How to Fix Issues with Sending Email (SMTP)
Suddenly being unable to send emails can be a pain and can be caused by many different factors. Depending on your internet service provider, the default port of 25 should allow you to send email, however, you may find you have trouble from time to time.
This occurs most commonly on mobile devices such as phones or tablets as you move from your mobile network to different Wi-Fi’s and back again.
This guide will advise on some simple steps to take when trying to resolve issues with sending email.
Please Note: These steps can differ depending on the device and the application in use.
Let’s get started with SMTP…
- Open the settings for your email in the application or device you are using.
- Locate the outgoing SMTP server and its settings.
- Check the current outgoing port and change it to 26 or 587.
- Make sure any username and password fields are filled in if shown.
- Save changes and test.
That’s it! You should now be able to send emails again.
What if I am still having trouble sending?
If you are still having trouble sending, make sure that the login details you’re using are correct. The best way to test this is to try and login via our Webmail. If you are unable to log in, a password reset for your email would be your best next step. We have a guide for how to change your email password here.
If your login is correct, try changing your outgoing encryption. If you are using SSL try switching to None or vice versa.
If you are still unable to send please get in touch with the support team and we will run through the above checks with you to help get you back up and running.
Please Note: Sometimes issues with your emails can be a problem with your network, internet provider or the device or application itself. If problems persist after all the above checks have been made, you may need to complete troubleshooting on your local setup for a resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions about SMTP
Why won’t my emails send?
Most people encounter this issue at some point while using email. Before worrying, try these straightforward fixes:
- Ensure your email address and password are entered correctly. Even a small error can prevent your emails from sending
- Verify your internet connection by opening a website. If it loads, your connection is active and working properly
- Check your email’s SMTP settings to ensure they are configured correctly for sending messages
If none of these solutions work, your SMTP server might need troubleshooting. Contact your email provider for assistance.
Why can’t I send attachments with my emails?
Attachment issues can be especially annoying when you need to share important files. Try these fixes:
- Check that the file size doesn’t exceed your email service’s limit, often around 25 megabytes
- Compress your files to reduce their size before attaching them
- Use a file-sharing service for particularly large files instead of email
Make sure your SMTP server supports the attachment size you’re trying to send. Sending multiple smaller files can often work better than one large attachment.
Why does sending emails seem very slow?
Slow email sending can test anyone’s patience, but these common causes are usually simple to resolve:
- Run an internet speed test to ensure your connection is stable and performing well
- Send large attachments separately from your main message to reduce load on the SMTP server
- If emailing multiple recipients, try sending smaller batches of emails instead of all at once
Optimising your SMTP settings can also improve sending speed and make your email experience smoother.
Why are my sent emails appearing in the recipient’s junk folder?
This frustrating issue is more common than you might think. Consider these main points to avoid it:
- Keep your message straightforward and avoid terms that resemble spam, such as “free,” “urgent,” or “buy now”
- Ensure you’re sending from an email address that appears professional, like one that includes your name or business name
- Ask frequent contacts to add your email address to their safe senders list
Proper SMTP server configuration, along with these tips, can significantly reduce the likelihood of emails landing in junk folders.