Contact Form 7 Not Sending Email? Try These Fixes

Table of Contents

You’ve set up your WordPress contact form perfectly. The design looks great, all fields validate correctly, and visitors can submit without errors. Just one problem: no emails are arriving in your inbox.

Contact Form 7 not sending email ranks among the most common and frustrating WordPress issues website owners face. Despite being one of the most popular form plugins with over 5 million active installations, CF7 email delivery problems affect countless sites daily. Your contact page might appear to work flawlessly to visitors while important messages disappear into the digital void.

This comprehensive guide tackles every possible cause of Contact Form 7 email issues—from simple configuration mistakes to complex server problems. Whether you’re a WordPress beginner or experienced developer, you’ll find actionable solutions to fix your form’s email delivery.

We’ll explore:

Basic configuration checks anyone can perform
Server-level email restrictions and how to bypass them
SMTP solutions that dramatically improve delivery rates
Plugin conflicts that silently break your forms
Advanced troubleshooting techniques for persistent problems
Prevention strategies to ensure reliable form submissions

Don’t lose another important customer message. Let’s solve your Contact Form 7 email problem once and for all.

Basic Troubleshooting Steps

When your Contact Form 7 plugin isn’t sending emails, start with these fundamental fixes before diving into more complex solutions.

Verify Your Contact Form 7 Configuration

Start by checking the mail tab in the form editor. This is where most CF7 email issues originate. The form submission process might look successful to website visitors, but email delivery failure happens behind the scenes.

Look at your mail settings:

Open your form in the WordPress dashboard
Click the “Mail” tab
Check if recipient email addresses are correct (typos happen!)
Verify the “From” email uses your domain (form emails going to spam often result from mismatched domains)

Pro tip: Form validation errors can prevent submission entirely. Fix broken mail tags that might cause form data not sending problems.

Try submitting a test message yourself. Watch for error messages or check browser console errors to identify form backend issues.

Check Your WordPress Settings

WordPress mail configuration problems often cause Contact Form 7 not working issues. The CMS has its own email delivery system that CF7 relies on.

To verify admin email settings:

Go to Settings → General
Confirm your admin email is correct
Send a test email using the built-in password reset function

Install the Check Email plugin for diagnostics. This WordPress mail delivery testing tool helps identify if the problem is specific to CF7 or affects all WordPress email functions.

Test with a Different Email Address

Sometimes mail server problems aren’t your fault. Email hosting compatibility issues might block messages to specific domains.

Try these steps:

Add alternate email domains as recipients
Test with Gmail, Outlook or other major providers
Configure multiple test recipients to compare delivery rates

Form notifications missing from one service but arriving at another points to recipient-side filtering, not a Contact Form 7 configuration issue.

Server-Level Email Issues

Many CF7 message delivery issues stem from server restrictions rather than the plugin itself.

Check if Your Server Blocks Outgoing Emails

Web hosting providers often restrict the PHP mail function to prevent spam. This common server restriction affects many websites using contact forms.

What to do:

Contact your hosting provider’s technical support teams
Ask specifically about email sending limits
Request server logs to identify email blocks

Quality hosts will check firewall settings and mail server settings for you.

PHP Mail Function Problems

The Contact Form 7 plugin typically relies on the PHP mail function unless configured with SMTP. When this function is disabled or limited, form submissions lost in transit become common.

To check if PHP mail is working:

Create a simple PHP script to test mail delivery
Look for mail function disabled errors
Check error logs for specific messages

WordPress functions related to email might need configuration by your host. Mail delivery service issues often require server-level permissions to fix.

Server IP Reputation Issues

Shared hosting can hurt your email deliverability. When multiple websites use the same server IP to send emails, one bad neighbor can damage everyone’s reputation.

Steps to address this:

Use email authentication with SPF records
Check if your server IP is blacklisted using online tools
Consider DKIM authentication to improve deliverability

Email headers incorrect or missing proper authentication often trigger spam filters. Server email permissions and proper setup help messages reach their destination instead of triggering mail service blocked warnings.

Form submission timeout issues sometimes mask deeper email routing problems. Implementing an SMTP solution often resolves these server-related challenges.

SMTP Configuration Solutions

Most experts agree: switch to SMTP. The WordPress mail function works for basic sites, but serious forms need proper email authentication.

