Error Description

SMTP error 446 is a permanent or "5xx" error code returned by a mail server to indicate that it has rejected an email message due to a policy violation or abuse from the sender's email address or domain. This error signifies that the email server will not accept or deliver emails from the sender's address due to policy violations.

‍

What's Causing This Error?

SMTP error 446 can be caused by various temporary issues, including:

• Policy violations: The mail server is currently handling a high volume of incoming email traffic, leading to delays in processing new messages.
• Blacklisting: The sender's domain or IP address may be listed on email blacklists, which are maintained to block known sources of spam or malicious emails.
• Suspicion of phishing or fraud: The sender's email address or content may raise suspicion of phishing attempts, fraud, or other malicious activities.
• Recipient server's security policies: The recipient's email server may have strict security policies in place that trigger SMTP error 446 for certain senders.

‍

How to fix SMTP Error 446?

• Contact email administrator: If you encounter SMTP error 446, the best course of action is to contact the recipient's email administrator or support team to inquire about the reason for the block and request a resolution.
• Address policy violations: If your email address was blocked due to policy violations, ensure that you follow email best practices, including obtaining proper consent for sending emails and adhering to anti-spam laws.
• ‍Remove from blacklists: If your domain or IP address is blacklisted, you'll need to take steps to remove it from the blacklist(s) and improve your email reputation.
• ‍Verify content and intent: Review your email content to ensure it does not appear malicious or deceptive. Avoid using misleading subject lines or engaging in fraudulent activities.Respect recipient server policies: Be aware of the recipient server's security policies and guidelines to avoid triggering blocks in the future.

SMTP Error 446 Examples

Example 1: "446 5.7.1 Sender address sender@example.com blocked due to policy violations."

Example 2: "446 5.1.0 The sender's domain is blacklisted. Emails from this domain are not accepted."

Example 3: "446 5.2.3 Suspicion of phishing activity detected. Email delivery denied."

Example 4: "446 5.5.2 Sender's IP address has been banned for abusive behavior."

‍