problem with php mail 'From' header

Solution 1:

Edit: I just noted that you are trying to use a gmail address as the from value. This is not going to work, and the ISP is right in overwriting it. If you want to redirect the replies to your outgoing messages, use reply-to.

A workaround for valid addresses that works with many ISPs:

try adding a fifth parameter to your mail() command:

mail($to,$subject,$message,$headers,"-f [email protected]");

Solution 2:

It turns out the original poster's server (blueHost) has a FAQ concerning this very question.

Article 206.

This is because our servers require you (or your script) to use a properly formatted, valid From: field in the email's header. If the From: field is not formatted correctly, empty or the email address does not exist in the cPanel, the From: address will be changed to username@box###.bluehost.com.

You must change the script you are using to correctly use a valid From: header.

Examples of headers that should work would be:

From: [email protected]
From: "user" <[email protected]>

Examples of headers that will NOT work:

From: "[email protected]"
From: user @ domain.com
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>

Our servers will not accept the name for the email address and the email address to be the same. It will not accept a double declaration of the email address.

For scripts such as Joomla and Wordpress, you will need to follow their documentation for formatting the from fields properly. Wordpress will require the Mail From plugin.

Note: The email address you use must be a valid created account in the cPanel.

Solution 3:

I had the same Issue, I checked the php.net site. And found the right format.
This is my updated code.

$headers = 'MIME-Version: 1.0' . "\r\n";
$headers .= 'Content-type: text/html; charset=iso-8859-1' . "\r\n";
$headers .= 'From:  ' . $fromName . ' <' . $fromEmail .'>' . " \r\n" .
            'Reply-To: '.  $fromEmail . "\r\n" .
            'X-Mailer: PHP/' . phpversion();

The \r\n should be in double quotes(") itself, the single quotes(') will not work.

Solution 4:

In order to prevent phishing, some mail servers prevent the From from being rewritten.

Solution 5:

I realize this is an old thread, but i had the same problem since i moved to bluehost yesterday. It may not have been the selected answer but i support the bluehost article 206 reply.

I created a valid email in control panel and used it as my From address and it worked.