Not receiving user emails or admin notifications

If you are experiencing issues with your site's users not receiving emails or if you are not receiving admin notifications, it may be due to the unreliability of the default PHP mail() function used by WordPress, or because your host/server is not properly configured to use the PHP mail() function. There are several reasons why you might not be receiving user emails or admin notifications on your WordPress site. Here are some common causes:

1. PHP Mail Function Issues: The default method WordPress uses to send emails, wp_mail() relies on the PHP mail() function. However, this function can be unreliable, especially on shared hosting environments or servers with strict email-sending policies. 
2. Server Configuration: Your hosting server may not be properly configured to send emails. This could be due to firewall restrictions, email server misconfigurations, or other server-related issues.
3. Spam Filters: Email providers may be filtering out your emails as spam, especially if you're sending a large volume of emails or if your emails contain spam-like content.
4. Plugin Conflicts: Sometimes, conflicts between plugins can interfere with the email-sending process, causing emails to fail to send.
5. DNS Configuration: Incorrect DNS settings, such as missing or incorrect SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) records, can lead to emails being rejected or marked as spam.
6. Email Queue: If your site is sending a large number of emails, they may be getting stuck in the email queue and not being sent out promptly. Many popular WordPress sites, including Ultimate Member, do not use the PHP mail() function for handling email delivery. Instead, we recommend using third-party email delivery services for better reliability and performance. Some popular services you can consider are:
   
   • Postmark
   • Brevo
   • Mailgun
   • SendGrid

To resolve these issues, you can try the following steps:

• Ensure that UM Email Notifications are enabled by double-checking under UM > Settings > Emails.
• Use a reliable SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) service to send emails from your WordPress site. This can improve deliverability and reliability. To connect your WordPress site to one of these services, you can use SMTP plugins. Here are some popular options:
  
  • WP Mail SMTP
  • Post SMTP
  • Easy WP SMTP
• Check your server's email logs for any error messages or issues that may be preventing emails from being sent.
• Ensure that your DNS settings are correctly configured, including SPF and DKIM records.
• Disable any plugins that may be causing conflicts with the email-sending process.
• Contact your hosting provider for assistance if you suspect server-related issues.