Mail (Mountain Lion): If you can’t send messages
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If the Send button is dimmed or you see an alert that your message can’t be sent using the outgoing mail server, you might not be able to send messages. Here are some things you can try:
- Make sure the outgoing mail server is specified correctly, as directed by your account provider.
- If you try to send a message and a dialog appears saying you need permission, an administrator has limited the email addresses you can correspond with. Click the Ask Permission button.
- Choose Window > Connection Doctor, and then follow any instructions displayed in the Details column. Check whether there is a problem with your outgoing mail server or a firewall, if applicable, or if there was a login failure. If the Connection Doctor indicates a firewall problem:
Verify there is no firewall software blocking email traffic on port 25, 465, or 587.
Check whether you’re affected by another firewall. This could be either software installed separately from OS X or built into an Internet sharing router, or software administered by your account provider. Contact the appropriate person to find out whether a firewall exists.
- You may be able to send messages from only a certain location. For example, if you send messages from school, you may not be allowed to send messages using the school’s outgoing mail server when you’re at home. Or, the account provider may allow you to send messages but with stricter settings (such as requiring a name and password). Get the information you need from your provider and then change the outgoing mail server settings in Mail preferences.
Last Modified: Sep 4, 2015