Frequently Asked Questions

Which form plugins does DSMTP support?

The plugin currently supports Contact Form 7, WPForms, and Gravity Forms. It auto-detects forms from these plugins and provides field mapping, template assignment, and recipient configuration for each. Additional form plugin adapters can be added in future releases.

How are SMTP passwords stored?

SMTP passwords are encrypted using AES-256-CBC with your WordPress installation's salt keys (AUTH_KEY, SECURE_AUTH_KEY, LOGGED_IN_KEY, NONCE_KEY). The encrypted value is stored in the database — the plaintext password is never stored. When viewing settings in the admin, passwords are never displayed.

Can I use this plugin without a form plugin?

Yes. You can use the SMTP configuration and email template features independently. Form integration is optional — the plugin works as a standalone SMTP mailer even if you don't have Contact Form 7, WPForms, or Gravity Forms installed.

What happens when an email fails to send?

Failed emails are automatically added to a retry queue. The plugin attempts to resend the email up to 3 times with exponential backoff (5 minutes, 15 minutes, then 45 minutes between attempts). You can view queue status from the dashboard. If all retries fail, the submission is logged with the error message for review.

How do I embed a newsletter signup form on my site?

Use the shortcode [dsmtp_newsletter list="your-list-slug"] in any post, page, or widget. Replace your-list-slug with the slug of your newsletter list. The form renders with your configured styling, includes honeypot spam protection, and submits via AJAX without a page reload.

Is the newsletter feature GDPR compliant?

The plugin supports GDPR compliance through double opt-in confirmation, customizable GDPR notes on signup forms, and subscriber data export. However, you are responsible for ensuring your overall data collection practices comply with applicable regulations.

Can I export my submission data?

Yes. Submissions can be exported as CSV files from the Submissions page. You can filter by form, date range, and status before exporting. Newsletter subscriber lists can also be exported as CSV from the Newsletter management page.

What are the server requirements?

PHP 8.2 or higher, WordPress 6.5 or higher, OpenSSL extension enabled, MySQL/MariaDB with FULLTEXT support (for submission search).

Does the plugin slow down my site?

No. The plugin is designed for minimal performance impact. Dashboard statistics are cached, submission queries use database indexes, and the retry queue runs on a background cron process. The admin interface is a single-page app that loads assets efficiently.

Can I backup and restore my plugin settings?

Yes. The plugin includes a Settings Export/Import feature. You can export all SMTP, newsletter, and other settings as a JSON file, then import them on another WordPress installation or after a reinstall.

How does the trash system work?

When you delete a submission, it's moved to the trash rather than being permanently deleted. You can restore trashed submissions or purge them individually or in bulk. A daily cron job automatically purges trashed submissions older than 30 days to keep your database clean.

How much does DSMTP cost?

DSMTP is €5/month for 1 site — a commercial license with a flat rate, no tiers, no per-email fees, no contact limits. Need more sites? Each additional site is €2.50/month. Cancel anytime.

How do I activate my license key?

After purchasing, you'll receive a license key via email. In your WordPress admin, go to SMTP → License, paste your key, and click Activate. The plugin will validate the key against our server and unlock all features. Each license covers 1 site by default — you can add more sites from your account dashboard at €2.50/mo each.

What happens if my license validation fails?

The plugin will retry validation on subsequent requests. After 6 consecutive failures (typically ~5 days), SMTP sending will be disabled and a persistent admin notice will appear. Reactivate your license or contact support to restore functionality. Test emails are not affected during the grace period.

How do seats and subscriptions work?

DSMTP is €5/month for 1 site — your base plan. Each license comes with 1 site included. Need more? You can purchase extra seats for €2.50/month each (or €30/year per seat). Your total seat count (base + extra) determines how many WordPress sites can use your license key. There are no limits on emails, contacts, or form submissions — just a flat fee per site.

What happens when I add or remove an extra seat?

When you add a seat, you're charged a prorated amount for the remainder of your current billing period and the seat is available immediately. When you remove a seat: within 14 days of purchase, you get a full prorated refund and the seat is removed immediately. After 14 days, no refund is issued, but the seat remains active until the end of your billing period — at renewal, your subscription adjusts to the lower seat count.

Can I get a refund for a seat I purchased?

Yes — you have 14 days from the date of purchase to remove a seat and receive a full prorated refund. After 14 days, you can still remove the seat, but no refund will be issued. The seat will stay active until the end of your current billing period so you don't lose access to anything you've already paid for.

What happens when I cancel my subscription?

You can cancel anytime from your account dashboard. Your license key will remain active until the end of your current billing period. After that, the license is revoked and the plugin will stop sending emails. You can reactivate at any time by resubscribing.