WPForms Not Sending Emails? Here’s How to Fix It Fast
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why WPForms Might Not Be Sending Emails
- Troubleshooting – Identify the Root Cause
- Solutions – How to Fix WPForms Email Issues
- Best Practices to Avoid Email Delivery Problems
- Consider Alternative Form Plugins
- Conclusion
Introduction
One of the most widely used WordPress form builder plugins is WPForms. It helps users create contact forms, surveys, order forms, and more—without writing code. Many businesses, bloggers, and online stores in the USA rely on it daily.
But what happens when WPForms fails to send emails?
You set up a form, someone fills it out, but you get nothing in your inbox. This issue is more common than most users think. It can lead to missed leads, lost orders, and poor customer experiences. If your contact form doesn’t notify you, your business may suffer silently.
You may resolve the issue of WPForms not sending emails by following this blog post. You’ll discover why it occurs, how to locate the problem, and—above all—how to resolve it. By the end, your WPForms will send email notifications reliably.
Why WPForms Might Not Be Sending Emails
There are several reasons why WPForms email delivery failures occur. Let’s look at the most common causes:
- Hosting Provider Email Restrictions
Many shared hosting services block PHP mail functions for security reasons. WPForms uses WordPress’s default email system, which depends on PHP mail. If this is blocked, emails won’t be delivered.
- Incorrect Notification Settings in WPForms
If the notification settings inside your form are not set up correctly, WPForms won’t send alerts. Some common mistakes include:
- Leaving the “Send To Email Address” field blank
- The “From” and “To” email addresses are the same.
- Using a non-existent or misspelled email address
- Emails Are Going to Spam Folder
Sometimes emails are sent but never arrive in your inbox. Instead, they end up in the spam or junk folder. This happens when:
- You provide a free email address in the “From” column, such as Gmail or Yahoo.
- The email lacks proper authentication or headers
- SMTP Is Not Configured
WordPress does not send emails reliably on its own. Your emails might never get to you if you haven’t set up and installed an SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) service. SMTP is the industry-standard way to send emails securely and successfully.
Troubleshooting – Identify the Root Cause
If your WPForms is not sending emails, don’t panic just yet. Prior to attempting to fix anything, you must identify the issue. Troubleshooting helps you find the root cause. Once you know the problem, the solution becomes simple.
Let’s go through a few easy steps to check what’s going wrong.
- Submit a Test Form Entry
Start by submitting a test entry from your contact form. After completing the necessary fields, click submit. Then check the inbox where you should receive the form notification.
If you don’t receive an email, be sure to:
- Look through your junk or spam folders.
- Wait a few minutes in case of server delays
- In the form settings, try using a different email address.
This will confirm whether the form is trying to send the email.
- Review Notification Settings in WPForms
Incorrect settings are one of the top reasons for missed emails. Go to the form builder in WPForms and click on Settings > Notifications. Check the following details:
- Is the “Send To Email Address” field filled correctly?
- Do you have a working email address?
- Does the email address include any typos?
- Is the “From Email” field using a domain email?
Make sure to use a domain-based email (like you@yourwebsite.com). Don’t use free email services like Yahoo or Gmail here.
Additionally, make sure alerts are turned on. All emails will not be sent if this setting is disabled.
- Use an Email Logging Plugin
Sometimes, you need proof that an email was even attempted. A free plugin such as WP Mail Logging is available for installation. This tool will record every email that WordPress tries to send.
Once installed:
- Submit a test form again
- Open the plugin’s log section
- Look for the WPForms entry
If it’s listed but still not arriving, the problem is with delivery, not sending.
- Try Using a Different Admin Email
You can also change your admin email in WordPress settings. Sometimes, emails work better with certain domains or providers. Use a different one and test again.
These methods will help you identify the source of the issue. If WPForms is not even trying to send the email, the issue is inside the plugin. If it tries but fails, then the problem is delivery.
Solutions – How to Fix WPForms Email Issues
It’s time to address the problem now that you’ve located it. The good news is that there are simple fixes for the majority of WPForms that have trouble sending emails. Follow the steps below to restore your form notifications quickly and reliably.
- Install and Set Up WP Mail SMTP Plugin
The most effective fix is using WP Mail SMTP. By default, WordPress does not reliably send emails. This plugin ensures your emails are delivered through a proper mail server.
Here’s how to do it:
- Go to your WordPress dashboard
- Click Plugins > Add New
- Search for WP Mail SMTP
- Install and activate the plugin
After activation, follow the setup wizard. Choose an SMTP provider like Gmail, Sendinblue, or Brevo. Enter your credentials and save the settings.
Using SMTP:
- Improves email delivery rates
- Authenticates emails, so they don’t go to spam
- Works with most email services
WP Mail SMTP even includes email testing and logs. That enables you to verify that everything is operating as it should.
- Use a Domain-Based Email Address
Use an email associated with your domain at all times. For example, use admin@yourwebsite.com instead of yourname@gmail.com.
