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Likely fix

Fix: Website or domain email not sending

Domain email fails when DNS records, SMTP settings, website mail settings, SPF, DKIM, DMARC, or hosting mail limits are wrong.

Quick answer

Check whether normal webmail sends first. Then check website SMTP settings and domain DNS records for SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.

Important warning

Website contact forms often appear to send successfully even when the email is silently blocked or delivered to spam.

Try this

  1. 1 Send a test email from webmail for the same domain.
  2. 2 If webmail works, check the website, app, or server sending settings.
  3. 3 Use SMTP instead of basic PHP mail if possible.
  4. 4 Check the SMTP username, password, server, port, and encryption.
  5. 5 Check SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records in DNS.
  6. 6 Check whether the hosting provider blocks outbound mail.
  7. 7 Check spam or mail logs if your host provides them.
  8. 8 Send a simple test email with no links or attachments.

Common causes

Website uses unauthenticated PHP mail.

SMTP settings are wrong.

Hosting provider blocks outbound mail.

SPF is missing or incorrect.

DKIM is not enabled.

DMARC rejects unauthenticated messages.

What to check next

  • Check whether webmail can send.
  • Check website SMTP plugin or app settings.
  • Check DNS SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records.
  • Check hosting mail logs.
  • Check whether messages arrive in spam.

FAQ

Why is my website email not sending?

The website may be using unauthenticated mail, SMTP settings may be wrong, hosting may block sending, or DNS authentication records may be missing.

Should a website use SMTP?

Yes. SMTP through a real mail provider is usually more reliable than basic PHP mail.

Can DNS records affect website emails?

Yes. SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records help receiving servers trust mail sent from your domain.

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Fix: Outlook not sending emails

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Fix: Email bounced back

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Fix: Can receive email but cannot send

If you can receive email but cannot send, the receiving settings are working but the outgoing SMTP server, authentication, password, port, or provider settings may be wrong.

Fix: Gmail not sending in browser

Gmail in a browser can fail to send because of internet problems, a large attachment, browser extensions, cached data, account storage issues, or a temporary Gmail problem.