If your WordPress website is not sending emails, the issue is usually that WordPress is using the default PHP mail function, which many hosting providers block or limit.

The best solution is to configure SMTP. In this guide, we’ll use WP SMTP Mailer – SMTP7 to send emails through Gmail or Zoho Mail and Forminator to deliver contact form notifications reliably.

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Step 1 — Install the SMTP Plugin

Install the following plugin:

Plugin	Author	Purpose
WP SMTP Mailer – SMTP7	Arshid	Sends all WordPress emails through SMTP instead of PHP Mail

After activation, open the SMTP settings.

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Gmail SMTP Settings

Setting	Value
SMTP Host	smtp.gmail.com
SMTP Port	587
Encryption	TLS
Username	yourgmail@gmail.com
Password	Gmail App Password
From Email	yourgmail@gmail.com
From Name	147Website

Important: Do not use your regular Gmail password. Use a Gmail App Password instead.

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How to Create a Gmail App Password

Before using Gmail SMTP:

1. Enable 2-Step Verification on your Google account.
2. Open Google Account → Security.
3. Click App Passwords.
4. Create a new App Password.
5. Copy the generated password.
6. Paste it into the SMTP Password field.

After saving the settings, send a Test Email to verify everything is working.

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Zoho SMTP Settings

If your client uses Zoho Mail, use these settings instead.

Setting	Value
SMTP Host	smtp.zoho.com
SMTP Port	587
Encryption	TLS
Username	yourname@domain.com
Password	Zoho Email Password
From Email	yourname@domain.com
From Name	Business Name

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Step 2 — Install Forminator

Install the following plugin.

Plugin	Author	Purpose
Forminator	WPMU DEV	Creates contact forms and sends email notifications

After installation:

Forms → Select Your Form → Email Notifications

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Configure Admin Email Notification

Setting	Value
Recipients	owner@company.com
Multiple Recipients	Separate with commas
From Name	147Website or Business Name
Reply-To	Visitor’s Email Field

Example:

Field	Example
Recipient	owner@company.com
Reply-To	{email-1}

Using the visitor’s email as the Reply-To makes it easy for the business owner to reply directly from their inbox.

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Send Confirmation Email to Visitors (Optional)

You can also send an automatic confirmation email after someone submits the form.

Setting	Value
Recipient	{email-1}
Subject	We received your message

Example email:

Hi {name-1},

Thank you for contacting us.

We’ve received your message and will get back to you as soon as possible.

Thank you,

147Website

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Step 3 — Test the Contact Form

After everything is configured:

Test	Expected Result
Send SMTP Test Email	Email is delivered successfully
Submit Contact Form	Admin receives notification
Visitor Confirmation	Visitor receives confirmation email (optional)
Reply Button	Replies go directly to the visitor’s email

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Troubleshooting Checklist

If emails are still not sending, check the following:

✔	Item
✅	SMTP plugin installed correctly
✅	SMTP Host is correct
✅	Port is set to 587
✅	Encryption is TLS
✅	Username matches the From Email
✅	App Password is correct
✅	SMTP Test Email works
✅	Forminator Email Notifications are enabled
✅	Recipient email address is correct
✅	Hosting provider is not blocking outgoing SMTP

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Recommended Setup Order

Step	Action
1	Install WP SMTP Mailer – SMTP7
2	Configure Gmail or Zoho SMTP
3	Send a Test Email
4	Install Forminator
5	Configure Email Notifications
6	Submit a test form
7	Verify both SMTP and contact form emails are working

Final Thoughts

A properly configured SMTP service greatly improves email deliverability compared to WordPress’s default PHP mail function. By using WP SMTP Mailer – SMTP7 with Gmail or Zoho Mail, and configuring Forminator email notifications correctly, you can ensure contact form submissions, password reset emails, and other WordPress notifications are delivered reliably. Always perform a test after setup to confirm everything is working before launching the website.

Still need help? Contact me.