What causes 'Server is not currently available, possibly due to too many connections' and how to fix it?

Summary

The error 'Server is not currently available, possibly due to too many connections' arises from exceeding recipient mail server connection limits or temporary server issues. The 421 SMTP error signifies a temporary service disruption. Solutions involve throttling sending volume/frequency, reducing parallel connections, waiting and retrying, and checking server status. Server logs should be analyzed. Sending infrastructure must respect recipient limits. Contacting recipient administrators and verifying DNS configuration may be needed. IP reputation should be considered.

Key findings

  • Connection Limits: Exceeding recipient server connection limits triggers the error.
  • Temporary Issue: 421 SMTP error indicates a temporary service unavailability.
  • Server Overload: Recipient servers may be temporarily overloaded or under maintenance.
  • IP Reputation: Sending IP reputation could affect deliverability.

Key considerations

  • Throttling: Implement throttling mechanisms and gradually increase sending volume.
  • Respect Limits: Configure infrastructure to respect recipient server limits.
  • Analyze Logs: Analyze server logs for patterns and underlying issues.
  • Contact Admin: If issues persist, contact recipient server administrators.
  • Verify DNS: Ensure DNS records are correctly configured.
  • Check Settings: Review server settings for connection and rate limits.

What email marketers say
13Marketer opinions

The error 'Server is not currently available, possibly due to too many connections' primarily arises from exceeding connection limits imposed by recipient mail servers, or temporary server issues like overload or maintenance. Solutions involve throttling sending volume and frequency, adjusting parallel connections, waiting and retrying, checking server status, and verifying DNS configurations. Analyzing server logs and potentially contacting recipient server administrators for rate limit adjustments are also recommended. Furthermore, IP reputation should also be considered.

Key opinions

  • Connection Limits: Recipient servers have connection limits; exceeding these triggers the error.
  • Server Overload: Recipient servers might be temporarily overloaded or undergoing maintenance.
  • Throttling: Reducing sending volume, frequency, and parallel connections can alleviate the problem.
  • Server Logs: Analyzing server logs helps identify patterns and underlying causes.
  • IP Reputation: Considering checking your IP's reputation.

Key considerations

  • Adjust Sending: Implement robust throttling mechanisms and gradually increase sending volume.
  • Retry Later: Wait for a period before retrying to send emails, allowing the recipient server to recover.
  • DNS Configuration: Ensure correct DNS record configuration to avoid deliverability issues.
  • Contact Admin: If issues persist, contact the recipient's mail server administrator for assistance or rate limit adjustments.
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Marketing Forum advises implementing a robust throttling mechanism to avoid overwhelming recipient servers. Gradually increase sending volume and monitor for errors.

November 2024 - Email Marketing Forum
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks mentions he has passed the info on to the team to see if there is any more info that can be obtained about the issue(s)

August 2021 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from StackExchange explains that the error could stem from exceeding a connection limit or encountering a temporary failure on the receiving server. He suggests checking server logs and monitoring for patterns to diagnose the underlying cause.

June 2023 - StackExchange
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks confirms that the Proofpoint issue should be resolved.

August 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from IONOS explains that the error indicates the recipient server is currently unavailable, which might be due to overload, maintenance, or other issues. Solutions include waiting and retrying later, checking the recipient server's status, and ensuring your sending server is properly configured.

December 2022 - IONOS
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks suggests trying 1 parallel connection, reducing sending volume and frequency, and allowing the system time to recognize the changes.

June 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks explains it's a basic hourly/daily limitation and suggests waiting and resending.

September 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Pepipost suggests analyzing server logs to identify patterns in deferrals and adjusting sending practices. Also, confirm your DNS records are configured correctly.

May 2022 - Pepipost
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Admins Forum recommends contacting the recipient's mail server administrator to request an increase in your sending rate limits if appropriate.

March 2023 - Email Admins Forum
Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailjet indicates you should attempt to reduce the number of connections by limiting the number of emails you send at a time.

November 2022 - Mailjet
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit suggests the recipient server is likely overloaded and cannot accept more connections. You may need to throttle sending and retry later.

January 2024 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from Rackspace advises that this error message usually means the mail server has reached its connection limit. They suggest pausing sending, waiting for a while, and then retrying to send the emails.

September 2024 - Rackspace
Marketer view

Email marketer from SendGrid explains that this error typically means you are exceeding connection limits set by the receiving mail server. Lowering your concurrency and increasing the time between deliveries will help. Consider also checking your IPs reputation.

December 2022 - SendGrid

What the experts say
1Expert opinion

Exceeding connection limits can cause temporary rejections. Ensure your sending infrastructure respects recipient server limitations and closely monitors sending volume.

Key opinions

  • Connection Limits: Exceeding connection limits leads to temporary rejections.
  • Sending Infrastructure: Properly configured sending infrastructure is crucial for respecting recipient limits.
  • Volume Monitoring: Close monitoring of sending volume is essential.

Key considerations

  • Respect Limits: Configure your infrastructure to respect recipient server limitations.
  • Monitor Volume: Implement systems to monitor and manage sending volume effectively.
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise explains that exceeding connection limits can lead to temporary rejections. She suggests ensuring your sending infrastructure is configured to respect recipient server limitations and to monitor sending volume closely.

July 2024 - Word to the Wise

What the documentation says
4Technical articles

The 421 SMTP error, 'Service not available, closing transmission channel,' signals a temporary issue. Servers, like Exchange and Postfix, may reject connections to protect resources. Exim utilizes rate limiting to prevent abuse. Resolution involves checking server settings, adjusting throttling policies, and configuring appropriate connection/message rate limits.

Key findings

  • Temporary Issue: 421 SMTP error indicates a temporary service unavailability.
  • Resource Protection: Servers reject connections to safeguard their resources.
  • Rate Limiting: Mail servers employ rate limiting to prevent abuse.

Key considerations

  • Check Settings: Review server settings for connection and rate limits.
  • Adjust Throttling: Modify throttling policies as needed to optimize performance.
  • Configure Limits: Properly configure connection and message rate limits.
Technical article

Documentation from Exim Wiki describes how Exim mail servers use rate limiting to prevent abuse. It suggests configuring appropriate connection and message rate limits.

April 2024 - Exim
Technical article

Documentation from RFC Editor defines the 421 SMTP error as 'Service not available, closing transmission channel'. It indicates a temporary issue, and the client should try again later. The server might provide additional information.

October 2021 - RFC Editor
Technical article

Documentation from Microsoft Support explains that Exchange server might temporarily reject connections to protect its resources. The solution involves adjusting the throttling policies on the Exchange server.

August 2022 - Microsoft
Technical article

Documentation from Postfix.org explains that the error indicates the Postfix server is unable to process the request due to connection limits, and suggests checking the server's settings.

March 2022 - Postfix.org