How to Send a Test Email From WordPress: Step-by-Step Guide

Email issues can cause headaches for WordPress users, from lost contact form submissions to missed notifications. Before launching or updating your site, it’s crucial to send a test email from WordPress and confirm everything works as expected. This guide will walk you through the steps for testing email delivery the right way, helping you catch problems early and keep your visitors and customers in the loop.

Why Should You Send a Test Email From WordPress?

Sending a test email helps you verify that your WordPress site can actually send emails successfully. This process can:

Confirm your web server or SMTP plugin is set up correctly.
Help troubleshoot issues with contact forms, notifications, or WooCommerce emails.
Reduce the risk of emails landing in the spam folder.
Provide confidence before making your site live or after configuration changes.

Step 1: Install and Activate WP Mail SMTP

The most reliable way to send a test email from WordPress is by using a plugin like WP Mail SMTP. This plugin reconfigures the WordPress wp_mail() function to use a proper SMTP service (like Gmail, SendGrid, or your web host), which improves deliverability.

Go to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Plugins > Add New.
Search for WP Mail SMTP.
Click Install Now, then Activate.

Step 2: Configure SMTP Settings

After activation:

Go to WP Mail SMTP > Settings in your dashboard.
Enter the sender’s email address and name.
Select your mailer (e.g., Gmail, SMTP.com, SendGrid, etc.).
Follow the plugin’s setup wizard or manual instructions to authenticate and connect your chosen email provider.

Tip: Double-check your SMTP username, password, and encryption settings (SSL/TLS) to avoid configuration errors.

Step 3: Send a Test Email

With WP Mail SMTP configured:

Go to WP Mail SMTP > Tools.
Enter an email address where you want to receive the test.
Click Send Email.

Check the inbox (and spam/junk folder) of the address you used. If you receive the email, your configuration is correct! If not, review your SMTP details or consult your mail provider’s documentation.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your test email doesn’t arrive:

Make sure the sender address matches your domain.
Check for typos in SMTP settings.
Ensure your hosting provider allows outbound email connections (some block ports).
Review your SMTP provider’s quota or limits.
Look at any error messages in WP Mail SMTP, these can pinpoint configuration issues.

Why Not Use PHP Mail Alone?

Many WordPress sites fail to deliver emails using PHP’s default mail() function. SMTP authentication is more secure, trusted by email providers, and less likely to get flagged as spam. Using a plugin like WP Mail SMTP helps your messages land in the inbox.