arrow_back All SMTP Errors
421

Service Not Available

The mail server is temporarily unavailable. This is a temporary error - try again later.

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What This Error Means

SMTP error 421 indicates that the receiving mail server is temporarily unable to process your request. Unlike 5xx errors, this is a temporary condition that should resolve itself.

  • The server is overloaded or undergoing maintenance
  • Too many simultaneous connections from your IP
  • Rate limiting is in effect
  • Greylisting (intentional delay for spam prevention)
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Common Causes

  • speed
    Server Overload

    The receiving server has too many connections and cannot accept more.

  • timer
    Rate Limiting

    You're sending too many emails too quickly to this server.

  • hourglass_empty
    Greylisting

    The server intentionally delays first-time senders to filter spam.

  • build
    Server Maintenance

    The mail server is undergoing scheduled or emergency maintenance.

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How to Fix It

1. Wait and Retry

Most mail servers will automatically retry delivery. Wait 15-30 minutes before manually retrying.

2. Reduce Sending Rate

If sending bulk emails, slow down your sending rate. Implement delays between messages.

3. Check Server Status

Check if the recipient's email provider has reported any outages or maintenance windows.

4. Configure Proper Retry Logic

Ensure your mail server has exponential backoff retry logic for temporary failures.

terminal Example Error Message

421 4.7.0 [x.x.x.x] Our system has detected an unusual rate of mail
421 Service not available, closing transmission channel
421 4.7.0 Try again later, closing connection

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