Why? Mail servers frequently block free email providers like Gmail. Using your own domain builds trust and improves delivery.
To change this:
- Open WPForms > Your Form > Settings > Notifications
- Update the “From Email” field to your domain email
- Verify that it corresponds to the email address used for WP Mail SMTP
If needed, set up a domain email through your hosting provider.
- Fix Notification Settings Inside WPForms
Incorrect notification settings can break email delivery. Go through them carefully:
- Make sure notifications are enabled
- Use the correct “Send To Email”
- Keep the “From” and “To” addresses separate.
Use commas between addresses if you wish to send emails to many recipients. Also, update the “From Name” field to your business or website name for clarity.
- Check Spam and Junk Folders
Sometimes emails are sent but land in the spam folder. Check there before assuming it’s broken.
To avoid spam flags:
- Use a recognizable “From Name”
- Keep your subject lines free of spammy or all-caps words.
- Use SMTP to authenticate the message
- Choose a Reliable SMTP Provider
Using WP Mail SMTP is good, but the provider matters too. Some reliable options are:
- Sendinblue / Brevo – free for small sites
- SMTP.com – great for businesses
- Gmail SMTP – ideal for personal use
Most providers offer free and paid plans. Choose based on your site’s size and email volume.
- Test Everything After Setup
After fixing everything, don’t forget to test your form. Take advantage of the WP Mail SMTP > Email Test function. Also, try submitting a real form entry to confirm it works.
By following these steps, you’ll fix the WPForms not sending emails issue completely. Your site will start sending reliable email notifications again.
Best Practices to Avoid Email Delivery Problems
Following a few smart practices can prevent future email issues. These tips help keep your forms reliable and your emails delivered on time.
Always Use SMTP for Email Delivery
Never rely on WordPress to send emails on its own. Use WP Mail SMTP or a similar tool. SMTP is more secure and far more reliable.
Use a Professional Domain-Based Email
Emails from your domain look trustworthy. Additionally, they are less likely to be reported as spam.
Example:
- Use: info@yourdomain.com
- Avoid: yourname@gmail.com
Avoid Free Email Services in “From Email”
Gmail, Yahoo, and Hotmail addresses often cause delivery failures. Some servers block them completely.
Monitor Email Logs Regularly
Plugins that log emails can monitor messages that have been sent. If something breaks, you’ll be aware of it immediately.
Use plugins like:
- WP Mail Logging
- FluentSMTP with logging feature
Test Forms After Updates
Any time you update plugins or themes, test your forms. A small update can change how emails behave.
Use Clear and Non-Spammy Subject Lines
Avoid words like “FREE” or “ACT NOW” in email subjects. Keep your subject short, clear, and professional.
Consider Alternative Form Plugins
While WPForms is a powerful plugin, it may not suit everyone. Some users prefer other form builders that offer more control, different pricing, or better email delivery tools. Here are some great substitutes for WPForms if you’re still having issues or just want to look into your options:
Here are some great substitutes for WPForms if you’re still having issues or just want to look into your options: It is renowned for its extensive feature set and dependability. You can build multi-page forms, schedule forms, and even collect payments.
Key benefits:
- Advanced conditional logic
- Inbuilt email and CRM tool integrations
- Excellent support and documentation
- Strong focus on deliverability with SMTP compatibility
It’s best for users who want full control and don’t mind paying for a license.
Ninja Forms is versatile and easy for beginners to use. It has a free version with basic functions and premium add-ons for more functionality. It’s ideal for bloggers or small enterprises who wish to start off small and expand later.
Key features:
- Drag-and-drop builder
- Simple connectivity with PayPal, Mailchimp, and other platforms
- Works well with WP Mail SMTP
- Modular pricing – only pay for the features you need
Ninja Forms is a good fit if you want a budget-friendly and flexible solution.
Formidable Forms
For customers that require sophisticated form functions, Formidable Forms is the best option. It’s designed to build complex forms like quizzes, calculators, and data-driven applications.
Highlights include:
- Powerful form builder with conditional logic
- Great for directories, calculators, and reports
- Visual form styling options
- Supports SMTP setup and email routing
It’s perfect for developers, agencies, and technical users who need custom workflows.
Each of these plugins supports SMTP email delivery. That means you can set up secure and reliable email notifications just like with WPForms. Most of them also work with email logging tools to help you track delivery.
Switching plugins isn’t always necessary, but knowing your options gives you confidence. If WPForms isn’t working well for your needs, one of these alternatives might be the right fit.
Conclusion
Dealing with WPForms not sending emails can be stressful. You might miss important leads, customer questions, or order confirmations. Therefore, any website owner should make resolving this issue their top priority.
The good news is that it’s simple to fix once you know the cause. Whether the issue is related to hosting, incorrect settings, or no SMTP setup—each has a clear fix. Using tools like WP Mail SMTP, checking form settings, and following best practices will ensure your emails get delivered every time.
If you’re still facing problems, don’t feel stuck.
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