WordPress Not Sending Password Reset Email? Fix It Fast!

Introduction: WordPress Not Sending Password Reset Email

WordPress Not Sending Password Reset Email: One of the most common concerns that WordPress users encounter is not receiving password reset emails. This can be a serious issue, particularly for websites with a large number of users or customers that rely on email notifications to manage accounts.

If you or your users are not receiving password reset emails, there are multiple possible explanations and, fortunately, many solutions to the problem. In this article, we’ll look at why WordPress sometimes fails to send these emails and offer step-by-step suggestions for fixing it.

Understanding How WordPress Sends Emails

Before diving into solutions, it’s helpful to understand how WordPress handles email. By default, WordPress uses the wp_mail() function, which relies on the PHP mail() function to send emails. This method can be unreliable, as many hosting providers have restrictions on PHP mail due to spam prevention measures. As a result, emails might end up in spam folders or be blocked entirely.

Here are the main reasons WordPress emails, including password resets, may not be delivered:

• Hosting Provider Restrictions: Some hosts limit or block PHP-based emails.
• Email Authentication Issues: Emails without authentication may be filtered or rejected.
• Misconfigured Email Settings: Incorrect WordPress or server settings can prevent emails from sending.
• Spam Filters: Some email clients automatically send WordPress emails to the spam folder.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix WordPress Not Sending Password Reset Email

Solution 1: Check Spam and Junk Folders

• Why: Sometimes, password reset emails are sent but end up in the spam or junk folder.
• How to Check:
  • Ask users to check their spam or junk folder if they’re not receiving the email.
  • Encourage users to mark emails from your domain as Not Spam to help future emails go to the inbox.

Solution 2: Configure an SMTP Plugin

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is a reliable method for sending emails that bypasses PHP mail and uses an external email server. Setting up an SMTP plugin is one of the most effective ways to improve email deliverability in WordPress.

• Recommended SMTP Plugins:
  1. WP Mail SMTP: One of the most popular SMTP plugins, allowing you to connect with services like Gmail, SendGrid, and Mailgun.
  2. Easy WP SMTP: Another reliable option, offering straightforward SMTP configuration.
• How to Set Up WP Mail SMTP:
  1. Install and Activate WP Mail SMTP:
     • Go to Plugins > Add New, search for “WP Mail SMTP,” and install it.
  2. Choose an Email Service:
     • WP Mail SMTP allows you to connect with popular email providers like Gmail, Outlook, SendGrid,or Mailgun. Select the provider that best suits your needs.
  3. Configure SMTP Settings:
     • Follow the plugin setup wizard to configure your SMTP settings. You’ll need an API key or SMTP credentials from your email provider.
  4. Test the Email:
     • The plugin includes a Test Email feature. Use it to confirm that your emails are successfully being sent through the configured SMTP server.

Solution 3: Check WordPress Site Email Settings

Sometimes, incorrect site email settings can interfere with password reset emails. Check that your WordPress admin email is correctly set up:

• How to Verify:
  • Go to Settings > General in your WordPress dashboard.
  • Ensure the Email Address field has a valid and active email address.
  • If possible, use an email address from your domain (e.g., admin@yourwebsite.com) as this is less likely to be flagged by spam filters.

Solution 4: Verify Hosting Provider’s Email Restrictions

Some hosting providers block or restrict the PHP mail() function to prevent spam, which could prevent WordPress emails from being sent. Check with your hosting provider’s support to verify if they have any email restrictions in place.

• How to Proceed:
  • Contact your hosting support team and ask if PHP-based emails are allowed.
  • If they don’t support PHP mail, use an SMTP service as outlined in Solution 2.

Solution 5: Ensure the Correct “From” Address is Set

WordPress emails sent from “wordpress@yourdomain.com” are sometimes flagged by spam filters. Setting up a custom “From” address may improve deliverability.

• How to Change the “From” Address:
  • Many SMTP plugins, including WP Mail SMTP, allow you to specify a custom “From” name and address.
  • Choose a “From” address from your domain (e.g., support@yourdomain.com) for better authenticity.

Solution 6: Increase Email Sending Limits

If you run a high-traffic site or one with many users, you may hit daily email limits set by your hosting provider. Consider using a dedicated email service for larger volumes of emails.

• Recommended Email Services for High Volume:
  • SendGrid: Popular for high email volumes and easy WordPress integration.
  • Amazon SES: A cost-effective option for large-scale email sending, though it requires technical setup.
  • Mailgun: Another reliable choice, offering simple WordPress integration and robust email analytics.

Solution 7: Check and Disable Conflicting Plugins

Sometimes, plugins related to emails or forms may conflict with the default email functionality of WordPress.

• How to Identify Conflicting Plugins:
  • Temporarily disable any plugins related to email sending or forms (e.g., contact form plugins).
  • Test the password reset email function after disabling these plugins.
  • If the issue is resolved, try enabling the plugins one by one to identify the conflict.

Solution 8: Test Email Deliverability with a Plugin

Testing email deliverability can help identify whether your site can successfully send emails or if issues are blocking the messages.

• Use an Email Testing Plugin: Plugins like Check & Log Email allow you to test if WordPress emails are functioning correctly.
  • How to Use:
    1. Install and activate the Check & Log Email plugin.
    2. Go to Tools > Check & Log Email in your dashboard.
    3. Send a test email to check if emails are functioning.
  • Review Logs: This plugin logs each email, so you can review the success or failure status of each message. Use this log to identify any issues in real-time.

Preventing Future WordPress Email Issues

• Use a Reliable Email Service: Avoid relying solely on PHP mail() for WordPress emails. SMTP providers like SendGrid, Mailgun, or Google Workspace are better suited for reliable email deliverability.
• Regularly Monitor Email Logs: Plugins that track email logs, like Email Log, allow you to keep an eye on email activity, catch any errors, and respond quickly if users report missing emails.
• Prompt Users to Whitelist Your Domain: Encourage users to add your email domain to their email “Safe Senders” or whitelist. This can prevent your emails from landing in spam.

Conclusion

Password reset emails are an important aspect of WordPress user administration, and email delivery failures may be annoying for both site administrators and users. Implementing options such as installing an SMTP server, validating your site’s email settings, and using dedicated email services for reliability will dramatically enhance email deliverability and ensure users receive password reset requests quickly.

When in doubt, contact your hosting provider or consider using a dedicated SMTP service to ensure continuous email delivery. With these measures in place, your WordPress site will be well-equipped to handle password reset emails and other crucial notifications consistently.