how to change WordPress default email sender

Changing the WordPress Default Email Sender: A Comprehensive Guide

WordPress, the leading content management system (CMS), automatically sends notifications and other communication emails through its default sender information – WordPress@yourdomain.com. However, this generic sender address might not align with your brand’s identity or may even land in the spam folder of the recipients. Adjusting the default email sender to a more recognizable address can boost your email deliverability and reinforce your brand’s image.

Step-by-Step Process to Change Default Email Sender in WordPress

Method 1: Using a Plugin

1. Install a Plugin:
For those who prefer not to tinker with code, a plugin is the simplest solution. WP Mail SMTP is widely recommended for this purpose. It not only allows you to modify the sender’s email address and name but also improves email deliverability.

• Go to your WordPress dashboard.
• Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
• Search for WP Mail SMTP by WPForms.
• Click Install Now and then Activate.

2. Configure WP Mail SMTP:
After activation, configure the plugin settings.

• Go to WP Mail SMTP > Settings.
• Under the ‘From Email’ option, type the email address you want to use as the sender. Ensure the ‘Force From Email’ checkbox is ticked to apply it site-wide.
• In the ‘From Name’ section, input the name that you want the email recipients to see. Tick the ‘Force From Name’ checkbox to ensure uniformity across all emails.

3. Choose a Mailer:
The plugin supports various mailers like SMTP, Sendinblue, Mailgun, etc. SMTP is generally preferred for its reliability.

• Select ‘Other SMTP’ as your mailer.
• Fill in your SMTP details, including SMTP host, type of encryption, SMTP port, SMTP username, and SMTP password.

4. Save Settings:
After entering all details, save the settings. Use the ‘Email Test’ tab to send a test email and verify if everything is set up correctly.

Method 2: Editing the functions.php File

For those comfortable with coding, modifying the functions.php file of your theme is an alternative method.

1. Access functions.php:
You can access this file via FTP or through Appearance > Theme Editor in WordPress Dashboard.

2. Add Custom Functions:
At the end of the file, paste the following code:

// Function to change email address
function wpb_sender_email($original_email_address) {
    return 'yourname@yourdomain.com';
}

// Function to change sender name
function wpb_sender_name($original_email_from) {
    return 'Your Name or Your Company';
}

// Hooks to change email sender details
add_filter('wp_mail_from', 'wpb_sender_email');
add_filter('wp_mail_from_name', 'wpb_sender_name');

Replace yourname@yourdomain.com and Your Name or Your Company with your preferred email address and sender name.

3. Save and Upload:
After adding the code, save the file. If you edited it offline, upload it back to your server using FTP.

Ensuring Email Deliverability

Changing the sender information is just the first step; ensuring the emails actually reach the inbox is vital.

1. Use a Professional Email Address:
Emails sent from a professional email address (e.g., yourname@yourdomain.com) are less likely to be marked as spam compared to free email services like Gmail or Yahoo.

2. Configure SPF and DKIM Records:
To further prevent your emails from being flagged as spam, configure the SPF and DKIM records in your DNS settings. These records verify that the emails sent from your domain are legitimate.

3. Regularly Update Your WordPress and Plugins:
Keep your WordPress core and plugins updated to avoid any security vulnerabilities that might be exploited to send spam emails.

Conclusion

By changing the default WordPress email sender, brands can enhance their professionalism and improve communication effectiveness. Whether through a plugin or code adjustment, the process empowers site owners to provide a consistent and trust-worthy user experience through emails.