How to Use DreamHost SMTP Settings to Send Email from WordPress

If you’re running a WordPress website on DreamHost, you might encounter issues with emails not sending—whether it’s contact form submissions, password reset emails, or order confirmations. A common fix is to configure your site to send email using SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) instead of the default PHP mail function.

In this guide, we’ll explain what SMTP is, why it’s important, and how to set up WordPress to use DreamHost’s SMTP settings for reliable email delivery. This process helps reduce the chance of your messages landing in the spam folder or getting blocked altogether.

Why Use SMTP with WordPress?

By default, WordPress tries to send email using your web server’s PHP mail function. However, this method is unreliable because many hosting providers (including DreamHost) limit or restrict email sending to reduce spam. Even when emails are sent, they may be flagged as unverified by receiving mail servers.

Using SMTP allows your site to send authenticated, properly formatted emails through a verified mail server. This improves deliverability and helps your messages reach inboxes rather than spam folders.

SMTP is especially important for:

• Contact form notifications
• eCommerce email receipts
• Password resets and user registration emails
• Newsletter opt-ins and confirmations

DreamHost SMTP Settings

Here are the official SMTP settings for DreamHost:

Outgoing Mail (SMTP) Server: smtp.dreamhost.com
Port:

• 587 (STARTTLS) – Recommended
• 465 (SSL/TLS) – Alternative

Encryption:

• Use STARTTLS on port 587 (preferred)
• Or use SSL/TLS on port 465

Authentication: Required
Username: Your full DreamHost email address (e.g., you@yourdomain.com)
Password: The password for that email address

You must create an email address in your DreamHost control panel before using it for SMTP. You cannot use your DreamHost panel login or domain name without first creating a mailbox.

How to Set Up SMTP in WordPress Using DreamHost

You can configure SMTP in WordPress using a plugin. The most popular options are WP Mail SMTP, Post SMTP, and Easy WP SMTP. In this example, we’ll use WP Mail SMTP, which is beginner-friendly and widely used.

Step 1: Install and Activate the Plugin

1. In your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins → Add New
2. Search for WP Mail SMTP
3. Click Install Now, then Activate

Step 2: Configure SMTP Settings

1. Go to WP Mail SMTP → Settings
2. Under the Mailer section, choose Other SMTP
3. Fill in the following fields:

• SMTP Host: smtp.dreamhost.com
• Encryption: Choose TLS (STARTTLS) or SSL depending on your port
• SMTP Port: Use 587 for TLS or 465 for SSL
• Authentication: Yes
• SMTP Username: Your DreamHost email address
• SMTP Password: The password for your email account

4. Scroll down and click Save Settings

Step 3: Send a Test Email

To verify that everything is working:

1. Go to WP Mail SMTP → Tools → Email Test
2. Enter an email address where you want to send the test
3. Click Send Email

If the test is successful, your SMTP setup is working correctly. If there’s an error, double-check your username, password, and port/encryption settings.

How to Create a Mailbox in DreamHost

Before you can use SMTP, you must have a mailbox to send from. Here’s how to create one:

1. Log in to your DreamHost panel at panel.dreamhost.com
2. Go to Mail → Manage Email
3. Click Create New Email Address
4. Choose the domain, email name, and password
5. Click Create Address

Once the mailbox is created, you can use that email address and password for your SMTP credentials in WordPress.

Using SMTP for Contact Forms

If you’re using contact form plugins like Contact Form 7, WPForms, or Gravity Forms, they will automatically use the WordPress mail function. Once SMTP is configured through a plugin like WP Mail SMTP, all outgoing emails—including contact form submissions—will route through your DreamHost email server.

This ensures better deliverability and fewer missed messages from contact forms.

Additional Tips for Reliable Email Delivery

• Use a real email address in the “From” field. Avoid using noreply@yourdomain.com unless it’s a properly configured mailbox.
• Authenticate your domain using SPF, DKIM, and DMARC DNS records if you’re using external email services. DreamHost provides SPF and DKIM setup via the panel for their email accounts.
• Monitor bounces and spam complaints if you send large volumes of email. Consider third-party services like Mailgun or SendGrid for marketing emails.

Alternatives to DreamHost SMTP

If you prefer not to use DreamHost’s email servers for outgoing messages, you can connect your WordPress site to a third-party transactional email provider such as:

• SendGrid
• Mailgun
• Amazon SES
• Google Workspace (Gmail SMTP)

These services are often more reliable for sending high volumes of email and include tracking tools, bounce handling, and analytics.

Final Thoughts

Setting up SMTP with DreamHost is a simple and effective way to improve email reliability for your WordPress site. Whether you’re troubleshooting email issues or preparing for more professional communication, configuring SMTP ensures your messages are authenticated and delivered correctly.

All you need is a DreamHost-hosted domain, a created mailbox, and a plugin like WP Mail SMTP. With this setup, your site will send emails with higher deliverability and fewer problems.

For more WordPress email tips, plugin recommendations, and hosting tutorials, continue exploring KnowbaseWP.