Advanced Email Filter for Elementor Forms

A WordPress plugin that provides advanced email filtering for Elementor Pro Forms. Use global and form-specific rules to block disposable or unwanted email submissions and allow trusted senders through.

Author: Mahidul Islam Mukto Knowledge Base: Advanced Email Filter for Elementor Forms - WP Plugin

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Getting Started

Before diving into the configuration, let's get the plugin up and running on your WordPress site. This plugin integrates seamlessly with Elementor Pro Forms and requires minimal setup to start filtering emails.

Installation

1. Download the plugin ZIP file from WordPress.org
2. Go to WordPress Dashboard → Plugins → Add New
3. Click "Upload Plugin" and select the ZIP file
4. Click "Install Now" and then "Activate"

Requirements

• WordPress 5.6 or higher
• Elementor Pro (latest version recommended)
• PHP 7.4 or higher

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Global Settings

Accessing Global Settings

Global settings allow you to set up site-wide email filtering rules for all your Elementor forms. These settings serve as your first line of defense against unwanted submissions.

To access:

1. Navigate to WordPress Dashboard
2. Go to Email Filter → Settings
3. Configure your desired settings

Global Allowlist Configuration

The allowlist ensures that trusted email addresses always get through, regardless of other filtering rules. This is perfect for whitelisting important clients or team members.

• Add trusted email patterns
• Supports multiple formats:
  • Full email: [email protected]
  • Domain wildcard: *@domain.com
  • TLD allowlist: *.org
  • Partial match: admin@
• Separate multiple patterns with commas
• Allowlist overrides all blocking rules

Global Blocklist Configuration

The blocklist helps you prevent submissions from known spam sources, disposable email services, or specific domains you want to block.

• Block unwanted email patterns
• Supports multiple formats:
  • Full email: [email protected]
  • Domain block: @spamdomain.com
  • TLD block: *.ru
  • Partial match: temp-
• Separate multiple patterns with commas
• Blocked unless matched by allowlist

Disposable Email Filter

Prevent temporary and throwaway email addresses from submitting your forms, ensuring you receive only legitimate contact information.

• Blocks temporary email services
• Updates every 7 days
• Prevents spam submissions
• Enable/disable globally

Business Email Filter

Perfect for B2B websites and professional services, this feature ensures that submissions come from business email addresses rather than personal email accounts.

• Blocks common free email providers
• Updates every 7 days
• Blocks domains like:
  • gmail.com
  • yahoo.com
  • hotmail.com
  • outlook.com
• Enable/disable globally

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Form-Specific Settings

Accessing Form Settings

While global settings protect all your forms, form-specific settings allow you to customize filtering rules for individual forms. This is particularly useful when different forms serve different purposes.

To access:

1. Edit page with Elementor
2. Edit form widget
3. Find "Email Filtering" section

Form-Level Blocklist

• Additional blocking for specific forms
• Works alongside global rules
• Useful for:
  • High-security forms
  • Contact forms
  • Registration forms

Form-Level Allowlist

• Override global blocks for specific forms
• Same pattern format as global settings
• Useful for:
  • Client-specific forms
  • Department-specific rules
  • Special campaigns

Business Email Mode

• Toggle business-only emails
• Form-specific override
• Useful for:
  • B2B contact forms
  • Partner registration
  • Enterprise submissions

Disposable Email Blocking

• Toggle temporary email blocking
• Form-specific control
• Recommended for:
  • Lead generation forms
  • Subscription forms
  • Registration pages

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Pattern Syntax Guide

Understanding pattern syntax is crucial for creating effective filtering rules. This section explains the different ways you can match email addresses.