Setting Up an SMTP Plugin

Several SMTP plugins play nice with Contact Form 7. They fix mail delivery problems by routing messages through dedicated mail servers.

WP Mail SMTP leads the pack for CF7 integration issues. Installation takes just a few clicks:

Install from the WordPress plugin repository
Activate and find the settings page
Enter your SMTP credentials
Run the built-in email test

Post SMTP offers similar benefits with a focus on logging. When troubleshooting form submissions lost in transit, these logs prove invaluable. The mail sending test features help confirm your setup works properly.

Both plugins help bypass PHP mail function problems entirely.

Configuring SMTP Settings

Getting SMTP settings right matters. Each email service has unique requirements.

Find your SMTP details:

Server address (like smtp.gmail.com)
Port number (typically 465, 587, or 25)
Authentication type
Encryption method (SSL/TLS)

Wrong SMTP settings create new headaches. Double-check every field. One typo in server settings can break the whole system.

The mail tab setup in your form should match your SMTP configuration. Form email templates sometimes need adjustment when switching to SMTP.

Using Third-Party Email Services

Major email providers limit sending rates. Gmail SMTP works for small sites but hits limits quickly.

Professional services solve this:

Amazon SES offers high volume at low cost
Mailgun provides excellent deliverability
SendGrid includes helpful analytics

Each service requires API or SMTP integration. The form backend issues often disappear once properly configured. Message delivery failure becomes rare with these specialized providers.

Test thoroughly after setup. Email sending delay sometimes occurs during the initial verification period with new services.

Contact Form 7 Specific Fixes

Some problems exist only in Contact Form 7 itself. These CF7 configuration issues need targeted solutions.

Update Contact Form 7 and WordPress

Outdated software causes strange problems. CF7 mail settings incorrect after updates happen frequently.

Follow these steps:

Back up your website first
Update WordPress to the latest version
Update Contact Form 7 and all add-ons
Test forms after each update

Compatibility matters. Sometimes newer CF7 versions conflict with older WordPress installations. Keep both updated to prevent form validation errors.

Watch the browser console for JavaScript errors after updates. They often reveal form email templates broken by version changes.

Fix Form Configuration Issues

The mail template needs proper formatting. Small mistakes lead to big problems.

Common mail tab issues:

Broken mail tags that don’t pull form data
Missing required fields
Improperly formatted headers
Incorrect sender information

Use the contact form sending test feature after each change. Small tweaks can fix form notifications failing without obvious reasons.

The CF7 additional settings area offers powerful options. Add this code to help with email authentication:

add_filter('wp_mail_content_type', 'set_content_type');
function set_content_type($content_type) {
  return 'text/html';
}

Adjust Form Settings for Better Delivery

Spam filters scrutinize every detail. Form emails going to spam frustrate everyone.

Improve deliverability:

Set the “From” address to match your domain
Keep subject lines clear and spam-word free
Use plain text instead of HTML when possible
Avoid attachments in basic contact forms

The email headers incorrect problem often stems from domain mismatches. When your form says it’s from gmail.com but sends from your website domain, filters get suspicious.

Consider form submission confirmation alternatives. Email isn’t 100% reliable. Database storage provides backup when messages don’t arrive.

Plugin Conflicts and Fixes

CF7 doesn’t always play nice with other plugins. WordPress plugin conflicts create mysterious form submission errors that seem impossible to debug.

Identify Conflicting Plugins

Form validation errors sometimes happen due to JavaScript conflicts. Browser console errors reveal the culprits.

Common conflict sources:

Caching plugins like WP Rocket or W3 Total Cache
Security plugins with strict firewall settings
Form field validation plugins
Other contact form plugins running simultaneously

Test for plugin conflicts methodically. Deactivate plugins one by one, testing your form after each change. This methodical approach might take time but pinpoints the exact problem.

Enable WordPress debug mode to catch deeper issues:

// Add to wp-config.php
define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);

Check the debug.log file after form submission. Look for error messages related to Contact Form 7 or the mail function disabled warnings.

Solving Specific Plugin Conflicts

Caching plugin conflicts occur frequently. They store static versions of pages, preventing form data from sending properly.

Fix caching issues:

Exclude contact form pages from cache
Purge all caches after CF7 configuration changes
Disable JavaScript minification for contact forms

Security plugins sometimes block form submissions. They mistake legitimate contact attempts for potential attacks, triggering mail service blocked responses. Whitelist Contact Form 7 in your security plugin settings.

