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Troubleshooting Common Post SMTP Plugin Issues: From Security to Compatibility

14 threads Sep 11, 2025

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Post SMTP is a popular WordPress plugin for configuring SMTP mail, but like any complex software, users occasionally encounter issues. Based on community discussions, this guide addresses the most frequently reported problems and their solutions.

1. Outdated Guzzle HTTP Library

The Problem: Users report conflicts with other plugins, such as S3MediaVault, because Post SMTP includes an older version of the Guzzle HTTP library.

The Solution: This is a known issue that has been escalated to the plugin's developer. While waiting for an official update, you can temporarily deactivate the conflicting plugin if possible or monitor the plugin's support forum for an update announcement.

2. PHP Version Compatibility

The Problem: Confusion exists around which PHP versions the plugin supports. Some users encounter fatal errors on PHP 8.x, often manifesting as a missing freemius/start.php file.

The Solution: The 'Post SMTP – WP SMTP Plugin with Email Logs and Mobile App for Failure Notifications – Gmail SMTP, Office 365, Brevo, Mailgun, Amazon SES and more' team has stated the plugin is officially compatible with PHP 7.3 and above. If you are getting a specific error on PHP 8, it may indicate a faulty installation. Try reinstalling the plugin. If the error persists, create a support thread on the WordPress plugin forum with the exact error message.

3. Security Concerns and Vulnerability Reports

The Problem: Users receive alerts from their hosting provider (e.g., GetFlywheel) or security plugins (e.g., Wordfence) about a vulnerability. Others worry about how securely their email account credentials are stored.

The Solution: The development team has partnered with Patchstack for security. All known vulnerabilities have been patched in the latest versions of the plugin. The most important action is to always keep the plugin updated to the latest version. For stored credentials, you can check the plugin's official documentation or support forums for specific details on their encryption and storage practices. If you receive a password reset email, it is unlikely to be related to the Post SMTP plugin. As a precaution, navigate to Post SMTP > Settings > Mobile App to review and revoke any unrecognized app connections.

4. Plugin Abandonment and Update Frequency

The Problem: The plugin sometimes goes months without an update, and its developer website has experienced downtime, leading users to worry if it has been abandoned.

The Solution: According to community contributors, the plugin is maintained voluntarily and is not abandoned. The authors are often busy, which can delay updates and responses, but they address critical bugs and security issues. The plugin is reported to be functional on the latest WordPress versions (including 5.8.x). A lack of frequent updates can sometimes simply mean the plugin is stable and does not require immediate changes.

5. Understanding Changelogs and Update Urgency

The Problem: Plugin changelogs can be vague (e.g., "FIX" or "Php warnings"), making it difficult for users to assess the urgency of an update, especially when it may involve a security patch.

The Solution: The team has acknowledged this feedback and plans to improve changelog clarity. In the meantime, treat all updates as important. If an update is released soon after a security vulnerability is disclosed, assume it contains a critical security patch and prioritize its installation.

For further help with any of these issues, the best course of action is to search for existing threads or start a new one on the plugin's WordPress support forum, providing as much detail about your problem as possible.

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