SMTP Error 446 is a permanent or "5xx" error code issued by a mail server, signaling the rejection of an email message due to policy violations or abuse originating from the sender's email address or domain. This error indicates that the email server refuses to accept or deliver emails from the sender's address due to policy breaches.

Eg: SMTP Error 446 occurs when the recipient's email server identifies policy violations or abuse from the sender, leading to the rejection of the email message.

What's Causing This SMTP Error 446:

SMTP Error 446 may be triggered by various issues:

• Policy violations: The mail server, managing a high volume of incoming email traffic, may experience delays due to policy violations.
• Blacklisting: The sender's domain or IP address could be listed on email blacklists, blocking known sources of spam or malicious emails.
• Suspicion of phishing or fraud: The sender's email address or content may raise suspicions of phishing attempts, fraud, or other malicious activities.
• Recipient server's security policies: The recipient's email server might enforce strict security policies, leading to SMTP Error 446 for certain senders.

How to Resolve SMTP Error 446 - Step-by-Step Solution:

To address SMTP Error 446, follow these steps:

• Contact email administrator: If facing SMTP error 446, reach out to the recipient's email administrator or support team to understand the reason for the block and request resolution.
• Address policy violations: If blocked due to policy violations, ensure compliance with email best practices, including obtaining proper consent for sending emails and adhering to anti-spam laws.
• Remove from blacklists: If your domain or IP address is blacklisted, take steps to remove it from the blacklist(s) and enhance your email reputation.
• Verify content and intent: Review your email content to ensure it appears neither malicious nor deceptive. Avoid misleading subject lines or engaging in fraudulent activities.
• Respect recipient server policies: Be aware of the recipient server's security policies and guidelines to prevent triggering blocks in the future.

SMTP Error 446 Examples:

"446 5.7.1 Sender address sender@example.com blocked due to policy violations."

"446 5.1.0 The sender's domain is blacklisted. Emails from this domain are not accepted."

"446 5.2.3 Suspicion of phishing activity detected. Email delivery denied."

"446 5.5.2 Sender's IP address has been banned for abusive behavior."