If your WordPress contact form is not sending messages, or emails are not being delivered, the issue is usually related to how WordPress sends email from your website.
By default, WordPress often uses the server's PHP mail function. Some email providers may block or filter these messages, especially if the email does not pass proper authentication checks.
Common Causes
Contact form emails may fail because of:
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Missing or incorrect email settings
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Spam filtering by the receiving email provider
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PHP mail limitations
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Incorrect "From" email address
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Missing SPF, DKIM, or DMARC DNS records
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Plugin conflicts
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SMTP not being configured
Recommended Fix: Use SMTP
The best solution is to configure WordPress to send email through SMTP. SMTP sends messages through an authenticated email account, similar to sending mail from an email program or phone.
You can set this up using a WordPress SMTP plugin.
Popular SMTP plugins include:
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WP Mail SMTP
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FluentSMTP
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Post SMTP
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Easy WP SMTP
Basic SMTP Settings
Your SMTP settings usually include:
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SMTP Hostname
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SMTP Port
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SMTP Username
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SMTP Password
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Encryption type, usually SSL or TLS
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From Email Address
Common ports are:
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587 for TLS
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465 for SSL
Your SMTP hostname may look like:
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mail.yourdomain.com
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smtp.yourdomain.com
If you use Gmail, Microsoft 365, or another third-party email provider, you will need to use the SMTP settings provided by that service.
Gmail and App Passwords
If you are using Gmail, you may need to create an App Password instead of using your normal Gmail password. This is common when two-factor authentication is enabled on your Google account.
Test Your Contact Form
After setting up SMTP:
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Send a test email from your SMTP plugin.
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Submit a test message through your website contact form.
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Check your inbox and spam folder.
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Confirm that the "From" address matches your website domain when possible.
Need Help?
If your contact form emails still are not working, contact Web Host Pro support with the domain name, the form plugin you are using, and the email address where messages should be delivered. Our team can help review your email settings and troubleshoot the issue.
