Oby Reacts: How to Setup SMTP in WordPress? (WP Mail SMTP Tutorial)

Are you experiencing issues with your WordPress website’s outgoing emails not reaching your users or ending up in spam folders? This common problem can hinder your site’s communication with users, especially if you run an e-commerce platform where timely email notifications are key. Thankfully, there’s a simple fix: setting up SMTP in WordPress using the WP Mail SMTP plugin.

What Is SMTP and Why Is It Important?

SMTP stands for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. It’s the standard protocol for sending emails across the internet. By default, WordPress uses the PHP mail function to send emails, which isn’t always reliable and can result in emails not being delivered or being marked as spam. Using SMTP ensures that your emails are properly authenticated and sent, improving deliverability and reducing the chances of emails ending up in spam folders.

Why Use WP Mail SMTP Plugin?

The WP Mail SMTP plugin is one of the most popular SMTP plugins for WordPress, with over 3 million active installations and a 4.8 out of 5-star rating on WordPress.org. It simplifies the process of configuring WordPress to send emails using SMTP instead of the default PHP mail function. The plugin supports various mailers, including Gmail, Microsoft Outlook, and custom SMTP servers, providing flexibility for different hosting environments and email providers.

How to Set Up SMTP in WordPress Using WP Mail SMTP Plugin

Setting up SMTP in WordPress using the WP Mail SMTP plugin is straightforward. Follow these steps to configure your website’s email settings.

Step 1: Install and Activate the WP Mail SMTP Plugin

First, log in to your WordPress admin dashboard. Navigate to Plugins > Add New. In the search bar, type “WP Mail SMTP“. Locate the plugin developed by WPForms and click on Install Now, then Activate.

Step 2: Launch the Setup Wizard

Upon activation, you may be redirected to the WP Mail SMTP setup wizard. If not, you can access it by going to WP Mail SMTP > Settings from your dashboard menu. Click on Launch Setup Wizard to begin.

Step 3: Choose Your SMTP Mailer

The setup wizard will prompt you to select your SMTP mailer. This is where you choose the email service you plan to use for sending emails. Options include:

• SMTP.com
• Sendinblue
• Mailgun
• SendGrid
• Gmail
• Microsoft
• Amazon SES
• Other SMTP

If you’re using a common email provider like Gmail or Microsoft Outlook, you can select it from the options. In our example, we’re using a custom email provided by Hostinger, so we’ll select Other SMTP.

Step 4: Configure Mailer Settings

In the mailer settings, you’ll need to enter the SMTP details provided by your email service or hosting provider. These typically include:

• SMTP Host: The SMTP server address (e.g., smtp.hostinger.com).
• Encryption: The type of encryption used, either SSL or TLS.
• SMTP Port: The port number that corresponds to the encryption method (e.g., 465 for SSL or 587 for TLS).
• Authentication: Usually enabled to authenticate your SMTP connection.
• SMTP Username: Your email address used for authentication.
• SMTP Password: The password associated with your email account.

For Hostinger users, you can find this information in your hosting control panel under the Email Accounts section. Ensure you use the correct SMTP host and port number based on the encryption method you choose.

Step 5: Set the “From” Email and Name

Next, configure the From Email and From Name settings:

• From Email: The email address that will appear as the sender. It’s best to use the same email address you’re authenticating with.
• From Name: The name that will appear as the sender’s name in the emails.

You can also enable the options to force the From Email and From Name. This ensures that all emails sent from your WordPress site use the settings you’ve specified, regardless of other plugin configurations.

Step 6: Save and Continue

After entering all the required information, click on Save and Continue. The setup wizard may offer additional features, such as email logging or integration suggestions. You can choose to enable these features or skip them. For the purposes of this setup, you can click on Save and Continue until you reach the end of the wizard.

Step 7: Skip the License Key (If Using Free Version)

If you’re using the free version of WP Mail SMTP, you can skip the step that asks for a license key. Click on Skip this Step to proceed.

Step 8: Finish the Setup

The plugin will now run some tests to ensure everything is configured correctly. Once the tests are complete and successful, click on Finish Setup.

Testing Your SMTP Configuration

It’s important to verify that your SMTP settings are working correctly. To send a test email:

1. Navigate to WP Mail SMTP > Tools in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Under the Email Test tab, enter an email address where you’d like to send the test email.
3. Click on Send Email.

You should see a success message indicating that the email was sent. Check the recipient inbox to confirm that the test email was received. Don’t forget to check the spam or junk folder if it’s not in the inbox.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues during the setup or the test email isn’t sent, consider the following troubleshooting tips:

Authentication Error

An authentication error often indicates that the SMTP username or password is incorrect. Double-check that you’ve entered the correct email address and password for your SMTP server.

Connection Timeout or Failure

This may occur if your web host is blocking the SMTP port you’re trying to use. Common SMTP ports are 465 for SSL and 587 for TLS. Contact your hosting provider to ensure that these ports are open.

Emails Still Going to Spam

If emails are being delivered but ending up in spam folders, consider setting up additional email authentication methods like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records on your domain. These records help email providers verify that your emails are legitimate.

Plugin Conflicts

Sometimes, other plugins may interfere with email sending. Try deactivating other plugins temporarily to see if the issue persists. If the problem resolves, reactivate the plugins one by one to identify the conflicting plugin.

Benefits of Using SMTP for WordPress Emails

Configuring SMTP for your WordPress site offers several advantages:

• Reliability: Emails are more likely to be delivered when sent via SMTP.
• Professionalism: Using your domain’s email address lends credibility to your communications.
• Security: SMTP authentication reduces the risk of your emails being marked as spam.

These benefits contribute to better user engagement and trust in your website’s communications.

Conclusion

Setting up SMTP in WordPress using the WP Mail SMTP plugin is an effective way to address issues with email deliverability. By following the steps outlined above, you can configure your website to send emails reliably, ensuring that important notifications reach your users’ inboxes.

Whether you’re managing an online store, running a membership site, or simply wanting to stay connected with your audience, proper email functionality is an integral part of your website’s success. Take the time to set up SMTP, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your emails are being delivered as intended.

But wait, before we trot off into the digital sunset, as a friendly yak who’s navigated many mountains (and websites), I must say that the TechGrill video does a splendid job guiding users through this setup. It’s like having a trusty companion showing you the best path through a maze. Though a few more signposts on troubleshooting would make the journey smoother, it’s still a helpful resource. After all, even yaks appreciate clear directions when trekking through the WordPress wilderness!