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Version: Divi 5

Troubleshoot Email Delivery Issues

Troubleshoot email delivery issues​

Divi Form Builder sends email via WordPress’s wp_mail() and your server or SMTP configuration. Use this guide to fix common delivery problems in Divi 5.

Fast triage order​

  1. Confirm form submission succeeds and no visible validation errors appear.
  2. If Save To Database is enabled, confirm the submission appears in Form Entries.
  3. Confirm recipient and sender settings inside the form.
  4. Check WordPress email logs to confirm whether wp_mail() was triggered.
  5. Send an SMTP plugin test email.
  6. Check server/debug logs only after the first five checks pass.

1. Email delivery process​

  1. Form submission triggers the plugin’s email routine.
  2. The plugin calls WordPress’s wp_mail().
  3. WordPress uses the server’s mail handler (PHP mail or SMTP).
  4. The server sends the message to the recipient.
note

Divi Form Builder does not include a mail server. Problems with PHP mail or host configuration must be fixed on the server or by using an SMTP or transactional email service.

2. Preliminary checks​

  • Confirm Email Notifications and/or Email Confirmation are enabled and Recipient Email is correct.
  • Use a Sender Email on your site’s domain (e.g. [email protected]) to reduce spam filtering.
  • Complete all required fields and check any custom validation that might block submission.
  • Check spam/junk folders and mailbox filtering rules.

3. Check WordPress email logs (WP Mail Logging)​

Install WP Mail Logging and submit a test form entry.

What to look for:

  • Email log exists: Divi Form Builder successfully called wp_mail(). The issue is likely SMTP/server/deliverability (not form submission).
  • No email log entry: The form may not be reaching the send routine. Re-check form settings, required fields, and submission errors.
note

WP Mail Logging confirms WordPress attempted to send. It does not guarantee inbox delivery.

If entries are being saved but no email log exists, review your form-level notification configuration before troubleshooting SMTP.

4. SMTP configuration​

  1. Install an SMTP plugin (e.g. WP Mail SMTP).
  2. Configure SMTP host, port, encryption, and credentials.
  3. Send a test email from the plugin. If it fails, fix SMTP settings first.
tip

An SMTP or transactional provider (Mailgun, SendGrid, Amazon SES) is often more reliable than PHP mail.

5. Conflict detection​

  • Temporarily deactivate other email, form, or security plugins and test again.
  • If possible, switch to a default Divi theme to rule out child-theme conflicts.

6. Debugging​

  1. In wp-config.php add: 
    define( 'WP_DEBUG', true );
    define( 'WP_DEBUG_LOG', true );
    define( 'WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false );
  2. Submit the form and check /wp-content/debug.log and any server mail logs for errors.

Verify the fix​

  • SMTP plugin test email succeeds.
  • A real form submission sends to recipient inbox (not spam).
  • Sender address is domain-aligned and consistent.

What's Next​