Why Won’t My Email Send? Four Tips to Get You Back on Track

We’ve all been there—you typed out an important email, hit send, and nothing. Your email won’t send, and you’re left wondering why. 

Email errors like this can be particularly concerning for business owners. Whether you’re confirming an order, sending a proposal, or just trying to touch base with a client, email issues disrupt your workflow.

In this blog post, I’ll explore some common reasons why your email might not be sent. I’ll also share practical tips to get you back on track. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of why your email didn’t go through and how to resolve the issue.

What Does The ‘Email Failed To Send’ message even mean?

When you see the ‘Email failed to send’ message, it means that your email couldn’t be delivered to the recipient’s server. This failure can happen for many reasons, from connection issues to problems with your mail service provider. Understanding these issues is the first step to resolving them.

Why do emails fail to be sent in the first place? And how can you fix it?

#1. Connection Issues

Internet Connection Problems

Your internet connection is pretty much the lifeline for sending emails. If your internet is down or slow, your emails won’t send. Make sure you have a stable connection by testing other websites or running a speed test. 

Another quick way to check if your internet is the problem is by switching to a mobile hotspot. 

If the problem persists, reset your router or contact your internet service provider.

Outgoing Mail Server Connection Issues

Sometimes, the problem isn’t your connection but your connection to the outgoing mail server. Your email client connects to an outgoing server to send your message. If this connection is interrupted, your email won’t go through. Check your email client settings to ensure they match the server settings shared by your service provider.

#2. SMTP Server Issues

SMTP Server Connection Malfunction

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (or SMTP) is an outgoing email protocol for sending emails. If it malfunctions, your emails won’t be sent. You can verify the server status by accessing your email account via a web browser. If you can’t access your email this way, the issue might be with the SMTP server itself.

Check out this blog post to understand IMAP, POP3, and SMTP servers in more detail.

SMTP Authentication

SMTP authentication is another common issue. Ensure your email client is configured to use authentication when connecting to the SMTP server. This setting is usually found in your email client’s account settings. Without proper authentication, the server may reject your email.

SMTP Port Issues

Emails are sent over specific ports, and using the incorrect port can prevent your email from sending. Common SMTP ports include 25, 465, and 587. Check your email client’s settings to ensure you’re using the correct port, as specified by your email service provider. 

#3. Email Service Provider And Mail App Issues

Service Provider Outages

Sometimes, the issue isn’t on your end at all. Email service providers occasionally experience outages that can prevent your emails from being sent. Check the provider’s status page or social media channels to see if there are any reported issues. If there’s an outage, you may need to wait until the service is restored. 

One quick tip: Switch to a trusted email hosting service like NameHero. Check out plan details and pricing here.

Email App Configuration Issues

If you’re using an email app such as Outlook or Apple Mail, configuration issues can also prevent emails from sending. Double-check that your email is set up correctly in the app. 

Incorrect settings for incoming and outgoing servers, ports, and authentication can all cause email-sending failures.

#4. Authentication and Account Issues

Email Account Password Issues

One of the simplest yet most overlooked issues is incorrect email account passwords. I know it seems obvious, but check that you’ve entered the correct password in your email client. If you’ve recently changed your password, update it in the email client settings.

Email Address Verification

Some email services, such as Mailchimp, require you to verify your email before you can send marketing emails. Check your inbox for such a verification email from your service provider and follow the instructions to complete the verification process.

#5. Content And Reputation Issues

Spammy Keywords

Emails containing certain “spammy” keywords can be flagged and blocked by email filters. Avoid using phrases that are typically associated with spam, such as “free money,” “click here,” or even excessive exclamation points. 

Our tip? Craft your emails with clear, professional language to reduce the risk of them being flagged as a spam message. We published a free guide on avoiding having your email marked as spam, which you can check out here.

Sender Reputation

Your domain’s sender reputation plays a critical role in whether your emails are delivered. If your email address or site domain was marked for sending spam in the past, your current emails might be blocked. 

Use email verification tools to ensure your recipient lists are clean and free from invalid addresses. 

4 Tips to Avoid Email Errors Such as ‘Email Failed to Send’ Message

#1. Check Your Internet Connection and Email Password

Firstly, make sure that your internet is not the issue and that you’ve entered the correct password. These are the basic prerequisites for sending emails.

#2. Check Your SMTP Server Details

Verify that your email client settings have the correct SMTP server details, including the server address, port number, and authentication settings. 

#3. Use the Correct SMTP Port

Ensure you’re using the correct SMTP port as specified by your email service provider. Common ports include 25, 465, and 587. Incorrect port settings can prevent your emails from being sent.

#4. Use an ESP that Provides an SMTP Relay Service

Switch to an Email Service Provider (ESP) that offers an SMTP relay service. These services can improve the deliverability of your emails by ensuring they comply with industry standards and avoid spam filters.

Conclusion: Next Steps Ahead

Sending emails is a fundamental part of running a business, and facing such errors can be frustrating. However, it’s a standard error, and if you understand common reasons why your email is acting up and know how to fix errors can save you time and stress.

By ensuring a stable internet connection, verifying your SMTP server details, using the correct SMTP port, and considering an ESP with an SMTP relay service, you significantly reduce the chances of seeing the ‘Email failed to send’ message.

If you’re still experiencing issues, my advice is to contact your email service provider for support. 

While you’re here, check out our newly launched business email hosting solution.

Our robust email hosting service has guaranteed uptime and security features such as SpamExperts and SSL encryption. We also offer 24/7 support for business email accounts to ensure your email is always up and running. Check it out here!