# Sending email from WordPress

> Set up WordPress to send email through SMTP with authentication instead of PHP mail() so messages are delivered reliably.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/wordpress/guides/sending-e-mail-in-wordpress/

WordPress can send e‑mail messages for notifications, password resets, and contact forms. By default, it uses the PHP `mail()` function, but this often leads to delivery issues. On **ruachost.com**, the recommended approach is to configure WordPress to send e‑mail using **SMTP authentication**.

## Why Use SMTP Instead of PHP `mail()`?

- Ensures reliable delivery of e‑mails.
- Reduces the chance of messages being marked as spam.
- Provides encryption for secure communication.
- Allows you to authenticate with your hosting account’s mail server.

## Method 1: Using a Plugin (Recommended)

The easiest way to configure e‑mail is with the **WP Mail SMTP plugin**.

### Steps:

1. **Log in to WordPress** as an administrator.
2. Go to **Plugins → Add New**.
3. Search for **WP Mail SMTP by WPForms**.
4. Click **Install Now**, then **Activate**.
5. In the dashboard, go to **WP Mail SMTP → Settings**.
6. Enter the following details:

   - **From Email** → Your ruachost.com  e‑mail address.
   - **From Name** → The name you want associated with the e‑mail.
   - **Return Path** → Check “Set the return‑path to match the From Email.”
   - **Mailer** → Select **Other SMTP**.
   - **SMTP Host** → Your account’s mail server name (e.g., `mail.ruachost.com`).
   - **SMTP Port** → `465` for SSL or `25` for no encryption.
   - **Encryption** → Choose SSL if possible.
   - **Authentication** → On.
   - **SMTP Username** → Your full e‑mail address.
   - **SMTP Password** → Your e‑mail account password.
7. Save settings.
8. Send a test e‑mail from the plugin to confirm configuration.

✅ Your WordPress site will now send e‑mails reliably through SMTP.

## Method 2: Using WordPress API (Advanced)

If you prefer not to use a plugin, you can configure SMTP manually in `wp-config.php` and a custom plugin:

```
define( 'SMTP_HOST', 'mail.ruachost.com' );
define( 'SMTP_AUTH', true );
define( 'SMTP_PORT', '465' );
define( 'SMTP_SECURE', 'ssl' );
define( 'SMTP_USERNAME', 'user@yourdomain.com' );
define( 'SMTP_PASSWORD', 'yourpassword' );
define( 'SMTP_FROM', 'user@yourdomain.com' );
define( 'SMTP_FROMNAME', 'Your Name' );
```

Then, in your plugin code:

```
add_action('phpmailer_init', function($phpmailer) {
    $phpmailer->isSMTP();
    $phpmailer->Host       = SMTP_HOST;
    $phpmailer->SMTPAuth   = SMTP_AUTH;
    $phpmailer->Port       = SMTP_PORT;
    $phpmailer->SMTPSecure = SMTP_SECURE;
    $phpmailer->Username   = SMTP_USERNAME;
    $phpmailer->Password   = SMTP_PASSWORD;
    $phpmailer->From       = SMTP_FROM;
    $phpmailer->FromName   = SMTP_FROMNAME;
});
```

Use the `wp_mail()` function to send e‑mails:

```
wp_mail("recipient@example.com", "Subject", "Message");
```

## Important Notes

- Always use encryption (SSL/TLS) when possible.
- Ensure your “From Email” address exists on your hosting account.
- Test configuration after setup to confirm delivery.
- If e‑mails fail, double‑check SMTP host, port, and credentials.