WordPress 6.9 Email Not Sending? Here’s the Ultimate SMTP Fix

If you’ve recently updated your WordPress website to version 6.9, you might have noticed a frustrating problem: your site’s emails are not reaching inboxes. Whether it’s contact form submissions, password resets, or e-commerce notifications, these mission-critical emails suddenly go missing or land in spam folders. Don’t worry—you are not alone, and the solution is simpler than you think.

In this guide, we’ll explore why WordPress 6.9 emails are failing and walk you through a reliable solution using SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) to ensure your emails are delivered successfully every time.

Why WordPress Emails Suddenly Stop Working

The root cause lies in how WordPress sends emails. By default, WordPress uses the PHP mail() function, which relies on your hosting server to send emails. While this worked fine in the past, modern email providers like Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo have become much stricter about email authentication.

Key issues with PHP mail():

1. No Authentication: Emails sent via PHP mail() often lack SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records—protocols used to verify that an email is coming from a trusted source.
2. Default “From” Address Conflicts: WordPress 6.9 changed the default “From” address to wordpress@yourdomain.com. If your hosting server isn’t properly configured to send emails from this address, many email providers will reject the emails or mark them as spam.
3. Hosting Limitations: Shared hosting environments often have limits on outgoing emails. If your website exceeds these limits, emails may be blocked.

All of this results in the frustrating scenario where emails either never arrive or end up in the spam folder.

The Most Reliable Solution: Use an SMTP Plugin

The easiest and most effective way to fix WordPress email issues is by using SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) instead of the default PHP mail() function. SMTP ensures that your emails are properly authenticated, increasing the chances of them reaching the recipient’s inbox.

Why SMTP Works Better Than PHP Mail

SMTP uses proper authentication credentials (username and password) to send emails through a legitimate email server. This gives email providers confidence that your emails are genuine and reduces the likelihood of them being flagged as spam.

Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up SMTP in WordPress

Here’s how you can quickly fix your WordPress 6.9 email issues using an SMTP plugin.

Step 1: Install an SMTP Plugin

Several WordPress plugins make SMTP setup easy:

• WP Mail SMTP – Beginner-friendly with guided setup.
• FluentSMTP – Lightweight and reliable.
• Post SMTP – Offers advanced logging and troubleshooting features.

For most users, WP Mail SMTP is recommended due to its simplicity and built-in email test feature.

Step 2: Configure Your SMTP Settings

Once the plugin is installed:

1. Go to WP Mail SMTP → Settings in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Choose your mailer provider. Popular options include:
   • Gmail / Google Workspace – Free for small websites.
   • SendLayer – Reliable third-party SMTP service.
   • SMTP.com – Scalable for large websites.
   • Brevo (Sendinblue) – Affordable option with good deliverability.
3. Enter your SMTP details:
   • SMTP Host (e.g., smtp.gmail.com)
   • SMTP Port (usually 587 for TLS)
   • Encryption (TLS or SSL)
   • SMTP Username & Password

Tip: If you’re using Gmail, you may need to create an App Password to connect securely.

Step 3: Test Your Email

Most SMTP plugins provide a Test Email feature. Send a test email to your personal inbox to confirm that everything is working correctly. If it lands in your inbox (not spam), your setup is successful!

Additional Tips for Better Email Deliverability

Even with SMTP, there are a few extra steps you can take to maximize deliverability:

1. Set Up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC Records: These DNS records verify that your emails are authorized and reduce the chances of being flagged as spam. Most SMTP services provide instructions for these records.
2. Use a Domain-Based Email Address: Instead of wordpress@yourdomain.com, consider using info@yourdomain.com or contact@yourdomain.com for a more professional look.
3. Avoid Bulk Sending From Shared Hosting: For e-commerce sites or websites with large mailing needs, consider using a dedicated email provider.

Common WordPress Email Issues and Fixes

Issue	Likely Cause	Fix
Emails go to spam	Missing SPF/DKIM/DMARC	Configure DNS records & use SMTP
Emails not sending at all	PHP mail() blocked	Switch to SMTP plugin
Gmail rejects email	Gmail strict authentication	Use Gmail SMTP with App Password
WooCommerce order emails delayed	Hosting email limits	Use third-party SMTP service

Benefits of Using SMTP

• Reliable Delivery: Emails are less likely to end up in spam.
• Professional Appearance: Use a branded email address like info@yourdomain.com.
• Error Logging: Many SMTP plugins log failed emails, making troubleshooting easier.
• Compatibility: Works with contact forms, e-commerce plugins, and membership sites.

Conclusion

WordPress 6.9 brought many improvements, but email deliverability issues can be frustrating for website owners. The good news is that switching from the default PHP mail() function to a properly configured SMTP setup solves most of these problems.

By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your contact forms, password resets, and e-commerce notifications always reach your users—keeping your website professional and reliable.

Take action today: install an SMTP plugin, configure your credentials, and test your emails. Your inbox—and your users—will thank you!