What you’ll need
- WordPress admin access
- DirectAdmin access
Password resets, form notifications and order emails often vanish because WordPress sends them unauthenticated. Sending through a real mailbox fixes that.
Steps
Step 1: Create a sending mailbox
In E-mail Manager then E-mail Accounts, create
website@yourdomain.co.ukwith a strong password. How to create an email account in DirectAdminStep 2: Install an SMTP plugin
Plugins → Add New, search for SMTP, and install a well-maintained plugin. Choose the generic Other SMTP mailer.
Step 3: Enter the settings
Host
mail.yourdomain.co.uk, encryption SSL, port 465, authentication on, username and From addresswebsite@yourdomain.co.uk, Force From Email on. How to send WordPress email through SMTPStep 4: Send a test
Use the plugin’s test tool to email your Gmail address. Open it and check Show original for SPF and DKIM PASS.
Step 5: Fix your contact form
In the form plugin’s notification settings, set From to
website@yourdomain.co.ukand Reply-To to the visitor’s email field.Step 6: Submit the form
Fill in the live form with an outside email address, check the notification arrives, and hit Reply to confirm it addresses the visitor.
Check it worked
Plugin test and form notifications arrive in the inbox (not spam), Gmail shows SPF and DKIM passing, and replying to a form notification goes to the visitor.
If something goes wrong
| What happens | What to do |
|---|---|
| Could not connect to SMTP host | Try TLS on port 587. Email ports and encryption: SSL/TLS vs STARTTLS |
| Authentication failed | Full address as username; check the mailbox password. SMTP authentication failed |
| Arrives but in spam | Set up SPF, DKIM and DMARC. Set up SPF, DKIM and DMARC |
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