Outlook/Office 365 | Enterprise-grade reliability |
| SendGrid | Transactional email service with free tier |
| Mailgun | Developer-focused with API options |
| Amazon SES | Cost-effective for high volume |
Self-Check Checklist
- Tested email delivery with a test plugin
- SMTP plugin installed and configured
- SMTP credentials entered correctly
- Test email sent successfully via SMTP
- MainWP notification emails arriving as expected
Related Resources
- Change the From Address for MainWP Emails - Customize sender address
- Why Can’t I Edit Email Templates - Email template issues
- Post SMTP Extension - Manage Post SMTP across child sites