WordPress contact forms and ecommerce plugins often fail when they rely on PHP mail() instead of authenticated SMTP. Fix delivery by using a real mailbox or SMTP service with correct DNS authentication.
PHP mail vs SMTP
- PHP mail(): sends without logging in — often blocked or marked spam.
- SMTP: authenticates with a mailbox or provider — preferred for WordPress.
Use a correct From address
The From address should use your domain, for example [email protected], and match a mailbox or authorized sender policy.
Configure SMTP in WordPress
- Install a reputable SMTP plugin from the WordPress plugin directory.
- Set SMTP host to your server mail hostname (shown in cPanel Email Accounts → Connect Devices) or your external provider.
- Use port 465 (SSL) or 587 (STARTTLS) with the full email username and mailbox password.
- Send a test message from the plugin.
Mailbox setup: create an email account. Client settings: Outlook and mail client configuration.
SPF, DKIM, and DMARC
Authenticate your domain so providers trust your mail — SPF, DKIM, and DMARC in cPanel.
Check spam folder and delivery logs
- Test with Gmail and a local mailbox.
- Use cPanel Track Delivery or Email Deliverability when available.
- If mail arrives but lands in spam, review spam folder troubleshooting.
Google Workspace or Microsoft 365
When email is hosted externally, WordPress must SMTP through that provider using their hostname and credentials — DNS MX records must point to the correct service.
Is it WordPress, DNS, or the mail provider?
- WordPress/app: test form fails but webmail send works — fix SMTP plugin settings.
- DNS: messages bounce or fail SPF/DKIM — fix DNS records.
- Provider: all sending fails from webmail too — contact the mailbox provider or Pakish support.
Include your domain, plugin name, and bounce error (without passwords) when opening a ticket at my.pakish.net.
