---
title: Basics
description: "These are the first checks to run whenever something doesn’t seem right with Mass Email Notifications. --- ## SMTP Working - Ensure your site is connected to a proper SMTP service (SendGrid, SES, Mailgun, etc.). - Default `wp_mail()` from your…"
url: "https://brightleafdigital.io/docs/troubleshooting-basics/"
updated: "2026-10-18"
category: Mass Email Notifications for Gravity Forms / Troubleshooting
---

# Basics

These are the first checks to run whenever something doesn’t seem right with Mass Email Notifications.

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## SMTP Working

- Ensure your site is connected to a proper SMTP service (SendGrid, SES, Mailgun, etc.).
- Default `wp_mail()` from your host is unreliable and often flagged as spam.
- Test by sending a regular Gravity Forms notification and confirm it delivers.

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## Limits Set

- Go to **Global Settings** and verify that per-minute, per-hour, per-day, or per-month limits are defined.
- If no limits are set, the plugin won’t know how to pace sending, and some hosts may block your mail.
- Enter values lower than your provider’s caps to leave room for other WordPress emails (password resets, order confirmations).

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## Target Email Field

- In each feed, make sure the **Target Form** and its **Email Field** are chosen correctly.
- If left blank, the batch may show no recipients unless you’re running a CSV-only campaign.
- Double-check the field ID in your form to avoid targeting the wrong column.

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## Saved Changes Visible

- Always click **Save Settings** after making changes to a feed or global settings.
- Refresh the page to confirm your changes are stored.
- If values revert or don’t appear, clear caching layers (browser, plugin, or server cache) and try again.

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Running through these basics solves most setup issues before deeper troubleshooting is needed.