How to Configure SMTP Email for WordPress Using cPanel
Using SMTP to send email from WordPress improves deliverability, reliability, and security compared to PHP’s default mail function. This guide walks you through:
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Choosing and installing a WordPress SMTP plugin
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Finding your email account’s SMTP settings in cPanel
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Entering those settings into WordPress
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Testing email delivery
Part 1: Choose and Install a WordPress SMTP Plugin
Step 1: Log in to WordPress Admin
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Go to:
https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin -
Log in with an administrator account.
Step 2: Browse Available SMTP Plugins
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In the left menu, click Plugins → Add New
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In the search box, type SMTP
Common, well-supported options:
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WP Mail SMTP (recommended for most users)
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FluentSMTP
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Post SMTP Mailer
💡 WP Mail SMTP is beginner-friendly and works well with standard cPanel email accounts.
Step 3: Install and Activate the Plugin
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Click Install Now
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Once installed, click Activate
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A new SMTP / Mail menu will appear in WordPress
Part 2: Find Email Account SMTP Settings in cPanel
You’ll now need the email server details for your domain.
Step 4: Log in to cPanel
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Usually found at:
https://yourdomain.com:2083 -
Log in using your cPanel username and password.
Step 5: Open Email Accounts
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In cPanel, go to Email → Email Accounts
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Locate the email address you want WordPress to send from
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Click Connect Devices
Step 6: Copy SMTP Configuration Details
You’ll see settings similar to the following:
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| SMTP Server | mail.yourdomain.com |
| SMTP Port | 465 (SSL) or 587 (TLS) |
| Encryption | SSL or TLS |
| Username | full email address |
| Password | email account password |
⚠️ Important:
This is the email account password, not your cPanel or WordPress password.
Part 3: Configure the SMTP Plugin in WordPress
Step 7: Open SMTP Plugin Settings
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In WordPress, go to Settings → WP Mail SMTP (or your chosen plugin)
Step 8: Enter SMTP Details
Fill in the fields using the values from cPanel:
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From Email:
you@yourdomain.com -
From Name: Your site or company name
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Mailer: Other SMTP
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SMTP Host:
mail.yourdomain.com -
Encryption: SSL or TLS
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SMTP Port: 465 or 587
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Authentication: Enabled
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Username: full email address
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Password: email password
Save settings.
Part 4: Send a Test Email
Step 9: Run the Test Email
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In the SMTP plugin, open Email Test
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Enter your own email address
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Click Send Email
If successful, you’ll receive a confirmation message.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
Email not sending?
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Double-check the password (most common issue)
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Make sure the port matches the encryption type:
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SSL → 465
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TLS → 587
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Confirm the email account exists in cPanel
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Ensure your hosting provider allows outbound SMTP
Emails going to spam?
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Use an address on the same domain as your site
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Make sure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are enabled in cPanel
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Avoid free email providers (Gmail, Yahoo) as SMTP senders
Summary
✔ Install a WordPress SMTP plugin
✔ Retrieve SMTP settings from cPanel
✔ Configure authentication in WordPress
✔ Test email delivery
Using SMTP ensures WordPress emails (forms, password resets, notifications) are delivered consistently and securely.
