Email Not Working? Fix Sending and Receiving Problems

Email sending and receiving problems

Test webmail first to separate a mailbox problem from an app problem

If webmail can send and receive, the mailbox service is working and the fault is probably in the device or email-client settings. If webmail also fails, check the mailbox, password, quota, domain, DNS and account status before changing the app.

WEBMAIL WORKSCheck the appSettings, password or local network
WEBMAIL FAILSCheck the serviceMailbox, quota, account or DNS
ONE DIRECTIONRead the errorSending and receiving use different services

Email diagnostic flow

1. Record the symptom

Note whether sending, receiving, login or all email has failed. Keep the exact error text.

2. Test webmail

Use the supported webmail address for the mailbox and send a message to and from a separate account.

3. Check the account

Confirm the service is active, the mailbox exists, storage is available and the domain has correct mail DNS.

4. Check the app

Verify hostname, secure ports, full username, password and SMTP authentication.

I can receive email but cannot send

Check SMTP authentication

Enable outgoing authentication and use the full email address and mailbox password.

Check port and encryption

Use SMTP 587 with STARTTLS, or port 465 with SSL/TLS when the app requires it.

Check the server name

Use the exact supported hostname shown for the mailbox so the connection matches its certificate.

Read rejection messages

Authentication, rate, recipient and reputation errors require different fixes. Keep the complete error without private message content.

I can send email but cannot receive

Check mailbox storage

A full mailbox may reject or defer new mail. Remove unneeded messages or increase the available capacity where appropriate.

Check incoming settings

For current UKC mail, use IMAP 993 with SSL/TLS, or POP3 995 when a POP workflow is intended.

Check MX and DNS

If every sender is affected and webmail receives nothing, confirm the domain’s MX records still point to the intended mail service.

Check filters and forwarding

Review spam folders, rules, redirects and forwarding destinations before assuming the message was never delivered.

What should you send to support?

Safe and usefulDo not send
Mailbox address and affected device or appMailbox password
Incoming and outgoing hostnames, ports and encryption choicesAuthentication codes or recovery codes
Exact error text and approximate timePrivate message contents unless specifically necessary and redacted
Whether webmail works and whether another network was testedUnrelated account or payment information

Email problem questions

Why did email suddenly stop working?

Common causes include a changed password, expired or inactive service, full storage, altered DNS, an app update, an incorrect certificate hostname or a network restriction. The webmail test narrows the possibilities quickly.

Why does email work on one device only?

The mailbox service is probably available. Compare the failing device’s server, port, encryption, username and saved password with the working configuration.

Why do some senders fail but others work?

Check the sender’s bounce message. A mistyped address, sender reputation, authentication policy, attachment size or filtering decision may affect only certain messages.

Should I delete and recreate the account in my app?

Not as the first step. Record the current settings and understand where messages are stored. Deleting a POP account or local data can remove mail that is not safely synchronised elsewhere.

Still unable to send or receive?

Contact support with the test results and exact error

Include the safe diagnostic details above so the problem can be routed efficiently.

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