What PHP Mail() does (and why it’s discouraged) #

PHP mail() sends messages using the server’s local mail transfer agent (sendmail-compatible).
On many hosting environments, it’s restricted, rewritten, or heavily filtered because it’s frequently abused by compromised scripts.

• Deliverability risk: messages sent by mail() are more likely to be marked as spam.
• Abuse risk: a hacked contact form can send spam through mail() quickly.
• Limited control: less visibility, weaker authentication alignment, and harder troubleshooting vs SMTP logs.

How to enable PHP Mail() in cPanel (sendmail_path) #

To enable PHP mail() on Hosticko, you typically adjust the sendmail_path value in your account’s PHP Selector options.
(This is the same “Select PHP Version” interface used in many cPanel + CloudLinux environments.)

1. Log in to cPanel.
2. Open Select PHP Version (sometimes called PHP Selector).
3. Click the Options tab.
4. Find sendmail_path and set it to:

   /usr/sbin/sendmail -t -i

5. Save/apply changes.

How to test PHP Mail() #

After enabling it, do a simple test from your website/application (or a small test script). Keep the test minimal and avoid spam-like content.

• Send to a mailbox you control (example: a Gmail inbox you can check).
• Use a basic subject like “Hosticko PHP mail test”.
• Check the inbox and the spam folder.

Recommended: use SMTP instead (better inbox placement) #

If you’re sending emails from WordPress, a contact form, a CRM, or any app, SMTP is the correct setup.
SMTP authentication improves trust and gives more stable delivery than PHP mail().

Best options #

• Use your Hosticko mailbox via SMTP (ideal for normal website notifications).
• Use a dedicated transactional provider (ideal for higher volume): SendGrid, Mailgun, etc.
• Use a library like PHPMailer to send via SMTP from PHP apps.

Helpful reference for SMTP sending via PHPMailer (cPanel guide):

Using PHPMailer to send via SMTP (cPanel)

Troubleshooting #

PHP Mail() still doesn’t send #

• Double-check sendmail_path is exactly /usr/sbin/sendmail -t -i.
• Confirm your script is actually using mail() and not an SMTP library.
• Check if your app has a “mail method” setting (some apps default to SMTP and ignore mail()).
• If you’re using WordPress, don’t rely on PHP Mail—use SMTP instead.

Emails send but land in spam #

• Switch to SMTP (seriously — this is the common outcome for PHP mail()).
• Publish SPF/DKIM/DMARC for your domain and keep them aligned with your sender.
• Avoid spammy subjects, too many links, and image-only content.

Sudden spikes / sending blocks #

• Scan your site for compromised forms or scripts.
• Review outgoing mail logs if available (or contact Support for a sending audit).

Related Hosticko guides #

• Why Are My Emails Being Marked as Spam?
• 550 Please Turn On SMTP Authentication (Fix)
• Connecting an Email Client to a Mailbox
• Correct SPF Record for Hosticko Hosting

Replace internal links with your actual Hosticko knowledgebase URLs if they differ.

FAQs #

Is enabling PHP Mail() recommended? #

No. It’s usually a last resort. SMTP is more reliable and has much better inbox placement.

Will enabling PHP Mail() fix my contact form emails? #

It might make them send, but it often makes deliverability worse. SMTP is the correct fix for contact form delivery issues.

Can Hosticko enable this for me? #

Yes — open a ticket and we’ll confirm the best option for your server (PHP Mail or SMTP), and help you set it correctly.