WordPress not sending password reset emails

When WordPress fails to send password reset emails, it can lock users out and hinder website management. This issue generally stems from server-side email delivery problems, plugin conflicts, or incorrect settings. Addressing each potential cause methodically can resolve the issue efficiently.

Email Server Issues

One common culprit behind WordPress not sending emails is the hosting server’s mail function. WordPress uses PHP mail() function to send emails by default. However, servers might not be properly configured to use this function, or they might block emails to prevent abuse.

To diagnose and fix server-related email issues:

• Consult with your hosting provider: Confirm if they have limitations or blocks on the PHP mail() function.
• Use SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol): Instead of relying on WordPress’s default mailing function, configure WordPress to use SMTP. Plugins like WP Mail SMTP or Easy WP SMTP can help you set this up by allowing you to use an external SMTP service. This not only improves email deliverability but also lets you use your professional email address.

Plugin and Theme Conflicts

Plugins and themes can sometimes conflict with how WordPress handles emails:

• Deactivate all plugins temporarily: This helps in identifying if any plugin is interfering with the email functionality. Reactivate them one by one, and test the email function each time. This process helps pinpoint the problematic plugin.
• Switch to a default theme: Temporarily switching to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-One can rule out any theme-specific issues. If the password reset emails are sent successfully with the default theme, the problem likely lies within your theme.

WordPress and Email Configuration

Incorrect configuration settings within WordPress or your email settings can also prevent emails from being sent:

• Check WordPress email settings: Go to your WordPress Dashboard, navigate to Settings -> General, and ensure that the ‘Email Address’ is correct. This is the sender email for all communications.
• Configure email headers properly: Ensure that your email functions in WordPress plugins are using proper headers. Misconfigured headers can lead to emails being rejected by spam filters.

DNS and SPF Records

Improper DNS settings, particularly SPF (Sender Policy Framework) records, which help in verifying that the emails are coming from a trusted server, can also be responsible:

• Add or update SPF records: Check if your domain’s DNS settings include an SPF record that supports the email server you are using. Adding an SPF record can enhance the legitimacy of your emails, thereby reducing the chances of them being marked as spam.

Spam Filters and Email Blocking

At times, emails do reach the server but end up in the spam or junk folder:

• Check spam folders: Advise users to check their spam or junk mail folders when they don’t receive a reset email.
• Whitelist Emails: Users can add the WordPress admin email to their list of contacts or whitelist it to ensure emails are not filtered out.

Cron Jobs and Email Queue

WordPress schedules tasks like sending emails through a system called WP-Cron. If WP-Cron tasks are not executing properly, emails may not be sent:

• Manual WP-Cron execution: Disable WP-Cron by adding define('DISABLE_WP_CRON', true); to your wp-config.php file, and set a real cron job through your hosting control panel to execute the WP-Cron jobs manually.

Monitoring and Logging

Without proper tracking, understanding where the email delivery fails can be challenging:

• Use email logging plugins: Plugins like WP Mail Logging can log all emails sent from your WordPress site, allowing you to see if emails are being sent successfully from WordPress and troubleshoot accordingly.

Role Management and Capabilities

Ensure that the user role has the appropriate capabilities to reset passwords, as roles and capabilities can be modified,

• Check user roles: Plugins like User Role Editor allow you to manage, add, or remove capabilities to user roles in WordPress.

These diverse checks underline WordPress’s flexibility and complexity. Diligently reviewing each aspect mentioned will typically uncover why WordPress is unable to send password reset emails, thereby restoring smooth email communication and ensuring uninterrupted access to your site.