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Fixing Broken Contact Forms on WordPress

Troubleshoot form plugins that don’t send email.

Troubleshooting Why WordPress Isn’t Sending Emails: Causes & Fixes

When WordPress stops sending emails—like contact form messages, password resets, or order notifications—it can lead to lost leads, sales, or frustrated users. Here’s how to diagnose and resolve the most common issues.

1. Common Causes of Email Delivery Problems

  • SMTP Server Issues:
    WordPress relies on your hosting server’s mail function by default, which is often blocked or unreliable. Using a dedicated SMTP service is far more reliable.
  • Plugin Conflicts:
    Email plugins, form builders, or security tools (like firewalls or spam blockers) can interfere with outgoing messages.
  • Missing or Misconfigured CAPTCHA:
    Many forms require CAPTCHA verification. If CAPTCHA is missing or not set up correctly, messages might not send or are flagged as spam.
  • Incorrect Email Address Settings:
    If your “From” email address doesn’t match your domain or isn’t authenticated, emails can be rejected or marked as spam.
  • Hosting Restrictions:
    Some web hosts place strict limits on PHP mail or outgoing messages to prevent abuse.

2. How to Diagnose & Fix WordPress Email Issues

A. Use an SMTP Plugin for Better Reliability

  • WP Mail SMTP:
    This plugin lets you connect WordPress with reliable email services (e.g., Gmail, Outlook, SMTP servers like SendGrid or Mailgun).
    • Install and activate WP Mail SMTP.
    • Configure using your provider’s SMTP details or OAuth connection.
    • Set the “From” address to match your authenticated domain email.
    • Send a test email from the plugin dashboard—check for success or errors.

B. Check for Plugin Conflicts

  • Temporarily deactivate all plugins except your form/email tools.
  • Test email functionality.
  • Reactivate plugins one by one to identify the culprit.
  • If a conflict exists, seek updates or alternatives (and notify plugin authors).

C. Address CAPTCHA Issues

  • Ensure all forms requiring CAPTCHA have it correctly set up.
  • Update or reconfigure CAPTCHA plugins (like Google reCAPTCHA).
  • Verify the CAPTCHA keys are active and valid.

D. Review Your Email Logs

  • Use plugins like WP Mail Logging to see every email WordPress attempts to send, including delivery status and error messages.
  • Check logs after submitting forms or sending password resets to pinpoint failures.

E. Confirm Hosting & DNS Settings

  • Verify your host allows outgoing SMTP connections.
  • Check that your DNS records (especially SPF, DKIM) are correct if using a third-party email service.

3. Best Practices for Reliable Email Delivery

  • Always use domain-based (authenticated) “From” email addresses (e.g., info@yourdomain.com).
  • Regularly update WordPress, plugins, and themes to avoid conflicts.
  • Periodically test contact forms and user notifications.
  • Set up email notifications in your SMTP plugin for delivery failures.

Summary:
If your WordPress site isn’t sending emails, check for SMTP misconfiguration, plugin conflicts, or CAPTCHA/setup issues. WP Mail SMTP and mail log plugins help diagnose and fix most problems quickly—ensuring your messages always get through to the right people.