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
- Go to Plugins → Add New
- Search for "WP Mail SMTP"
- Click Install Now
- Click Activate
Step 2: Run Setup Wizard
- Click Launch Setup Wizard
- Choose your mailer
- Enter SMTP credentials
- Complete setup
Configuration
Gmail Setup
Using Gmail SMTP
- Go to WP Mail SMTP → Settings
- Select Gmail as mailer
- Click Connect Gmail
- Authorize with Google account
- Complete setup
App Password Method
- Enable 2FA on Google account
- Generate app password
- Use app password in plugin
- Configure settings
Outlook/Office 365 Setup
Using Microsoft 365
- Select Microsoft 365 as mailer
- Enter email address
- Enter app password
- Configure server settings
- Test connection
SendGrid Setup
Using SendGrid
- Select SendGrid as mailer
- Enter API key
- Configure sender information
- Test delivery
Generic SMTP Setup
Using Custom SMTP
- Select Other SMTP as mailer
- Enter SMTP host
- Enter port (usually 587 or 465)
- Enter username and password
- Enable encryption (TLS/SSL)
- 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
- Go to WP Mail SMTP → Tools
- Enter test email address
- Click Send Email
- Check delivery status
Troubleshooting Failed Emails
- Check email logs
- Verify SMTP credentials
- Check server firewall
- Review error messages
Email Logging
Enabling Logs
- Go to WP Mail SMTP → Settings → General
- Enable Email Log
- Configure log retention
- Save settings
Viewing Logs
- Go to WP Mail SMTP → Email 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
