How to Test the PHP mail() Function Using a Simple Script

If you want to check whether the PHP mail() function works correctly, you can upload a simple test file to your server using FTP (for example FileZilla).

Step 1: Create the test file

Upload a file to your /public_html directory.

Example filename:

phpmail.php

Step 2: Add the test script

Paste the following code into the file and replace the sender and recipient email addresses with your own values: <?php $sender = ‘[email protected]’; $recipient = ‘[email protected]’; $subject = “Test message”; $message = “PHP mail function test”; $headers = ‘From:’ . $sender; if (mail($recipient, $subject, $message, $headers)) { echo “Message sent successfully”; } else { echo “Error: Message could not be sent”; } ?>

Step 3: Run the test

Open the file in your browser:

http://yourdomain.com/phpmail.php

Expected result

If everything is working correctly:

• Message sent successfully

If there is an issue:

• Error: Message could not be sent

Notes

• Ensure the PHP mail() function is enabled on the server
• Some hosting providers require valid SMTP configuration even if mail() is available
• Always include <?php at the beginning and ?> at the end of standalone PHP files
• Make sure sender and recipient addresses are valid to avoid delivery issues