PHP contact form failing to reach Gmail inbox - help requested

Other Questions Gmail
1

I’ve got a problem with my PHP contact form. It works fine for other email providers but Gmail is giving me trouble. The messages don’t show up in the inbox or even the spam folder.

I’m not a pro at this stuff so I’m hoping someone can help me fix my code. I’ve heard this is a common issue but I’m not sure how to solve it.

Here’s a simplified version of what I’m working with:

function check_email($email) {
    return preg_match('/^[\w.-]+@[\w.-]+\.\w+$/', $email);
}

if ($_POST['name'] && $_POST['email'] && check_email($_POST['email']) && $_POST['message']) {
    $recipient = '[email protected]';
    $headers = 'From: ' . $_POST['email'] . '\r\nReply-To: ' . $_POST['email'];
    $topic = 'New Form Submission';
    $content = strip_tags($_POST['message']);

    if (mail($recipient, $topic, $content, $headers)) {
        echo 'Success';
    } else {
        echo 'Server error';
    }
} else {
    echo 'Invalid input';
}

Any ideas on how to make this work with Gmail? I’m using a Linux server with WHM if that helps. Thanks in advance!

2

hey mate, i had similar probs with gmail. try using phpmailer instead of the basic mail() function. it’s way more reliable for sending emails. also, make sure ur server’s not blacklisted. that can mess things up big time. good luck!

3

I’ve dealt with similar Gmail delivery issues before and discovered that the problem often lies with server configuration rather than the PHP code itself.

In my experience, setting up proper SPF and DKIM records for the domain makes a significant difference in email deliverability with Gmail. Switching from the PHP mail() function to a dedicated SMTP server, such as using the PHPMailer library with SMTP authentication, can also resolve many of these issues. It is equally important to verify that your server’s IP isn’t blacklisted and that the From address corresponds with your sending domain.

Over time, these adjustments have proven effective for reliable email delivery.

4

I encountered a similar issue with Gmail deliverability. The problem often stems from Gmail’s strict spam filtering policies. To improve your chances of reaching Gmail inboxes, consider implementing DKIM and SPF records for your domain. These authentication methods help verify that your emails are legitimate.

Additionally, using PHP’s built-in mail() function can be problematic. I’d recommend switching to a reputable SMTP service or using a library like PHPMailer. These options provide better delivery rates and often include features to help bypass spam filters.

Lastly, ensure your server’s IP isn’t blacklisted and that you’re sending from a domain with a good reputation. These steps significantly improved my email deliverability to Gmail addresses.