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How to Configure SMTP for Reliable Website Form Email Submissions

Last updated on Aug 08, 2025

How to Configure SMTP for Reliable Website Form Email Submissions

**Description:**A step-by-step guide for Eco Web Hosting shared hosting customers to set up SMTP email delivery for website contact forms. Follow this guide to ensure your form submissions are sent successfully, improve deliverability, and avoid common pitfalls with email configuration.

Why Use SMTP for Website Forms?

  • Reliability: SMTP ensures your form emails are delivered, even as PHP mail() is disabled on Eco Web Hosting shared servers.
  • Security: Using authenticated SMTP reduces spam and protects your domain reputation.
  • Compatibility: SMTP works with all major form plugins and CMS platforms (WordPress, Joomla, etc.).

Table of Contents

Prerequisites

  • Access to your Eco Web Hosting client area and hosting control panel (cPanel or similar)
  • Login details for your website admin (e.g., WordPress or Joomla)
  • Your mailbox credentials (email address & password)

Step 1: Gather Your SMTP Details

You’ll need the following for Eco Web Hosting mailboxes:

Setting Value
SMTP Host mail.enmail.co
SMTP Port 465
Encryption SSL/TLS
Username your full email address
Password your mailbox password

Tip: You can create or reset mailboxes via your Email Control Panel.

Step 2: Update Your Website Form Settings

Update your contact form or form plugin to use SMTP instead of PHP mail.

WordPress Example (WP Mail SMTP)

  1. Install the Plugin:
    • Go to Plugins > Add New in your WordPress dashboard.
    • Search for WP Mail SMTP and install/activate it.
  2. Configure SMTP Settings:

    • Go to WP Mail SMTP > Settings.

    • Set the following:

      SMTP Host:     mail.enmail.co
SMTP Port:     465
Encryption:    SSL/TLS
Authentication: Yes
SMTP Username: yourname@yourdomain.com
SMTP Password: [your mailbox password]

    • Save changes.

  3. Send a Test Email:
    • Use the Email Test tab in WP Mail SMTP to confirm successful delivery.

Joomla Example

  1. Login to Joomla Admin.

  2. Go to System > Global Configuration > Server tab.

  3. Under Mail Settings, set:

    Mailer:         SMTP
SMTP Host:      mail.enmail.co
SMTP Port:      465
SMTP Security:  SSL/TLS
SMTP Username:  yourname@yourdomain.com
SMTP Password:  [your mailbox password]

  4. Save changes and test by submitting a form.

Step 3: Confirm Your DNS Email Records

Your domain’s DNS records must be correct for email delivery.

  1. Login to cPanel.

  2. Go to Domains > Zone Editor.

  3. Remove any old/conflicting MX records.

  4. Add these records: <br> MX Record:

    Host: @
Value: mx.enmail.co
Priority: 0

    SPF Record (TXT):

    Host: @
Value: v=spf1 include:spf.enmail.co ~all

Allow up to 48 hours for DNS changes to propagate.

Step 4: Test Your Form and Troubleshoot

  1. Manually submit your website’s contact form.
  2. Check the recipient mailbox (including spam/junk).
  3. If not delivered, review error messages on your website or in your form plugin.

Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Why aren’t PHP mail() forms working?**A: For security, PHP mail() is disabled. All forms must use SMTP.

**Q: Can I use Gmail or an external SMTP service?**A: Yes, but you must enter their correct SMTP details and authenticate with your account.

**Q: Where can I view email logs?**A: Use cPanel’s Email Trace/Track Delivery to check delivery attempts and issues.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Checklist

  • [ ] Is SMTP (not PHP mail) configured in your form/plugin?
  • [ ] Are the SMTP host, port, username, and password correct?
  • [ ] Is your mailbox active and not full?
  • [ ] Are MX and SPF records configured and propagated?
  • [ ] Have you tested with a different recipient email?

Common SMTP Errors

Error Resolution
Authentication failed Double-check mailbox address & password. Reset if unsure.
Could not connect to SMTP Ensure SMTP Host is mail.enmail.co, Port 465, and SSL/TLS is enabled.
Sender address rejected The ‘From’ address in your form must match the authenticated SMTP user.
SSL/TLS errors Confirm SSL/TLS encryption and correct port.

Additional Tools

  • MXToolbox: Test DNS, MX, and SPF records.
  • Mail-Tester: Check if your emails are being marked as spam.

Need More Help?

If you’ve followed this guide and still have issues, please submit a support ticket with:

  • Your domain name
  • Error messages/screenshots
  • The form plugin/module you’re using
  • Steps you’ve tried so far

We’re here to help you get your emails working reliably!

Last updated: July 2025