arrow_back All SMTP Errors
551

User Not Local

The recipient is not hosted on this mail server. The server may suggest an alternative address.

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What This Error Means

SMTP error 551 indicates the recipient isn't on this server:

  • Email address was moved to another server
  • Server doesn't handle mail for this domain
  • User account was migrated
  • Mail routing misconfiguration
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Common Causes

  • move_to_inbox
    User Migrated

    The recipient's mailbox was moved to a different mail server.

  • alt_route
    Wrong Server

    You're connecting to a server that doesn't handle this domain's mail.

  • dns
    DNS Outdated

    MX records may be pointing to an old server.

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How to Fix It

1. Check Suggested Address

The error message may include a forwarding address. Try sending to the suggested address.

2. Verify MX Records

Use our MX Checker to verify the domain's mail server configuration is correct.

3. Contact Recipient

Reach out through other channels to get the recipient's current email address.

terminal Example Error Message

551 5.1.6 User not local; please try 
551 User not local, please try john@newserver.com
551 Requested action not taken: mailbox not local

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