Other form plugins might use conflicting JavaScript libraries. If you must run multiple form systems, use them on different pages to avoid email delivery issues.

Form emails going to spam because of plugin conflicts? Try disabling form features one by one. CAPTCHA verification systems sometimes interfere with proper form handling.

Alternative Form Solutions

Sometimes the best fix is starting fresh. When CF7 email functions continue failing despite your best efforts, consider alternatives.

Popular Contact Form 7 replacements:

WPForms offers reliable email delivery with better interface
Gravity Forms includes advanced notification options
Formidable Forms provides detailed submission logging

Before switching, export your contact form data. Most alternatives include CF7 import tools to ease transitions. Test thoroughly after migration to ensure forms work with your browser compatibility needs.

Not ready to abandon Contact Form 7? Try troubleshooting with a clean installation:

Export your forms
Deactivate and delete CF7
Install a fresh copy
Import your forms back

This refresh fixes many plugin conflicts by removing corrupted settings files.

Advanced Troubleshooting Methods

When basic fixes fail, dive deeper. These technical approaches solve the most stubborn CF7 configuration issues.

Using Debug Tools

Website administrators need visibility into form processing. WordPress debugging provides crucial insights.

Enable advanced debugging with this code in your wp-config.php:

define('SCRIPT_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);

Browser developer tools reveal form handling problems in real-time. Open dev tools (F12 in most browsers), then:

Switch to the Network tab
Submit your form
Watch for failed requests
Check response codes and error messages

Form data not sending might show as 500 errors or timeout failures in these logs.

Review your error logs carefully. PHP notices about undefined variables or function calls often point to the mail function disabled restrictions on your server.

Custom Code Solutions

Sometimes fixing CF7 email issues requires code intervention. These solutions require basic PHP knowledge.

Modify wp-mail.php with a custom function:

add_action('phpmailer_init', 'fix_cf7_mail');
function fix_cf7_mail($phpmailer) {
    $phpmailer->SMTPKeepAlive = true;
    $phpmailer->Timeout = 20;
    $phpmailer->SMTPDebug = 2;
}

This snippet helps with form submission timeout problems by extending the mail processing time.

For form email templates broken by formatting issues, add this to your functions.php:

add_filter('wpcf7_mail_components', 'fix_email_format');
function fix_email_format($components) {
    $components['body'] = wpautop($components['body']);
    return $components;
}

Email headers incorrect? Implement this custom handler:

add_filter('wp_mail', 'fix_email_headers');
function fix_email_headers($args) {
    $args['headers'] = array('Content-Type: text/html; charset=UTF-8');
    return $args;
}

Email Delivery Testing Tools

Technical support teams use dedicated tools to diagnose delivery problems. You should too.

Mail-tester.com stands out for testing form emails. Submit a test message to their service to receive a detailed report on:

Spam score and triggers
Header formatting
Authentication status
Content analysis

For email authentication verification, check your SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records using specialized online tools. Email authentication failure leads to delivery problems even when your form works correctly.

Implement honeypot fields to reduce spam without affecting legitimate submissions. Add this to your CF7 additional settings:

<span class="hp-field">Please leave this field empty.
  [text* hp-name class:hp-field]
</span>

<style>
  .hp-field { display: none !important; }
</style>

Then create a custom JavaScript handler that cancels submissions if the honeypot contains data:

document.addEventListener('wpcf7submit', function(event) {
  if (document.querySelector('.hp-field input').value !== '') {
    event.preventDefault();
  }
});

Form validation errors decrease with this approach, improving overall delivery rates.

Preventing Future Email Issues

Fixing problems feels great. Preventing them feels better. These proven strategies help avoid CF7 email issues entirely.

Maintenance Best Practices

Smart website administrators develop routines. Regular contact form sending tests should be part of yours.

Implement these maintenance habits:

Test all forms monthly with sample submissions
Keep detailed logs of form submission rates
Schedule WordPress and plugin updates thoughtfully
Monitor email delivery rates using your SMTP provider’s analytics

After WordPress core updates, immediately check for CF7 compatibility issues. Many email delivery failures happen after routine maintenance when plugins fall out of sync.

When monitoring mail server settings, watch for changes in policy or limits. Host providers sometimes modify email restrictions without notice, leading to sudden form backend issues.

