SMTP is not sending emails
If you're using Firstsales.io to send emails via SMTP/IMAP integration and encounter issues where emails are not being sent or accounts become disconnected, several factors could be responsible. This troubleshooting guide will help you identify and resolve common issues, including:
- Exceeding sending limits
- Account suspensions
- Configuration errors
- Other potential problems
1. Exceeding Sending Limits
Email service providers (ESPs) enforce specific sending limits to prevent spam and ensure system reliability. If these limits are exceeded, your account may be temporarily restricted from sending emails. Key limits include:
- Daily Sending Limit per User: Varies by provider; for example, Gmail allows up to 2,000 emails per day for Google Workspace accounts. https://support.google.com/a/answer/166852
- Recipients per Message: Limits on the number of recipients per email; for instance, Gmail allows up to 2,000 addresses in the To, Cc, and Bcc fields combined, with a maximum of 500 external recipients per message. https://support.google.com/a/answer/166852
- Total Recipients per Day: Some providers have limits on the total number of recipients per day; for example, Gmail has a limit of 10,000 recipients per day. https://support.google.com/a/answer/166852
Exceeding these limits can result in a temporary suspension of your sending capabilities.
2. Account Suspension Reasons
ESPs may suspend accounts for various reasons, including:
- Suspicious Activity: Unusual sending patterns or behaviors that resemble spam can trigger automatic suspensions.
- Policy Violations: Violating the ESP’s mail policies, such as sending spam or harmful content, can lead to suspension.
- Unverified Sign-ins: Sign-in attempts from unrecognized locations or devices may result in temporary suspensions to protect account security.
3. Configuration Errors
Incorrect settings can disrupt email sending. Ensure the following configurations are correct:
- SMTP Server Settings:
- Server Address: Provided by your ESP; for example, Gmail's SMTP server is smtp.gmail.com.
- Port: Typically 465 (SSL) or 587 (TLS).
- Authentication: Use your full email address and password.
- IMAP Server Settings:
- Server Address: Provided by your ESP; for example, Gmail's IMAP server is imap.gmail.com.
- Port: Typically 993 (SSL) or 143 (non-SSL).
- Authentication: Use your full email address and password.
- SSL/TLS: Ensure that SSL/TLS is enabled if required by your ESP.
4. Other Potential Issues
- Billing Problems: Unresolved billing issues can lead to account suspension. Verify that your billing information is current and that there are no outstanding payments.
- Third-Party App Interference: Authorized third-party apps with access to your account can cause unexpected changes, including suspensions. Review and manage app permissions regularly.
- Domain Registration Issues: Expired domain registrations can disrupt email services. Ensure your domain is active and properly configured.
Troubleshooting Steps
- Check Sending Limits: Review your email activity to ensure you haven’t exceeded your ESP’s sending limits. If you have, wait for the limits to reset, which may take up to 24 hours.
- Review Account Status: Log in to your ESP’s admin console to check for suspension notices or alerts. If suspended, follow the provided instructions to restore the account.
- Verify SMTP/IMAP Settings: Ensure that your SMTP and IMAP server settings in Firstsales.io match your ESP’s recommended configurations.
- Update Authentication Methods: Confirm that you’re using supported authentication methods, such as OAuth 2.0, especially if using devices or apps that may not support newer protocols.
- Inspect Third-Party Apps: Review any third-party applications with access to your account to ensure they are not causing issues.
- Contact Support: If issues persist, reach out to your ESP’s support or consult the Firstsales.io support team for assistance.
Preventive Measures
- Monitor Email Activity: Regularly track your email sending patterns to stay within acceptable limits.
- Educate Users: Ensure all users are aware of your ESP’s policies and sending limits to prevent accidental violations.
- Regular Audits: Periodically review account settings, third-party app permissions, and domain statuses to maintain seamless email operations.
Logical Reasoning: Ensuring Comprehensive Coverage
To ensure this guide addresses all potential issues, consider the following questions and answers:
- What happens if I exceed the daily sending limit?
- Your account may be temporarily restricted from sending emails.
- Can third-party apps cause account suspensions?
- Yes, authorized third-party apps can make changes on behalf of the admin, potentially leading to suspensions.
- How can I restore a suspended email account?
- Use your ESP’s admin console to reactivate the account, provided the suspension wasn’t due to severe policy violations.
- Are there specific SMTP/IMAP settings required?
- Yes, use the SMTP and IMAP server addresses, ports, and authentication methods provided by your ESP.
- What should I do if my domain registration expires?
- Renew your domain registration promptly to prevent disruptions in email services.
By following this guide, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve issues related to SMTP/IMAP integration in Firstsales.io.
