Configuring a Backup Connection

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Would you like to configure a Backup Connection to ensure your emails get delivered? With WP Mail SMTP, you can add an additional connection, then use it as a Backup Connection to serve as a fallback in case the Primary Connection fails to send emails.

This tutorial will show you how to configure a Backup Connection in WP Mail SMTP.


Before getting started, you’ll need to ensure WP Mail SMTP is installed and activated on your WordPress site and that you’ve verified your license.

What Is a Backup Connection?

A Backup Connection in WP Mail SMTP is used as an additional connection to ensure emails from your website get delivered. If your Primary Connection fails to send emails, the Backup Connection will be used as a substitute to improve email deliverability.

Note: Before setting up a Backup Connection, you’ll need to add at least one additional connection to your website.

Setting Up a Backup Connection

Once you’ve added an additional connection, go to WP Mail SMTP » Settings to access the plugin’s settings page.

wp mail smtp settings

On the General tab, scroll down to the Backup Connection section.

backup connection section

Here, you’ll be able to choose any additional connection you’ve previously configured.

Note: You can add many additional connections in WP Mail SMTP. But you’ll be able to choose only one of them as a Backup Connection.

Go ahead and choose the one you’d like to use as a Backup Connection.

choose a backup connection

Be sure to click Save Settings after making your selection.

save backup connection settings

Testing the Backup Connection

After you’ve configured additional connections, you’ll be able to choose between the Primary Connection and other additional connections when sending a test email.

We’ll send a test email using the Backup Connection we configured to ensure it works properly.

To send a test email, go to WP Mail SMTP » Tools and select the Email Test tab.

email test tab

In the Send To box, enter an email address whose inbox you have access to.

test email send to field

Under Connection, you’ll see all the mailers you’ve configured on your website. Go ahead and choose the option you selected as a Backup Connection.

choose test email connection

Next, choose whether to send a plain text or HTML email. Unless you know you’ll only be sending plain text emails, we recommend leaving the HTML setting toggled ON.

enable html on test email

Finally, click on Send Email to send your test email with the Backup Connection.

click send email button

If the test email delivers successfully, the Backup Connection is working.

successful test email

Your website will use this option whenever the Primary Connection fails to send an email.

That’s it! Now you know how to configure a Backup Connection in WP Mail SMTP.

Next, would you like to learn how to set conditions for when to use a particular mailer on your WordPress site? Be sure to check our tutorial to learn how to enable smart routing in WP Mail SMTP.