> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.norrnext.com/norrcompetition/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.norrnext.com/norrcompetition/troubleshooting/i-do-not-get-notifications-from-norrcompetition.md).

# I do not get notifications from NorrCompetition

If email notifications are not arriving for new submissions, status changes, or votes, follow these diagnostic steps:

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## 1. Verify Joomla Global Mail Settings

NorrCompetition uses Joomla's core mail API (`Joomla\CMS\Mail\Mail`).

1. In Joomla Administrator, navigate to **System > Global Configuration > Server** tab.
2. In the **Mail** section, verify:
   * **Send Mail** is enabled.
   * **Mailer** is configured properly (we recommend **SMTP** with modern TLS/SSL encryption rather than PHP Mail).
3. Click the **Send Test Mail** button to confirm Joomla can successfully dispatch emails from the server.

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## 2. Check Core Component Notification Options

For default administrator alerts on new/changed entries:

1. Navigate to **Components > NorrCompetition > Options > General** tab.
2. Ensure **Notifications on Entries** is set to **New**, **Changed**, or **All**.
3. **Notification Emails:** If you have entered specific email addresses in the **Notification Emails** field (comma-separated), notifications will be sent directly to these addresses. Check for any typographical errors.
4. **Per-Contest Settings:** Check whether the specific contest has overridden the global settings under **Contest > Application Options > Notification Emails**.

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## 3. Verify User Profile Settings (Fallback Recipients)

If the **Notification Emails** field is left empty, system notifications are dispatched to all administrator accounts enabled to receive system mail:

1. Navigate to **Users > Manage** and edit your administrator account(s).
2. On the **User Details** tab, verify that **Receive System Emails** is set to **Yes**.
3. Ensure the administrator account has a valid email address and appropriate Super User/Administrator permissions.

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## 4. Check NorrCompetition Notifications Plugin

If you expect contestant or participant emails (e.g. "Your entry was approved"):

1. Go to **System > Plugins**.
2. Ensure **NorrCompetition - Notifications** (`plg_competition_notifications`) is installed and enabled.
3. Open the plugin to ensure the desired notification triggers are toggled to *Yes*.
4. See the [Notifications Plugin Guide](/norrcompetition/plugins/norrcompetition-notifications.md).

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## 5. Spam & Mail Server Deliverability

* Check the recipient **Spam / Junk** folder.
* Ensure your domain's DNS contains valid **SPF**, **DKIM**, and **DMARC** records matching your SMTP outgoing mail server.