Full Email Match

• Format: [email protected]
• Blocks/allows a specific email address
• Case-insensitive matching

Domain Wildcards

• Format: *@domain.com
• Blocks/allows an entire domain
• Includes all subdomains

Partial Matching

• Format: keyword@
• Matches any part of an email
• Case-insensitive

TLD Blocking

• Format: *.tld
• Blocks/allows an entire top-level domain
• Example: *.ru blocks all Russian domains

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Troubleshooting

Email Validation Issues

Emails Not Being Blocked

Symptoms:

• Unwanted emails still submitting successfully
• Disposable emails getting through
• Personal emails accepted on business-only forms

Solutions:

1. Check Global Settings
   • Verify if filters are enabled
   • Review allowlist patterns
   • Confirm blocklist patterns
   • Test business email mode
2. Review Form Settings
   • Check form-specific overrides
   • Verify form field configuration
   • Test form validation
3. Pattern Syntax
   • Validate wildcard usage
   • Check comma separation
   • Verify domain formatting

Legitimate Emails Being Blocked

Symptoms:

• Valid business emails rejected
• Allowlisted emails not working
• Customer complaints about submission errors

Solutions:

1. Check Allowlist Configuration
   • Verify pattern syntax
   • Add domain variations
   • Include subdomains if needed
2. Business Email Filter
   • Review blocked domains
   • Add exceptions for valid providers
   • Update filter settings
3. Form Configuration
   • Check error messages
   • Verify field validation
   • Test with sample emails

Elementor Problems

Symptoms:

• Plugin not showing in Elementor
• Settings page not accessible
• Forms not recognizing filters

Solutions:

1. Plugin Compatibility
   • Update Elementor Pro
   • Check plugin version
   • Verify WordPress version
2. Installation Issues
   • Reinstall plugin
   • Check file permissions
   • Verify activation status
3. Conflict Resolution
   • Disable other form plugins
   • Check theme compatibility
   • Test in default theme

Plugin Configuration

Settings Not Saving

Symptoms:

• Changes not persisting
• Settings reverting back
• Save button not responding

Solutions:

1. WordPress Environment
   • Clear cache
   • Check permissions
   • Verify user role
2. Browser Issues
   • Clear browser cache
   • Try different browser
   • Disable conflicting plugins
3. Server Configuration
   • Check PHP version
   • Verify WordPress permissions
   • Review error logs

Performance Issues

Slow Form Submission

Symptoms:

• Delayed form processing
• Timeout errors
• Slow validation response

Solutions:

1. Server Performance
   • Check server resources
   • Monitor PHP memory
   • Review database queries
2. Plugin Optimization
   • Minimize pattern complexity
   • Optimize validation rules
   • Clear plugin cache
3. Form Configuration
   • Simplify validation rules
   • Remove unnecessary patterns
   • Test form response time

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Developer Guide

Available Filters

Custom Messages

// Example: Customize blocked email message
add_filter('aefe_validation_error', function($message, $email) {
    return sprintf('Sorry, %s is not allowed for this form.', $email);
}, 10, 2);

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Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Get answers to common questions about plugin functionality, configuration, and troubleshooting.

1. Can I use this plugin with other form plugins?
   • No, this plugin is specifically designed for Elementor Pro Forms
   • Not compatible with Contact Form 7, Gravity Forms, or other form plugins
2. Does it work with all Elementor Pro versions?
   • Compatible with Elementor Pro 3.0 and above
   • Recommended to use the latest version for best performance
3. Will it block legitimate business emails?
   • No, if properly configured
   • Use allowlist for trusted domains
   • Business email filter is regularly updated

Configuration Questions

1. Can I use multiple patterns in one rule?
   • Yes, separate patterns with commas
   • Example: *@company.com, admin@, *.trusted.org
2. Which takes priority — global or form settings?
   • Allowlist always takes highest priority
   • Form-specific rules combine with global rules
   • Order: Form Allowlist > Global Allowlist > Form Blocklist > Global Blocklist
3. How do I allow specific free email addresses?
   • Add them to the allowlist
   • Can be added globally or per-form
   • Example: [email protected]

Technical Questions

1. Does it affect form submission speed?
   • Minimal impact on performance
   • Validation happens server-side
   • Optimized database queries
2. Can I export/import filter settings?
   • Settings are stored in WordPress options
   • Use WordPress import/export tools
   • Backup settings before major changes
3. How are updates handled?
   • Automatic WordPress plugin updates
   • Database updates every 7 days
   • No manual intervention required