How to Send Email from WordPress Using SMTP Authentication

By default, WordPress uses the PHP mail() function to send emails such as contact form submissions, password resets, notifications, and order confirmations. However, PHP mail can be unreliable and often results in emails going to spam or not sending at all.

The best solution is to configure WordPress to send email through SMTP authentication, which uses your hosting email server with proper login credentials and security.

Recommended Plugin: WP Mail SMTP

The easiest and most reliable way to configure SMTP in WordPress is to install the plugin:

WP Mail SMTP

https://wordpress.org/plugins/wp-mail-smtp/

This plugin allows you to send all WordPress emails using SMTP or a third-party mail service. It supports:

• Standard cPanel SMTP
• Gmail / Google Workspace
• Microsoft 365 / Outlook
• SendGrid, Mailgun, Amazon SES & more

How to Configure SMTP in WordPress

1. Log in to your WordPress Admin Dashboard.
2. Go to Plugins → Add New.
3. Search for WP Mail SMTP.
4. Click Install Now → Activate.

Once activated, configure your SMTP settings:

1. Go to WP Mail SMTP → Settings.
2. In the "Mailer" section, choose Other SMTP.
3. Enter your Fast2host email server details:
   • SMTP Host: mail.yourdomain.com
   • SMTP Port: 465 (SSL) or 587 (TLS)
   • Encryption: SSL or TLS
   • Authentication: Yes
   • SMTP Username: your full email address
   • SMTP Password: your mailbox password

Save your settings, then scroll down and click Send a Test Email to confirm everything works.

Why SMTP Is Better Than PHP Mail

• More reliable email delivery
• Prevents WordPress emails going to spam
• Uses secure authentication
• Required by many contact form plugins
• Provides detailed error logs when mail fails

Using SMTP is one of the simplest ways to improve your WordPress site’s reliability.