How to Fix Contact Form 7 Not Sending Emails on GoDaddy [FIXED]

If you’re struggling with Contact Form 7 not sending emails on GoDaddy, you’re not alone. It’s a common issue many WordPress users face, especially when using shared hosting or basic SMTP settings. 

Luckily, the fix is straightforward once you understand what’s causing the problem.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through why this happens and how you can fix it quickly and safely — even if you’re not a tech expert.

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Why Is Contact Form 7 Not Sending Emails on GoDaddy?

There are a few common reasons why your Contact Form 7 emails fail to send on GoDaddy:

  • PHP Mail Function Limitations: GoDaddy shared hosting often restricts the default PHP mail() function that WordPress uses.
  • SPF/DNS Issues: If your domain’s DNS settings (like SPF records) aren’t properly configured, GoDaddy’s mail servers may block or flag your emails.
  • SMTP Authentication Missing: Without a proper SMTP setup, email servers may consider your form submissions as spam.
  • Spam Filters: Sometimes, emails are successfully sent but are caught by spam filters or completely rejected.

✅ Good news: These issues are fixable without having to change hosts!

How to Fix Contact Form 7 Not Working on GoDaddy

Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your Contact Form 7 working properly again:

1. Set Up SMTP Instead of PHP Mail

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is the recommended method to send emails reliably.
To set it up:

Step 1: Install and activate the WP Mail SMTP plugin (free version works fine).
Step 2: Go to WP Mail SMTP > Settings.
Step 3: Choose your mailer service:

  • If you have GoDaddy email hosting (like cPanel email or Office 365), you can use it.
  • Or use free external services like Gmail, SendGrid, or Outlook SMTP.

Step 4: Fill in the SMTP details:

  • SMTP Host: smtpout.secureserver.net (for GoDaddy cPanel hosting)
  • SMTP Port: 465 (SSL) or 587 (TLS)
  • Encryption: SSL/TLS
  • Authentication: Yes
  • Username: Your full GoDaddy email address
  • Password: Your email password

Step 5: Save and send a test email.

Important: If you don’t have a GoDaddy email account, consider setting one up or use a third-party service like Gmail SMTP.

2. Check Contact Form 7 Email Settings

Sometimes the problem is simply wrong settings inside Contact Form 7:

Go to Contact > Contact Forms in your WordPress dashboard.

Edit the form that’s not working.

Under the Mail tab:

  • Make sure To address is set correctly (e.g., your own email address).
  • Ensure From field uses a verified email (like [email protected]), not just any random address.
  • Subject and Message Body should not have empty fields.

Example setup:

FieldExample
To[email protected]
From[your-name] [email protected]
SubjectNew message from [your-subject]
Message BodyIncludes all necessary fields

3. Correct Your DNS Settings (SPF, DKIM)

If you’re using your own domain email (like [email protected]), set your DNS records correctly.

SPF record example for GoDaddy:

v=spf1 include:secureserver.net -all

  • Log in to your GoDaddy account.
  • Go to DNS Management for your domain.
  • Add or edit your SPF record to match the above.

This tells email providers that GoDaddy servers are authorized to send emails for your domain, reducing spam flags.

4. Monitor Spam and Junk Folders

Even after fixing everything, sometimes emails land in spam.

✅ Tip:
 Ask users to whitelist your email or check their spam/junk folders.
Also, use clear, non-spammy language in your email subjects and body.

5. Alternative: Use a Third-Party Email Sending Service

If you’re still facing problems, you can use services like:

  • SendGrid (Free up to 100 emails/day)
  • Mailgun (Free for 5000 emails/month for 3 months)
  • Postmark (Very reliable, paid)

These services bypass GoDaddy’s limitations altogether and deliver emails via their own servers.

Quick Troubleshooting Checklist

✅ Installed and configured WP Mail SMTP
✅ Correct “From” and “To” email addresses in Contact Form 7
✅ Proper SPF record in DNS settings
✅ Tested sending a sample email
✅ Checked spam/junk folders

FAQs About Contact Form 7 Email Issues on GoDaddy

Does GoDaddy block PHP mail()?

Yes, especially on shared hosting. It’s always safer to use SMTP.

Can I fix this without a plugin?

Technically yes, but it’s complex. Using WP Mail SMTP makes it easy and secure.

Is using Gmail SMTP free?

Yes, for small volumes. You can integrate Gmail SMTP with WP Mail SMTP easily.

Do I need a professional email address?

It’s highly recommended. Using your domain email (like [email protected]) boosts credibility and deliverability.

Final Thoughts

If you’re experiencing Contact Form 7 not sending emails on GoDaddy, don’t panic — it’s a common and solvable issue.

By setting up SMTP, adjusting your form settings, and fixing your DNS records, you can restore full functionality and ensure your website’s contact forms work as they should.

Take a few minutes to follow these steps and enjoy a smoother, more professional email experience!

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Skybootstrap is a web Design and Development service provider. Our Service: WordPress Theme Development | PSD to WordPress | Dropshipping Store Create | Shopify Store Create | Wp Error Fix | Contact Form | Landing Page Create | Bootstrap Landing Page .

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