WordPress SMTP: How to set up SMTP for sending emails in WordPress

The standard WordPress email function is based on the PHP mail() function. However, this method is not optimal, as it can often end up in spam and send error messages to users.

For WordPress website operators who regularly exchange emails with their visitors, the SMTP server (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is a more efficient option. This ensures a higher level of security and deliverability to ensure that emails are sent properly. To use SMTP, connect your email service to a third-party SMTP provider and install a suitable plugin on your WordPress site.

This article explains WordPress SMTP and the configuration of the WP Mail SMTP plugin in detail.

In another article, we presented five plugins and solutions for managing WordPress emails. The 5 best WordPress SMTP plugins

What is WordPress SMTP?

WordPress SMTP is an email transmission protocol that allows users to send emails over the internet. It is characterized by high security and email deliverability, supported by SPF and DKIM records.

It is important to note that the integrated WordPress email function has some disadvantages:

• It lacks SMTP authentication, which makes it vulnerable to cybercrime such as spoofing.
• SPF and DKIM entries are not activated, which means that receiving mail servers could treat the WordPress emails as spam.
• Some web hosts deactivate the WordPress mail settings by default to prevent abuse and spam.

The use of WordPress SMTP is therefore recommended to ensure that your messages are delivered correctly.

Get to know the SMTP settings of WordPress

Before configuring WordPress SMTP, it is crucial to know the following email settings:

• From e-mail: The address from which you want to send messages, e.g., email@meindedomain.ch.
• Sender name: The name of the e-mail sender.
• Return path: Activate this option to receive acknowledgements of receipt.
• Mailer: Select a mail server, either "Standard" to use mail() or a third-party SMTP server such as Gmail, Google Workspace, SendGrid or Mailgun.
• SMTP host: The address or IP of the SMTP server.
• SMTP port: The port of the SMTP server.
• Encryption: The encryption level activated on the SMTP server (None, SSL, TLS).
• Auto TLS: Activate this if your SMTP server supports TLS.
• Authentication: Activate this if login information is required for the connection.
• SMTP user name: The user name or e-mail address for the login.
• SMTP password: The password for the login.

Please note that the exact names may vary depending on the WordPress SMTP plugin used.

Instructions for configuring WordPress for sending emails

Here you will find a step-by-step guide to configuring the WordPress SMTP settings on your website. Before you start, it is important to first install and activate a WordPress SMTP plugin.

Such a plugin is essential to ensure that the emails you send are reliably received by website visitors or customers. In this tutorial, we will use the WP Mail SMTP plugin, although other plugins such as Post SMTP can also be used.

Before you set up the tool, you will need the SMTP information, which may vary depending on your web host. Find out how to create an e-mail account herecheck the SMTP server information in ORC Webhosting and configure the WP Mail SMTP settings.

1. Log in to your cPanel account.
2. Navigate to "Emails - Email accounts" in the cPanel.
3. Select the e-mail domain you want to check.
4. Click on "Connect Devices" to find the ORC Webhosting SMTP configuration, including SMTP port, protocol, hostname and SSL/TLS encryption.
5. Go to the WordPress dashboard, install and activate the WP Mail SMTP plugin.
6. After activation, the plugin opens the setup wizard. Click on "Back to dashboard" to configure the tool manually.

7. Scroll to the section "E-mail address of the sender" and enter your e-mail address in the "From e-mail" in. Replace "email@meinedomain.ch" with your actual domain.

8. Enter your name in the field "Name of the sender" in.

9. Select the Return Path e-mail and uncheck the box to disable bounce messages.

10. Select under "Mailer" a third-party SMTP service. In this example, we use "Other SMTP server" to connect WP Mail SMTP to the ORC Webhosting SMTP server to connect.

11. A further configuration appears under "Other SMTP server". Enter your SMTP host in.

12. Select the encryption level supported by the server. When selected, the settings for SMTP port, Auto TLS and Authentication defined.

13. Carry the SMTP user names and the SMTP password in.

14. Click "Save settings"to save the changes.
15. Send a test email to make sure that the WordPress SMTP settings are working. To do this, enter an alternative email address and click on "Send e-mail".
16. If you have successfully received the test e-mail WP Mail SMTP ready for use.

Conclusion: WordPress SMTP configuration for smooth email delivery

The successful configuration of WordPress SMTP through the Use of plugins like WP Mail SMTP enables reliable and secure e-mail delivery from your website. By switching from the standard mail() function to the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) server, website operators benefit from improved security standards and higher deliverability.

It is crucial to carefully follow the steps outlined in this guide to ensure that your WordPress emails arrive properly. Choosing a suitable SMTP provider, configuring the settings accurately and running test emails are essential steps to ensure that your WordPress system works smoothly.

For further support or specific questions about your configuration, you can use the corresponding forums of the WordPress community or the Support from ORC Webhosting available. Regularly checking and, if necessary, updating your SMTP settings ensures that your website always operates optimally and securely.

With a correctly set up WordPress SMTP configuration, you can be sure that important emails will arrive reliably and at the same time strengthen the trust of your visitors and customers in the communication of your website.