Why Is My PHP Mail() Function Reporting Success But Not Sending Emails?

Troubleshooting Persistent Mail Failure in PHP

Your PHP script, which employs the built-in mail() function, reports successful mail delivery but fails to send any actual emails. This issue warrants further investigation.

Steps to Isolate the Problem:

• Verify Sender Domain: Ensure that the "From" address specified in your mail() call belongs to a domain hosted on your server. If not, update it.
• Check Blacklist Status: Use a tool like spamhaus.org to determine if your server's IP address is on any blacklists. Though unlikely for shared hosting, it's worth considering.
• Examine Spam Filters: Create accounts with free email services that have spam folders. Send emails to these accounts and check if they end up in spam. Also, send emails to addresses without spam filters to eliminate filter-related issues.
• Consider the "-f" Parameter: Use the fifth parameter of mail(), "-f", to specify an alternative sender address. This may resolve the issue if the default sender address is not valid.
• Review Log Files: If you have access, examine the server's log files for any errors or indications of issues with mail delivery.
• Monitor Bounce Mails: Regularly check your inbox for bounce mails labeled "Returned to Sender." This can shed light on potential problems with the recipient's mailbox or your server's settings.
• Set Up Error-to Address: Designate a dedicated email address to receive notifications of any errors or problems with mail delivery. This can provide valuable feedback for troubleshooting.

By systematically addressing each of these points, you can pinpoint the root cause of your email delivery issues and implement appropriate solutions to resolve them.

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