Sending PHP Email through SMTP

This guide explains how to configure WordPress to send emails through SMTP authentication using the WP Mail SMTP by WPForms plugin. This improves email deliverability by utilizing a proper email address and authentication.

Why Use SMTP Authentication?

By default, WordPress uses the server hostname for email sending, which often lacks proper email validation records (SPF and DKIM). Major email providers like Gmail might flag these emails as spam. SMTP authentication solves this by using a designated email address with proper authentication.

• Install and Activate
• Configure WP Mail SMTP
• Confirm Setup Works
• Troubleshooting Plugin Error Messages
• Troubleshooting Email Deliverability Issues

Install and Activate

1. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard. This can be done in many ways, depending on how you prefer to manage your WordPress. If you prefer to use your Account Manager, then access the Websites tab then locate the target WordPress site. From there click on Edit Site.
2. Look at the left side menu and hover your mouse to the Plugins section then click Add New Plugin.
   
3. In the top-right search bar, type in the plugin name WP Mail SMTP by WPForms and click Install Now.
   
4. After installing, you'll then need to activate the plugin.
   

Configure WP Mail SMTP

1. On the left-hand menu, hover your mouse over WP Mail SMTP, then click Settings.
   
2. If the setup wizard doesn't launch automatically, click Launch Setup Wizard.
   
3. The next step is a guided setup using the WP Mail SMTP wizard. It will walk you through each step, but you'll need to gather some information beforehand. This information depends on the email service you plan to use for sending emails.

The following details will be used if you are hosting email with Bluehost on your Bluehost hosting package.

• SMTP Mailer - Choose "Other SMTP"
• SMTP Host - Your domain name or server hostname
• Encryption - SSL or TLS
• SMTP Port - 465 (SSL) or 587 (TLS)
• Authentication - Enable
• SMTP Username - Your Bluehost-hosted email account address
• SMTP Password - Your Bluehost-hosted email account password
• From Name - Set to what you want to be displayed as the email name for receivers
• From Email - Set to what you want to be displayed as the "sent from" for emails

Confirm Setup Works

Now that you have completed configuring the plugin, the final step is to confirm everything works. The plugin provides a tool for testing email sending.

1. Look at the left side menu, locate WP Mail SMTP, then click Tools.
   
2. Enter an external email address (not hosted on Bluehost) in the Send To field.
   
3. Click Send Email to send a test message. The default format is HTML, but you can switch to plain text if needed.
4. You should receive a success message. Additionally, check the recipient's inbox for the test email.
   

Troubleshooting Plugin Error Messages

WP Mail SMTP by WPForms is a third-party plugin. As such, Bluehost support for issues faced is limited. However, if you are having trouble, please contact our Live Support, and we'll be happy to review things for you. We'll provide any guidance we can to assist you.

An issue was detected

Double-check the email host configuration in settings. If using Bluehost email hosting and the issue persists, contact Bluehost support. Otherwise, contact your email provider for assistance.

Could not authenticate your SMTP account

Verify the entered email address and password in settings. Reset your email password if necessary. Please see How to Reset Your Email Password for more information.

Troubleshooting Email Deliverability Issues

If emails aren't being received, the issue might lie with your email hosting configuration (outside the plugin). WP Mail SMTP focuses on sending emails through SMTP, not email validation and deliverability.

• Review SPF and DKIM records - Ensure you have valid SPF and DKIM records set up for your email domain. Bluehost offers helpful articles on these topics. You can also contact Bluehost support for assistance if your email is hosted with them.

Additional Resources:

• How to Set up SPF Records
• What is a DKIM Record