News, info, and opinion by Mac users, for Mac users.

December 21, 2006

tips

Any SMTP port in an email-blocking storm

Posted Dec. 21, ’06, 8:40 AM PT by Dan Moren
Category | Tips

SMTP settingsI have travelled with my Mac quite a bit over the years, including dragging it all the way to Ireland and the UK for a month-long backpacking sojourn (by the way, don’t ever do that—it’s way too heavy and not nearly useful enough). Various problems arise when you’re trying to use your Mac out of its element, such as occasionally running into situations where you can’t send mail via a Mail client.

Outgoing mail is sent via an SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) server, which usually operates via port 25. It’s quite easy to login to an SMTP server and spoof (use a fake) email address, though, so many hotspots and ISPs block that port to prevent spam and other malicious emails, meaning that you won’t be able to send mail via Mail.app, Thunderbird, or other clients (web-based email is not affected).

The solution? You can also often send mail via an alternate port, commonly 587. .Mac, for example, uses this port. In Mail.app, you can change the port by going to Preferences -> Accounts -> Account Information and then click on the “Server Settings” button. Often times, the SMTP server on port 587 requires authentication, so you may have to enter your username and password.

Other services sometimes uses different ports (GMail apparently uses 465), so it’s best to check with your mail provider.

[via Hawk Wings]


1 Comments

chigh Author Profile Page said:

FYI - 465 is the SSL port for SMTP.

December 22, 2006 5:02 AM

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