Pro tip: Create a dedicated test email account just for monitoring form submissions. This makes it easier to spot form notifications missing from the regular flow.

Email Deliverability Optimization

Technical details matter for reliable delivery. Website visitors expect confirmation messages. Don’t disappoint them.

Set up these email authentication protocols:

SPF records that authorize your domain to send mail
DKIM authentication to prove emails weren’t tampered with
DMARC records that tell receiving servers how to handle authentication failures

These technical records dramatically improve delivery rates. Email authentication failure becomes rare when properly configured.

Design forms to avoid spam triggers:

Minimize use of “spammy” words in auto-responses
Limit the number of links in confirmation emails
Use plain, straightforward language in subject lines
Keep file attachments small and limited in number

Implement honeypot fields as an invisible spam trap. Unlike CAPTCHA verification which frustrates users, honeypots catch bots without human friction.

Constantly monitor your domain reputation. Email hosting compatibility problems often start with reputation issues. Tools like MXToolbox help track your domain’s standing with major providers.

Backup Communication Methods

Never rely on email alone. CF7 mail settings incorrect? Have backups ready.

Implement these fallback systems:

Database storage for all form submissions
Admin dashboard notifications for new contacts
SMS alerts for high-priority messages
Regular exports of submission data

The Contact Form DB plugin stores every submission locally. When form data not sending to email occurs, you still have the information.

Consider webhook integration with services like Slack or Discord. Technical support teams appreciate instant notifications instead of waiting for emails that might never arrive.

For critical business needs, implement redundant notification systems:

add_action('wpcf7_before_send_mail', 'backup_notification');
function backup_notification($contact_form) {
    $submission = WPCF7_Submission::get_instance();
    if ($submission) {
        $data = $submission->get_posted_data();

        // Log to database
        global $wpdb;
        $wpdb->insert('wp_cf7_submissions', array(
            'form_id' => $contact_form->id(),
            'data' => json_encode($data),
            'created_at' => current_time('mysql')
        ));

        // Send SMS notification (example)
        $message = "New contact from: " . $data['your-name'];
        wp_remote_post('https://sms-api-example.com/send', array(
            'body' => array(
                'to' => '1234567890',
                'message' => $message
            )
        ));
    }

    return $contact_form;
}

This code creates safety nets that catch form submissions even when email routing problems occur.

Email sending delay becomes irrelevant when you have instant notifications through alternative channels. Form submission logs provide peace of mind that no customer contact goes missing.

FAQ on Contact Form 7 Not Sending Email

Why isn’t my Contact Form 7 sending emails?

The most common reason for Contact Form 7 not sending email is incorrect mail settings configuration. Check your CF7 mail tab settings first. Many WordPress sites struggle with email delivery because the default PHP mail function often fails due to server restrictions.

Your web hosting provider might block outgoing emails as a security measure.

Consider implementing SMTP authentication through a plugin like WP Mail SMTP to bypass these limitations and establish a proper connection to your email server.

How do I fix Contact Form 7 email delivery issues?

To resolve CF7 email delivery issues:

Verify your form’s mail settings in the Mail tab
Check that all form fields are mapped correctly
Test with a different email address (avoid free services like Gmail initially)
Install an SMTP plugin to handle mail delivery
Review your hosting environment for restrictions
Check WordPress mail server settings
Examine error logs for specific failure points
Verify DNS records, SPF, and DKIM are properly configured

Form submission notification failure often stems from these configuration problems rather than issues with the plugin itself.

Are my Contact Form 7 emails going to spam?

Your form emails going to spam is a frequent problem with WordPress form email solutions. Email providers have strict spam filters that may flag automatically generated messages from your website. To prevent this:

Use proper SMTP integration instead of the PHP mail function
Ensure your domain has proper SPF records
Configure DKIM if possible
Use a legitimate “from” email that matches your domain
Include specific subject lines that don’t look spammy
Avoid excessive links or spam-triggering phrases

These steps improve deliverability and prevent your form message delivery issues.

Do I need to use SMTP with Contact Form 7?

While not strictly required, implementing SMTP for Contact Form 7 dramatically improves email delivery reliability. The default WordPress mail delivery system uses the PHP mail function, which is frequently blocked by hosts or misconfigurated. SMTP provides proper authentication with your mail server, significantly reducing the chances of CF7 mail function not working.

