This guide shows you how to configure WordPress SMTP email sending using the WP Mail SMTP plugin. You will set up authenticated email delivery through your HOSTDOG mail server so that contact forms, password resets, WooCommerce order notifications, and other WordPress emails are delivered reliably.
Why use SMTP for WordPress email
WordPress uses PHP mail() by default, which:
- Does not authenticate the sender — emails often get flagged as spam
- Provides no delivery confirmation or error reporting
- May be blocked entirely on some hosting configurations
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) with authentication sends email through a real mail server with proper credentials. This dramatically improves deliverability and lets you track whether emails were sent successfully.
Prerequisites
- A WordPress site on your HOSTDOG account
- An email account created on your hosting (e.g.,
noreply@yourdomain.comorinfo@yourdomain.com) - Your email password
Install and configure WP Mail SMTP
In your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins → Add New. Search for WP Mail SMTP by WPForms. Click Install Now, then Activate.
Go to WP Mail SMTP → Settings. In the Mail section, enter:
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| From Email | Your email address (e.g., info@yourdomain.com) |
| Force From Email | Checked (ensures all WordPress emails use this address) |
| From Name | Your site name or business name |
| Mailer | Other SMTP |
In the Other SMTP section, enter your HOSTDOG mail server details:
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| SMTP Host | mail.yourdomain.com |
| Encryption | SSL |
| SMTP Port | 465 |
| Authentication | On |
| SMTP Username | Your full email address (e.g., info@yourdomain.com) |
| SMTP Password | Your email account password |
587 instead of SSL on port 465. Both are supported on HOSTDOG hosting.
Click Save Settings.
Go to WP Mail SMTP → Email Test. Enter an email address you can check (e.g., your personal Gmail) and click Send Email. If the test succeeds, you will see a green success message and receive the email in your inbox.
Improve email deliverability
SMTP authentication is the first step. For the best deliverability, also configure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records for your domain. These DNS records tell receiving mail servers that your domain authorizes your hosting server to send email on its behalf.
Troubleshooting
Double-check the SMTP username (must be the full email address) and password. The password is case-sensitive. If you recently changed the email password, update it in the plugin settings as well.
Try switching from SSL (port 465) to TLS (port 587) or vice versa. Also verify the SMTP host is correct — it should be mail.yourdomain.com where yourdomain.com is your actual domain.
SMTP authentication alone does not guarantee inbox placement. Configure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records for your domain. Also make sure the "From Email" address in the plugin matches an actual email account on your hosting — using a non-existent address can trigger spam filters.