To resolve SMTP 421 errors with Web.de and GMX.net due to rate limiting, several key strategies emerge. Initial actions include reducing sending volume and retrying later, contacting the recipient's support, and checking server logs for details. Long-term, focus on building and maintaining a strong sending reputation. This involves warming up IPs and domains gradually, implementing strict email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) especially alignment for picky German ISPs, ensuring a valid PTR record, avoiding blacklists, and actively managing sender reputation. Vary sending patterns, segment lists, and personalize messages for improved engagement. Address temporary throttling by reducing volume and retrying, and be aware that some providers count retries toward rate limits.
11 marketer opinions
To resolve SMTP 421 errors with Web.de and GMX.net due to rate limiting, several strategies are recommended. Initially, reduce sending volume and retry delivery later. Actively monitor and maintain a good sending reputation by warming IPs, authenticating emails with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, and avoiding blacklists. Vary sending patterns, segment email lists, and personalize messages to improve engagement. Contact the recipient's email provider or postmaster team for assistance, checking mail server logs for detailed error messages, and implementing retry logic in sending applications. Ensure the sending server has a valid PTR record. Address IP reputation by using reputable platforms and managing sender reputation effectively.
Marketer view
Email marketer from SparkPost recommends checking your sending volume and reputation. If your volume is high and your reputation is low, you could hit rate limits. Additionally, they advise contacting the recipient's email provider for assistance.
30 Mar 2022 - SparkPost
Marketer view
Email marketer from StackOverflow recommends checking your mail server logs for more detailed error messages. Implement retry logic in your sending application to automatically resend emails after a delay. Contact the recipient's mail server administrator to inquire about their rate limits.
13 Sep 2024 - Stack Overflow
3 expert opinions
To resolve SMTP 421 errors, especially with picky German providers like Web.de and GMX.net, prioritize technical excellence and reputation. Ensure stringent email authentication alignment, including DMARC, and correct reverse DNS (rDNS). Implement a gradual warm-up process, reducing sending volume initially and increasing slowly. Monitor sender scores, handle complaints promptly, and adhere to email best practices to build trust with ISPs. Understand that these providers may count retries in rate-limiting calculations. Throttling indicates a need for reduced volume and a later retry.
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise explains the importance of maintaining a good sending reputation to prevent deliverability issues. Monitoring sender scores, promptly addressing complaints, and adhering to email best practices are crucial for building trust with ISPs.
15 Aug 2021 - Word to the Wise
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks explains that one of the German companies is particular about authentication aligning and technical aspects like rDNS. Stopping sending and slowly warming up the list is likely the fastest resolution. They are also SERIOUS about getting the technical bits right. They will also count their own retries when rate limiting. Furthermore, <http://web.de|web.de> and associated domains are picky and insist on DMARC style alignment for delivery.
19 Dec 2022 - Email Geeks
4 technical articles
SMTP 421 errors indicate a temporary server issue, often due to rate limiting or unavailability of the recipient server. Documentation recommends waiting and retrying later, reviewing sending patterns, and ensuring compliance with the recipient's policies. Implementing email authentication standards like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is also crucial for improving deliverability and avoiding spam flags.
Technical article
Documentation from Sendgrid provides an in-depth guide on email authentication standards such as SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. They emphasize the importance of implementing these measures to improve email deliverability and reduce the risk of being flagged as spam.
12 Mar 2025 - Sendgrid
Technical article
Documentation from RFC Editor states that a 421 SMTP error code indicates the service is not available and the connection will be closed. The server knows a condition that will improve if the command is repeated. The client is advised to try again later.
7 Dec 2023 - RFC 5321
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