Email Not Working: Common Fixes

Email issues can have many causes. This guide helps you diagnose and fix common email problems.

Cannot Send Email

Check Outgoing Server Settings

Verify your email client settings:

Server: mail.yourdomain.com
Port: 465 (SSL) or 587 (TLS)
Security: SSL/TLS enabled
Authentication: Required

Verify Username and Password

Use full email address as username
Check password is correct
Try resetting password in cPanel

Check Sending Limits

Hosting accounts have hourly email limits. If exceeded:

Wait for the limit to reset
Review for unauthorized sending
Contact support for limit increase

SPF Record Issues

Missing or incorrect SPF can cause rejections:

Check for SPF record in DNS
Add or update SPF to include your server

Cannot Receive Email

Check MX Records

Go to mxtoolbox.com
Enter your domain
Verify MX records point to your mail server

Verify Mailbox Quota

In cPanel, go to Email Accounts
Check storage usage
Increase quota or delete old emails

Check Spam Filters

Look in spam/junk folder
Review spam filter settings in cPanel
Whitelist expected senders

Verify Email Account Exists

Log in to cPanel
Go to Email Accounts
Confirm the account exists

Emails Going to Spam

Configure Email Authentication

SPF Record: Add TXT record for your domain specifying authorized senders.

DKIM: Enable in cPanel under Email Deliverability.

DMARC: Add DMARC policy TXT record.

Improve Email Reputation

Don't send bulk emails from hosting
Use consistent sending patterns
Avoid spam trigger words
Include unsubscribe links in marketing emails

Webmail Not Working

Try different webmail client (Roundcube vs Horde)
Clear browser cache and cookies
Try incognito/private mode
Verify email account credentials

Check Email Logs

In cPanel, go to Track Delivery
Search for the email
Review delivery status and errors

Test Email Delivery

Send test emails:

From your hosting to external (Gmail, Outlook)
From external to your hosting
Between accounts on your hosting

Note which direction fails to narrow down the issue.

Need Help?

Contact support with:

Your email address
Description of the problem
Error messages received
Email client you're using