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How to Fix a Contact Form Not Sending Emails in WordPress

18 threads Sep 16, 2025 Theme → Neve

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One of the most common and frustrating issues for WordPress site owners is when a previously reliable contact form suddenly stops sending email notifications. This problem can cause you to miss important messages from potential clients or customers. Based on community reports and solutions, this guide will help you troubleshoot why your form emails aren't arriving and how to fix it.

Why Does This Happen?

Contact forms not sending emails is rarely an issue with your theme, such as Neve. The problem almost always originates from how WordPress handles email by default or from a conflict with another plugin. Common causes include:

  • WordPress Mail Function: WordPress uses a basic PHP mail() function, which can be unreliable and is often flagged as spam by email providers like Outlook or Gmail.
  • Plugin Conflicts: A new plugin or an update to an existing one can interfere with your form plugin's functionality.
  • Incorrect Configuration: The form's notification settings might have been inadvertently changed.
  • SMTP Issues: Emails sent without proper authentication are more likely to be blocked.

How to Troubleshoot and Fix the Issue

1. Check Your Spam or Junk Folder

First, always check your spam, junk, promotions, and other inbox folders. Email providers are increasingly aggressive with filtering. If you find the emails there, mark them as "Not Spam" to help train your email client.

2. Confirm Form Configuration

Log into your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the setup for your specific form plugin (e.g., WPForms, Contact Form 7). Double-check that the notification settings are correct and that the "Send To" email address is entered properly without any typos.

3. Use an SMTP Plugin (The Most Common Solution)

The most effective permanent fix is to configure an SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) plugin. SMTP sends emails through a trusted mail server (like your hosting provider's or Gmail's) with proper authentication, which dramatically improves deliverability.

  1. Install a Plugin: Install and activate a dedicated SMTP plugin like WP Mail SMTP.
  2. Configure the Plugin: Follow the plugin's setup wizard. You will need to provide credentials for a mail server. Many hosts provide these details in your control panel; alternatively, you can use a free Gmail account.
  3. Send a Test Email: Most SMTP plugins have a feature to send a test email to confirm everything is working.

4. Check for Plugin Conflicts

Temporarily deactivate all other plugins except your form plugin and the SMTP plugin. If the emails start sending, reactivate your plugins one by one to identify the one causing the conflict.

5. Consult Your Form Plugin's Documentation

Form plugin developers often have extensive troubleshooting guides for this exact issue. For example, the WPForms team has a detailed guide on troubleshooting email notifications.

By methodically working through these steps, particularly implementing an SMTP solution, you can resolve email delivery issues and ensure your contact form works reliably.

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