Mac mail outgoing server not working

Frustrating! Don't worry, I'm here to help you troubleshoot the issue with your Mac's outgoing mail server not working. Let's go through some steps to resolve the problem.

Check your account settings

  1. Open Mail on your Mac.
  2. Click on "Mail" in the top menu bar and select "Preferences."
  3. Click on the "Accounts" tab.
  4. Select your email account from the list.
  5. Check the "Outgoing Mail Server" settings:
    • Make sure the server is set to "SMTP" (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol).
    • Verify the server address, username, and password are correct.
    • Ensure the port number is set to 587 (or 25 if your email provider requires it).

Common issues and solutions

  1. Authentication issues: If you're using a password, try resetting it or checking if it's correct. If you're using two-factor authentication (2FA), ensure you have the correct code.
  2. Server connection issues: Try restarting your Mac or checking your internet connection.
  3. Port issues: If you're using a different port (e.g., 25), try switching to the default port 587.
  4. SSL/TLS issues: Ensure that SSL/TLS is enabled for your outgoing mail server. You can do this by checking the "Use SSL" or "Use TLS" box in the "Outgoing Mail Server" settings.
  5. Firewall or antivirus software issues: Check if your firewall or antivirus software is blocking the outgoing mail server connection. Try temporarily disabling them to see if it resolves the issue.

Additional troubleshooting steps

  1. Check your email provider's settings: Visit your email provider's website and check their settings for outgoing mail servers. They may have specific requirements or restrictions.
  2. Reset your Mail app: Try resetting your Mail app by going to "Mail" > "Preferences" > "General" and clicking "Reset" next to "Reset Mailbox".
  3. Check for updates: Ensure your Mac and Mail app are up to date.
  4. Try a different email client: If you're using a third-party email client, try using the built-in Mail app on your Mac to see if the issue persists.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, you may want to contact your email provider's support team for further assistance or consider seeking help from a Mac support specialist.