Are you able to receive emails but not send?
By default, your email is typically set on port 25 for outgoing mail - the channel used for communication between an email client and the server. But some internet service providers (ISPs) block port 25. Your messages will not get through if your ISP is blocking port 25.
By default, your email is typically set on port 25 for outgoing mail - the channel used for communication between an email client and the server. But some internet service providers (ISPs) block port 25. Your messages will not get through if your ISP is blocking port 25.
Many major ISPs are blocking outgoing emails to prevent you from using their internet connection for spamming purposes. You will still be able to send emails, but only by using your ISP's outgoing mail server. Every ISP's outgoing mail address is different, but for the most part, it will be mail.yourispname.com. For example, if you had hosting with AOL.com, their outgoing mail server would look like this: mail.aol.com. If mail.yourisp.com does not work and you are still unable to send emails, you will need to call your internet service provider to find out their outgoing mail server.
If your ISP is on the list below, you will need to change the outgoing mail server (SMTP) to port 26 or 587.
Some ISPs that block port 25 include:
- AT&T
- MindSpring
- BellSouth
- MSN
- CableOne
- NetZero
- Charter
- mails
- People PC
- Comcast ATTBI
- SpryNet
- Cox
- Sympatico.ca
- EarthLink
- Verio
- Flashnet
- Verizon
- MediaOne
- Telus
How to change outgoing email port
If your ISP is on this list or you believe port 25 is blocked, you will need to reconfigure the account for your email client to change the outgoing SMTP port from 25 to 26 or 587.
For directions on how-to change the SMTP port, please locate your email client from the list below. Click the heading to expand the list of instructions specific to you.
To edit your SMTP port:
- Click Tools on the menu bar and select Accounts.
- Click Mail and go to Properties.
- Click Advanced Sending Options.
- Ensure that the box that says This POP service requires a secure connection unchecked.
- Check the box that says Override default SMTP port: and enter in 25, 26, or 587.
- Click OK.
Check the following articles for information and assistance with common email clients for Mac, Windows, or Mobile:
To enable changing ports:
- Navigate to the Eudora Application folder.
- Look in this folder for a folder named Extras.
- In this folder is a file named Esoteric Settings. Copy this file into the Eudora Stuff folder.
To edit your SMTP port:
- Click Special from the menu bar and select Settings.
- Click Ports and Protocols.
- Edit your outgoing mail port; you may try ports 25, 26, or 587.
- Click OK.
To enable changing ports:
- Navigate to the directory Eudora installed on your computer.
- Look in the Eudora directory for a directory named extrastuff.
- In this directory is a file named esoteric.epi. Copy this file into the main Eudora directory.
To edit your SMTP port:
- Click Tools from the menu bar and select Options.
- Click Ports.
- Edit your outgoing mail port; you may try ports 25, 26, or 587.
- Click OK.
To edit your SMTP port:
- Click Mail from the menu bar and select Preferences.
- Select the account to modify under Accounts.
- Beneath the Outgoing server (SMTP), click on the dropdown bar and select Edit SMTP server list.
- Click on your desired outgoing server, then click Advanced.
- Select Option for customer port; you may enter 25, 26, or 587.
- Click OK.
To edit your SMTP port:
- Click Tools from the menu bar.
- Select Accounts or Email Accounts.
- View or change existing email accounts should be marked.
- Click Next.
- Select the desired account and click Change.
- Select More Settings.
- Edit your outgoing mail port; you may try ports 25, 26, or 587.
- Ensure that the box that says This connection requires a secure connection (SSL) is not checked.
- Click OK.
To edit your SMTP port:
- Click Tools from the menu bar.
- Select Accounts.
- Select the desired account and click Properties.
- Click the Advanced tab.
- Edit your outgoing mail port; you may try ports 25, 26, or 587.
- Ensure that the box that says This connection requires a secure connection (SSL) is not checked.
- Click OK.
To edit your SMTP port:
- Click Edit from the menu bar and select Account Settings.
- Click Outgoing Server(SMTP).
- Select the server to modify on the right-hand side, then click Edit.
- Edit the port number; you may try ports 25, 26, or 587.
- Click Okay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if ports 25, 26, and 587 don't work?
You will need to follow your ISP's procedures for outgoing emails. Contact your ISP to request either:
- They open one of these ports for you; or
- Provide information for the correct SMTP server you should be using.
Some ISPs may require you to use their SMTP servers for all outgoing mail so that they can monitor outgoing emails on their network to prevent spam.
This information is usually posted on their website. If they have a search box on their site, searching for "port 25" will usually lead you to the relevant information.
What if my email used to work and suddenly stopped?
Sometimes ISPs change their policies and start implementing blocks to certain ports without informing their customers (other than a post on their website). Most ISPs post details about port 25 on their website to implement a blocking policy. If sending mail suddenly stops working, this is probably why.
Additional Information
If you are using other third-party email clients (Gmail, Outlook, MacMail, etc.), ensure that the mail client settings are correct. You can check your email settings in this article:
If you are now able to send able but having an issue receiving one, you can see the troubleshooting steps in this article: