Error Description

SMTP error 554 is a permanent or "5xx" error code returned by a mail server to indicate that it has rejected an email message due to issues related to the sender's email address, content, or other policies. This error signifies a definitive refusal to accept the email, often due to policy violations.

What's Causing This Error?

SMTP error 554 can be caused by several reasons, including:

• ‍Content policy violations: The email message contains content that violates the recipient server's policies, such as spam, malware, or prohibited file types.
• ‍IP or domain blacklisting: The sender's domain or IP address is listed on email blacklists, which can trigger SMTP error 554.
• ‍Sender reputation issues: The sender's email address or domain has a poor reputation, possibly due to previous policy violations or spammy behavior.
• ‍Invalid recipient address: The recipient's email address provided in the "RCPT TO" command or the "To:" field of the email message does not correspond to a valid email account or mailbox.

How to fix SMTP Error 554?

• ‍Review email content: Ensure that the email message content complies with the recipient server's policies. Remove or modify any content that may be flagged as spam or malicious.
• ‍Check blacklists: If the sender's domain or IP address is blacklisted, steps should be taken to request removal from the blacklist(s) and improve email reputation.
• ‍Improve sender reputation: Address any issues related to the sender's reputation by adhering to email best practices and policies. Avoid sending spam or engaging in spammy behavior.
• ‍Verify recipient address: Ensure that the recipient's email address is spelled correctly, is complete, and corresponds to a valid email account or mailbox.

SMTP Error Examples

Example 1: "554 5.7.1 Content blocked due to policy violations. Email flagged as spam."

‍Example 2: "554 5.1.0 Sender's domain blacklisted for abusive behavior. Contact administrator for removal."

‍Example 3: "554 5.5.2 Invalid recipient address recipient@example.com. Check recipient details."

‍Example 4: "554 5.2.3 Sender's email address has a poor reputation. Correct sender behavior."