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Contact Form 7 is a favorite WordPress plugin that makes it easy to create simple contact forms. Sometimes, the emails do not seem to be sent, which can only be frustrating and detrimental to your website functionality.
What are the most common reasons behind this issue;
Follow step-by-step instructions to make Contact Form 7 perform fine for you;
The Problem
Common reasons by which your Contact Form 7 might not be sending emails:
- Incorrect SMTP Settings:
— Missing or Incorrect Credentials: Ensure that the SMTP host, port, username, and password are entered correctly.
— Authentication Errors: Double-check your authentication method. Is it SMTP, SMTP AUTH, or something else? Your email provider should tell you what to use.
— Port Restrictions: In case some ports are blocked by some providers, you might even consider changing that port number yourself in your settings or else just telling the hosting company to unblock/open that port.
Server-Side Issues:
— PHP Mail Function Limitations: The default PHP mail function can be limited or blocked by the hosting provider.
— Firewall Restrictions: At times, firewalls can interfere with outgoing email traffic.
— Server Configuration: Server configuration problems might also prevent email delivery.
Contact Form 7 Configuration:
— Wrong “To” Email Address: Make sure that the “To” email address is set to be sent correctly and that the address really exists.
— Form Errors: Make sure all the fields in your form are correctly set and that validation errors do not prevent the submission.
Troubleshooting
Some troubleshooting points would help you fix the issue at hand:
Check Your Email Provider’s Settings:
— Does this email provider allow sending emails from third-party applications?
— Have they recently changed any settings or policies that could have an impact on deliveries of emails?
Test Your Form Locally:
— Test your form in a local environment to rule out any server-related issues.
Turn on Debug Mode:
— Set Contact Form 7 in debug mode to get extra details on errors or warnings.
WebHost Error Logs:
— Check your webhost error log for any PHP errors or warnings about email sending.
Consult Your Hosting Provider:
— Ask your hosting provider for help when it comes to server configurations or firewall restrictions.
— You may contact us for further assistance at https://ergoseo.com/cloned/contact/
Solutions and Workarounds
Use an SMTP Plugin:
— WP Mail SMTP: It is a well-used and trusted plugin to configure your SMTP settings and enhance email delivery.
— Installation and Activation: Install and activate the WP Mail SMTP plugin from the WordPress repository.
— Configure SMTP Settings: Enter the SMTP host, port, username, password, and set the authentication type.
— Send Test Email: This sends a test email and hence checks if the configuration process has been completed properly.
Modify PHP Mail Function:
— Edit wp-config.php (found in your WP root folder): Edit wp-config.php: Modify your wp-config.php file found in the root folder of WP. Paste the following into your wp-config.php file (towards the bottom):
define('WP_MAIL_FROM_NAME', 'Your Name');
define('WP_MAIL_FROM_ADDRESS', 'your_email@example.com');
— Check Server Configuration: Confirm that your server is permitting outbound mail.
Contact Form 7 Configuration:
— Verify “To” Email Address: Check the “To” Email Address: Double-check your form’s settings concerning the “To” email address.
Test the Form Fields: Ensure all the fields in your form work okay and do not cause any validation errors.
— Test Form Fields: Make sure all form fields are working correctly and not causing validation errors.
— Clear Form Cache: When using a caching plugin, clear the cache along with any other cache that may affect form submissions, as this helps to apply the latest form settings.
Additional Tips for Reliable Delivery
— Use a Reliable Service: Pick a reliable email provider with good deliverability.
— Avoid Being Marked as Spam: Write simple, clear email content; avoid excess HTML and spammy keywords.
— IP Address Warm-Up: Increase email sending volume gradually so as not to raise spam suspicion.
— Observe Delivery Rates: Use tools for checking email delivery rates to detect any problem.
— Use a Dedicated Email Service: Consider employing a dedicated email service provider for sending high-volume email campaigns.