Due to our recent PHP security changes that disabled the mail() function, WordPress websites that are not configured with an SMTP plugin are no longer able to send email. The fix is to install the WP Mail SMTP plugin and configure its SMTP connection settings per our Windows shared services mail article. The entire process takes only a minute or two and immediately restores full email capabilities.

This security measure prevents servers from being abused as open relays for unsolicited email. WordPress depends on the wp_mail() function for password resets, comment notifications, contact form submissions, registration emails, and e-commerce order confirmations. Without an alternative delivery method, these features fail silently, which can degrade user experience and break site workflows. SMTP provides authenticated, encrypted delivery that complies with the updated security policy.

#Installing the WP Mail SMTP Plugin

The plugin available at http://wordpress.org/plugins/wp-mail-smtp/ is the recommended solution. It overrides the default PHP mailer with a robust implementation of PHPMailer that supports authenticated SMTP. Installation is performed from within the WordPress dashboard, ensuring you receive the current version directly from the official repository without manual file uploads.

  • Log in to your WordPress administrative dashboard.
  • Navigate to Plugins > Add New in the left sidebar.
  • Enter "WP Mail SMTP" in the search box and submit.
  • Click Install Now on the plugin entry, then Activate once installation finishes.

#Configuring SMTP Settings

After activation, a new WP Mail SMTP menu item appears under Settings. Configure the plugin's SMTP connection settings per this article: https://www.aspnix.com/kb/windows-shared-kb/how-do-i-send-mail-from-my-website-on-windows-shared-services/. Select SMTP as the mailer, input the host and port for our website mailer servers, enable authentication, and supply the username and password associated with your hosting account. Set the From Email to an address permitted on your domain.

The plugin intercepts every call to wp_mail() and routes it through the configured SMTP session instead of the disabled PHP function. This ensures reliable delivery, proper headers, and compatibility with the security restrictions now in place. Double-check that the plugin is not set to fall back to the PHP mailer option.

#Testing Email Delivery

With settings saved, use the plugin's built-in email test feature or trigger a standard WordPress action such as a password reset or contact form submission. Monitor the delivery status and review any logs the plugin provides. Your WordPress powered website should now be able to send mail using our website mailer servers using SMTP.

#Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting

  • Using credentials that do not match the allowed email account on your hosting plan.
  • Selecting an incorrect mailer type or leaving authentication disabled.
  • Configuration changes not taking effect due to active caching plugins; clear caches after saving settings.
  • Mismatch between the From address and the authenticated SMTP account.

Enable the plugin's debug mode if delivery still fails. The resulting SMTP conversation transcript usually identifies the exact issue, such as an authentication error or rejected sender address. Adjust the settings accordingly and retest. Avoid mixing settings from other environments, as our shared Windows servers require specific parameters documented in the linked article.

Once complete, email functionality operates securely within our policies. Consult additional knowledge base entries for related topics such as managing sent mail volume or integrating with third-party mailing services when higher throughput is required.