How to send WordPress email using SMTP

What is SMTP?

SMTP is the system that sends email across the internet. Think of it as the post office for email. "Authentication" means you prove who you are with a username and password before the post office sends your letter.

By default, WordPress sends mail with a basic PHP function. These emails have no proof of who sent them. Mail services often treat them as spam. With SMTP, WordPress logs in to a real mailbox and sends from there. Your emails look more trustworthy.

What you need

Create an email account on your domain first, for example info@yourdomain.com. Find these details in your welcome email or ask Hostvento support:

• The outgoing mail server name
• The SMTP port number
• The encryption type, SSL or TLS. This scrambles your mail so no one can read it on the way.
• The full email address and its password

Install an SMTP plugin

A plugin is an add-on that gives WordPress a new feature. Several free SMTP plugins exist. The steps below fit most of them, for example WP Mail SMTP or FluentSMTP.

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.

   

   

2. Go to Plugins and then Add New.

   

3. Search for an SMTP plugin.

   

4. Click Install Now and then Activate.

   

   

5. Open the plugin's settings page.
6. Set the From Email to your mailbox address.
7. Set the From Name to your site or business name.
8. Choose the option for Other SMTP.
9. Type the SMTP host (the mail server name).
10. Choose the encryption type and enter the matching port.
11. Turn Authentication on.
12. Enter the full email address as the username, and type the password.
13. Click Save Settings.

    

    

    

    

Send a test email

1. Open the plugin's Email Test tab.
2. Type an address you can check.
3. Click Send Email.
4. Look in your inbox, and in spam, for the test message.

If it fails, check the host, port, encryption and password. A wrong port is the most common mistake.

Need help with mail settings? Open a support ticket.

Quick recap

• SMTP sends mail through a real, logged-in mailbox.
• It stops many emails from going to spam.
• Install an SMTP plugin and enter your mail server details.
• Send a test email to confirm it works.