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WP Mail Options

WP Mail Options (or WP Mail SMTP) is a plugin that configures WordPress to send emails through a proper SMTP server instead of the default PHP mail function.

Overview

WordPress uses PHP's mail() function by default, which often results in emails being marked as spam or not being delivered. WP Mail SMTP fixes this by routing emails through proper SMTP servers like Gmail, SendGrid, or your hosting provider's SMTP service.

Key Features

  • SMTP Configuration - Send emails via SMTP servers
  • Multiple Providers - Support for Gmail, Outlook, SendGrid, etc.
  • Email Logging - Track sent emails
  • Email Testing - Test email delivery
  • Security - Secure email authentication
  • Delivery Reports - Monitor email delivery status

Installation

Step 1: Install Plugin

  1. Go to PluginsAdd New
  2. Search for "WP Mail SMTP"
  3. Click Install Now
  4. Click Activate

Step 2: Run Setup Wizard

  1. Click Launch Setup Wizard
  2. Choose your mailer
  3. Enter SMTP credentials
  4. Complete setup

Configuration

Gmail Setup

Using Gmail SMTP

  1. Go to WP Mail SMTPSettings
  2. Select Gmail as mailer
  3. Click Connect Gmail
  4. Authorize with Google account
  5. Complete setup

App Password Method

  1. Enable 2FA on Google account
  2. Generate app password
  3. Use app password in plugin
  4. Configure settings

Outlook/Office 365 Setup

Using Microsoft 365

  1. Select Microsoft 365 as mailer
  2. Enter email address
  3. Enter app password
  4. Configure server settings
  5. Test connection

SendGrid Setup

Using SendGrid

  1. Select SendGrid as mailer
  2. Enter API key
  3. Configure sender information
  4. Test delivery

Generic SMTP Setup

Using Custom SMTP

  1. Select Other SMTP as mailer
  2. Enter SMTP host
  3. Enter port (usually 587 or 465)
  4. Enter username and password
  5. Enable encryption (TLS/SSL)
  6. Test connection

Common SMTP Settings

Ports

  • 587 - TLS/STARTTLS (recommended)
  • 465 - SSL
  • 25 - Unencrypted (not recommended)

Encryption

  • TLS - Transport Layer Security
  • SSL - Secure Sockets Layer
  • None - Not recommended

Authentication

  • Always enable authentication
  • Use app passwords when available
  • Store credentials securely

Email Testing

Test Email Function

  1. Go to WP Mail SMTPTools
  2. Enter test email address
  3. Click Send Email
  4. Check delivery status

Troubleshooting Failed Emails

  • Check email logs
  • Verify SMTP credentials
  • Check server firewall
  • Review error messages

Email Logging

Enabling Logs

  1. Go to WP Mail SMTPSettingsGeneral
  2. Enable Email Log
  3. Configure log retention
  4. Save settings

Viewing Logs

  • Go to WP Mail SMTPEmail Log
  • View sent emails
  • Check delivery status
  • Review error messages

Best Practices

Security

  • Use app passwords when available
  • Enable SSL/TLS encryption
  • Store credentials securely
  • Regular password updates

Delivery

  • Use reputable SMTP provider
  • Configure SPF records
  • Set up DKIM
  • Monitor delivery rates

Performance

  • Enable email queueing
  • Optimize email sending
  • Monitor server resources
  • Limit email frequency

Common Issues

Emails Not Sending

  • Verify SMTP credentials
  • Check server firewall
  • Review error logs
  • Test SMTP connection

Emails Going to Spam

  • Configure SPF records
  • Set up DKIM
  • Use proper sender address
  • Avoid spam trigger words

Authentication Errors

  • Verify credentials
  • Check app passwords
  • Review OAuth settings
  • Test connection

Advanced Configuration

From Email Address

  • Set default sender email
  • Match domain with SMTP
  • Configure display name
  • Set reply-to address

Email Headers

  • Customize email headers
  • Set proper content type
  • Configure encoding
  • Add custom headers

Support

For assistance with WP Mail SMTP configuration or troubleshooting, contact our support team.


Need help? Contact our support team

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