SMTP: Site Booster Module

The Ocean Site Booster's SMTP module replaces the default WordPress mail functionality with a professional, authenticated delivery system. This ensures that your critical site notifications—such as order confirmations, password resets, and contact form entries — reach your users' inboxes reliably.

Why Use SMTP Instead of Default WordPress Mail?

By default, WordPress uses the PHP mail()  function, which is often blocked or flagged by modern email providers. Using the SMTP module provides:

• Higher Deliverability: Emails pass SPF and DKIM checks, staying out of spam folders.
• Authentication: Verifies your identity to the receiving server, preventing "spoofing" flags.
• Encryption: Protects the contents of your emails while they are in transit.

SMTP is vital, even crucial, for all WordPress websites that rely on user registration (subscribers, memberships), and especially eCommerce websites that rely on timely and relevant email delivery (orders, invoices, cancelations, etc.).

Getting Started

1. Navigate to the Site Booster dashboard.
2. Locate the Utilities panel in the main sidebar menu.
3. Enable SMTP Module toggle at the top right and switch it to On.
4. Configure your preferred settings (detailed below).
5. Click Save Changes at the bottom of the page to apply your settings.

Available SMTP options include:

• From Name,
• From Email,
• SMTP Host,
• SMTP Port,
• Encryption Type,
• SMTP Username,
• SMTP Password,
• Test Email.

From Name

From Name: The display name recipients will see in their inbox

For example, you can use your business or website's name.

From Email

From Email: The email address that appears as the sender.

You can use your real email, or something like noreply@yourwebsite.com .

SMTP Host

The SMTP Host option allows you to set your desired SMTP server.

For example, if you're using Google, you will add: smtp.gmail.com. If you're using Yahoo, you will add: smtp.mail.yahoo.com

The actual host name depends on the host you're using, as well as their instructions.

Your website will connect to the specified SMTP server to send emails securely and reliably.

SMTP Port

The SMTP Port option enables you to define the port number your SMTP server uses to communicate. The actual port number depends on the server you're using, as well as the encryption type.

Your website will then connect to the specified SMTP port to send emails without errors, depending on the encryption selected.

See below for more info on encryption type.

Encryption Type

The Encryption Type option allows you to choose the encryption method (security protocol) for outgoing emails:

• None: no encryption - insecure method. Recommended only for localhost or testing purposes only. Usual ports 25 or 587.
• SSL: connection encrypted from the start. Though a secure protocol, it's considered as legacy and being suppressed by TLS. Usual port is 465.
• TLS: most secure and modern encryption, recommended by and for most email providers (Gmail, Outlook, etc). Usual port is 587.

Emails sent through your SMTP server are encrypted according to your selection, protecting data in transit.

SMTP Username

The SMTP Username option allows you to add your full SMTP username. Generally, it's the email address associated with your SMTP account, but details may vary depending on the SMTP provider.

This option is used by your website to authenticate the SMTP service provider.

SMTP Password

The SMTP Password option allows you to add your password associated with the SMTP account. This password is often app-specific.

For example, if you're using Yahoo Mail services, you must follow these steps to generate an app password.

SMTP authentication is complete with the help of this password.

Test Email

The Test Email option enables you to quickly test all your SMTP settings.

Simply add your email address into the field and click the Send Test Email button.

Check your mailbox (don't forget to check the spam folder as well). If you're seeing the test email from your website, your SMTP has been configured correctly.

That's it!

Boost your WordPress website on all levels with OceanWP and Ocean Site Booster.