Most professionals recommend using dedicated plugins like WP Mail SMTP for establishing this connection. This creates a direct path for your form submission emails to reach their destination inbox without being lost in transit or flagged by security protocols.

How do I set up SMTP for Contact Form 7?

Setting up SMTP connection for CF7:

Install a WordPress SMTP plugin (WP Mail SMTP is popular)
Enter your email provider’s SMTP details:
- SMTP server address (e.g., smtp.gmail.com)
- Port (typically 465 for SSL or 587 for TLS)
- Username and password for authentication
- Encryption method (SSL/TLS)
Send a test email to verify configuration
Ensure your Contact Form 7 mail settings use the same “from” email

This CF7 email setup tutorial addresses the core form data transmission issues by creating a reliable pathway for email delivery.

Why did Contact Form 7 suddenly stop sending emails?

Contact Form 7 may suddenly stop sending emails after:

WordPress core updates
Plugin updates or conflicts
Theme changes affecting PHP functionality
Web hosting environment modifications
Email service provider policy changes
Server PHP version updates
Security plugin blocking mail functions
Reaching sending limits on your mail server

When troubleshooting CF7 email sending failure, check recent changes to your site. WordPress form plugin repair often involves reverting to previous settings or updating configurations to match new requirements. Review error logs for specific errors related to email functionality.

Can server settings prevent Contact Form 7 from sending emails?

Yes, server settings are a primary cause of Contact Form 7 not sending email. Many web hosting providers restrict the PHP mail function to prevent spam. Your WordPress form email problems might stem from:

Disabled mail() function on shared hosting
Email port restrictions (25, 465, or 587 often blocked)
Server-side firewall rules limiting outbound mail
Email sending rate limits
Missing PHP extensions required for mail
Incorrect DNS configuration
Blacklisted server IP addresses

Contact your hosting provider to understand specific email routing problems with CF7 and get their recommended WordPress contact form repair solution.

How can I test if my Contact Form 7 is working properly?

To test your form and identify CF7 email delivery troubleshooting needs:

Submit a test message through your form
Check both inbox and spam folders
Use a different email address as recipient
Enable CF7 debug mode to view detailed logs
Install a logging plugin to track form submissions
Check browser console for JavaScript errors
Use a service like mail-tester.com to evaluate deliverability

This testing process helps identify whether the issue lies with form data not being sent or if it’s a WordPress mail server settings problem.

Does Contact Form 7 work with all email providers?

Contact Form 7 can work with virtually all email providers when properly configured, but some require special attention. Gmail, Yahoo Mail, and Outlook often need specific SMTP authentication and may have additional security requirements. Corporate email systems might need IT department approval for form submission alerts.

The CF7 mail tab settings need to be aligned with your email provider’s expectations. Most email delivery issues stem from authentication problems rather than compatibility issues with the mail server connection itself.

What are alternatives if I can’t fix Contact Form 7 email issues?

If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting for your WordPress contact form email problems, consider these alternatives:

Switch to another form plugin (Gravity Forms, WPForms, Formidable)
Use a third-party form service with API integration (Typeform, Google Forms)
Implement a form-to-database solution that doesn’t rely on email
Set up webhook integrations to services like Zapier
Use contact form plugins with built-in SMTP functionality
Configure form submissions to log to your WordPress database
Implement a cloud-based form submission service

These alternatives can bypass the common form feedback not being received issues while maintaining the functionality your site needs.

Conclusion

Contact Form 7 not sending email is a frustrating but solvable problem. The key lies in understanding that WordPress mail delivery systems have inherent limitations. Don’t panic when form submission emails stop reaching your inbox.

Most CF7 email sending failures stem from server configuration issues rather than plugin bugs. Your web hosting environment may be blocking the PHP mail function as a security measure. Implementing proper SMTP authentication creates a reliable bridge between your form and email server. Check your mail tab settings carefully. Verify all form data transmission paths.

Remember to examine spam filters and email routing problems before abandoning your setup. Sometimes the solution is as simple as correcting DNS records or SPF configuration. When all else fails, consider alternative form solutions that bypass traditional email delivery methods.

With proper troubleshooting and the right WordPress form email solutions, your contact form can reliably deliver messages again. Focus on email configuration and server settings for lasting fixes.