How to Configure WordPress to Send Emails Using an SMTP Plugin

What is the tutorial about?

WordPress, by default, uses the PHP function to send emails. However, this method often results in emails being blocked or not delivered. This tutorial by PluginsForWP focuses on how to configure WordPress to send emails using an SMTP plugin, specifically the Easy WP SMTP plugin.

Tutorial Steps

1. Access your WordPress website as an admin
   Navigate to the backend of your website.
2. Go to Plugins and select Add New
   Search for an SMTP plugin. For this tutorial, we’re using the Easy WP SMTP plugin. Install and activate it.
3. Configure the SMTP settings
   After activation, you’ll be directed to the settings page of the plugin. WordPress uses the PHP function to send emails by default, but we need to change this. Select ‘Other SMTP’ and fill in the relevant details such as SMTP host, username, and password.
4. Set up an email account on your hosting platform
   For this tutorial, we’re using HostGator, but the process is similar for any hosting platform with a cPanel. Go to the Email Accounts tab and create a new email account. Make sure to copy the password to a safe place.
5. Configure the SMTP plugin with your email account details
   Go back to your WordPress site and input the SMTP host (usually mail.yourdomainname), username, and password you just created. Make sure to select SSL if your hosting platform uses SSL configuration.
6. Save the changes and test the setup
   After saving the changes, test the setup by sending an email from your WordPress site. If the setup is correct, you should receive the email.

Benefits of the Tutorial

Configuring WordPress to send emails using an SMTP plugin ensures that your emails are delivered to the recipients. It eliminates the issues associated with the default PHP function, improving the reliability of your email notifications.

Use Cases for this Tutorial

• User Registration:
  When a new user registers on your WordPress site, they receive an email notification with their login credentials.
• Password Reset:
  If a user forgets their password, they can request a password reset email.
• Comment Notifications:
  Users receive email notifications when there are new comments on their posts.