> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.powerfulform.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.powerfulform.com/troubleshooting/not-receiving-admin-emails.md).

# Not receiving admin emails

Work through the reasons submission notification emails are not reaching you.

## What we should check?

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Check Admin Notification settings (in Powerful Contact Form Builder)

First, confirm your form is actually set to send admin emails.

1\. Open the app > click **Forms** > open a form you want to edit

2\. Click **Mail** icon on the left > click **Admin**

3. Check the **Admin email (recipient)** is correct (no typos)

<figure><img src="https://2907469752-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FehM2rz7MmKkWcJmgvJOe%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-f46ca08997707f0987840816f1adaf10a678cc19%2Fimage%20(2).png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Check spam/junk folders (very common)

Sometimes emails are delivered, but filtered.

* Check **Spam / Junk / Promotions** folders
* Search your inbox for keywords like:
  * your form name
  * “PowerfulForm”
  * “New submission”
* Mark the email as **Not spam** (this trains the mailbox)

✅ Tip: Add the sender email to your contacts / safe senders list.

With the default sender, add `no-reply@powerfulform.com` to your email account's whitelist or safe-senders list. If the form uses SMTP or an email API, safe-list the actual **From** address shown in its test or notification email. This is normally the provider mailbox unless **Send mail from another email** is enabled.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Make sure the email subject is not causing “same thread” confusion

Some email apps (like Gmail) group notifications into one thread.

* Update the admin email **Subject** to include a unique value, such as:
  * `{{email}}`
  * `{{created_at}}`
  * `{{submission_id}}`

Example:

* 📨 `New submission - {{email}} - {{created_at}}`

This makes each email easier to find.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Check your SMTP settings

If you’re using SMTP, verify it’s correct.

#### What to check

* SMTP Username is correct (full email address)
* SMTP Password is correct
  * Gmail users: use an **App Password** (not your normal Gmail password)
* SMTP Host and Port are correct
* Encryption setting matches the port (TLS/SSL)
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Check your monthly email limit (Free plan)

The Free plan sends **4**0 emails per month. After that, no admin or customer emails are sent until the limit resets. Forms still work and submissions are still saved.

* Admin emails and customer auto-replies both count (1 submission can use 2 emails).
* The limit resets on the 1st of each month.
* Want emails now? Upgrade to a paid plan for unlimited emails.

More details: [Limit emails in Free plan](https://globosoftware.gitbook.io/globosoftware-docs/email-notifications/email-limits#email-limit-for-free-plan)
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

<br>

## Next steps

* [SMTP](/email-notifications/custom-sender/custom-mail-smtp.md) — why your own sender helps.
* [Admin email notification](/email-notifications/admin-notification.md) — who gets notified.
* [Contact support](/help/contact-support.md) — if the problem is still there.