How do we interpret and understand errors from bounced emails?

Technical Explanation:

A general temporary error on the recipient's server prevented message delivery. This could be due to server maintenance, network issues, or high server load. The sending server will attempt to redeliver.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like the delivery person showing up when the shop is temporarily closed—they'll try again later.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

This error indicates that the recipient's mailbox has exceeded its storage capacity, and new emails can't be delivered until space is freed up.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like trying to put more letters in an overflowing mailbox.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

This general temporary error indicates a system problem preventing the recipient's server from processing the message, often due to high server load or temporary unavailability.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like calling someone, but their phone isn't working right now—they'll try again later.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The recipient's server temporarily doesn't have enough resources, like memory or CPU, to accept the message. This may happen during high traffic or maintenance.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like a parking lot that's too full, so you have to wait for an open spot.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The recipient's server is temporarily busy or overloaded and can't process the message. The sending server will try to resend the message later.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like a store being too crowded, so you must wait outside until there's room.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The sending server attempted to connect to the recipient's server but didn't receive a response within the allowed time. This might be due to server unavailability, heavy network traffic, or issues on the recipient's side.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like knocking on a door and waiting, but nobody answers.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The connection between the sending and receiving servers timed out before message delivery could be completed. This could be due to slow network speeds, temporary issues on the recipient's end, or excessive data.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like being on a call that suddenly drops because of a poor signal.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The sending server couldn't deliver the message within the allotted time due to network issues or problems with the recipient's server. The server will keep trying to send the message for a certain period before giving up.

Simplified Explanation:

Imagine sending a package, but the delivery truck is stuck in traffic. They'll keep trying until they can get through.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The sending server couldn't resolve the recipient's domain name because of DNS issues. This means it couldn't find the recipient's mail server to deliver the message.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like trying to find someone's house, but the address isn't on any map, so you can't get there.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The recipient's server unexpectedly closed the connection between the sending and recipient servers. This can happen due to network instability or configuration issues on the recipient's end.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like talking on the phone, and the other person hangs up suddenly before you're finished.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The sending server tried to connect to the recipient's server but didn't receive a response in time. This could be due to network delays or the recipient's server being down.

Simplified Explanation:

Imagine knocking on someone's door, but nobody answers even though you know they're home.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The message has more recipients than allowed by the recipient's server policy. Servers often limit the number of recipients to prevent spam.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like inviting 100 friends to a party when the room only fits 50 people.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The message was deferred because it appears to contain spam or violates the recipient's server policies. The server might temporarily block the message to reassess its content.

Simplified Explanation:

Your letter looks strange to the mailman, so he holds onto it to check if it's okay to deliver.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The sending server couldn't authenticate with the recipient's server due to temporary issues like network problems or misconfigurations. Authentication is required to ensure secure communication.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like trying to enter a building, but the security badge scanner isn't working right now.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The recipient's server is temporarily unable to accept the message, possibly due to high traffic or server issues. The sending server will retry later.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like the store is too crowded, so you have to wait outside until some people leave.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The recipient's server is currently too busy to process the message. This could be due to heavy load or maintenance activities.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like calling someone, but their line is busy because they're talking to too many people.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The recipient's server is overloaded and cannot currently accept new messages. The sending server will attempt to resend the message later.

Simplified Explanation:

Imagine a playground that's so full that no more kids can play until some leave.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The recipient's server uses greylisting, temporarily rejecting the message to test if the sending server is legitimate. Genuine servers will retry sending after a delay.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like a security guard asking you to wait before letting you in to make sure you're supposed to be there.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

When the sending server makes too many connection attempts quickly, it triggers rate limits on the recipient's server as a protective measure against spam.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like being told to slow down because you're talking too fast, and others can't keep up.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

These errors indicate temporary rejections due to policy settings on the recipient's server, such as spam suspicion or security checks. The sending server should retry later.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like a store temporarily closing its doors to tidy up before letting more customers in.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

These errors suggest a necessary service on the recipient's server is temporarily unavailable, possibly due to maintenance or unexpected issues.

Simplified Explanation:

Imagine going to a closed park for repairs—you'll have to return another day.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The sending server failed to authenticate properly with the recipient's server. This might be due to incorrect credentials or missing authentication information.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like trying to unlock a door with the wrong key—it won't open.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The recipient's email address is invalid or incorrectly formatted. The server can't deliver the message to this address.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like writing a letter but forgetting to include the house number—the mail carrier doesn't know where to go.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The recipient's email address doesn't exist on the destination server. This could be due to a typo or the mailbox being deleted.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like sending a letter to a house that isn't there.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The recipient's address isn't specific enough for the server to deliver the message. This often happens with generic or incomplete addresses.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like addressing a letter to "Sam on Main Street" without giving any more details.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The recipient's server couldn't determine if the destination address was valid. This may happen when the server lacks the necessary information, or the address has temporary issues.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like sending a letter to an address that the post office isn't sure exists.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The recipient's mailbox has been moved to a different server or domain, and the address provided is no longer valid.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like sending a letter to someone who has moved houses without leaving a forwarding address.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The email address entered is invalid or formatted incorrectly. This could be due to a typo, missing characters, or unsupported characters in the email address.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like writing a street name with scribbles—the mail carrier doesn't know where to go.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The recipient's server rejected the sender's email address, possibly due to security reasons, such as blocklisting or failure to meet specific authentication requirements.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like trying to attend a party but being turned away at the door because your name is on a "Do Not Enter" list.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The recipient's server blocked the message because the sender is not permitted to send emails due to organizational policies or blacklist restrictions.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like trying to enter a building without a visitor's pass.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The recipient's email address is ambiguous or not specific enough for the server to deliver the message. This often happens with generic or incomplete addresses.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like addressing a letter to "John on Main Street" without more details.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The email address provided has an invalid format, possibly containing illegal characters or syntax errors, making it undeliverable.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like writing an address with scribbles—the mail carrier can't read it.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The email address doesn't comply with the policies set by the recipient's server, possibly due to forbidden domains or patterns.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like trying to use a nickname that's not allowed at school.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The recipient's mailbox has reached its storage capacity, so new messages can't be delivered until old ones are deleted.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like trying to put a new toy in a toy box that's already full.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The recipient's mailbox has been disabled, so messages cannot be delivered. This could be due to account inactivity, security issues, or administrative actions.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like trying to call someone, but their phone number has been disconnected.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

This error occurs when the recipient's mailbox has exceeded its storage quota, and no new messages can be accepted until space is freed.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like trying to put more letters in an overflowing mailbox.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The message exceeds the maximum size limit the recipient's email system allows, often due to large attachments.

Simplified Explanation:

I am trying to send a huge parcel that the post office will not accept because it is too big.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The server encountered an issue while trying to deliver the message to a mailing list or group. This might be due to permission issues or a misconfigured distribution list.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like sending invitations to a group, but the list of recipients is lost or inaccessible.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The recipient's mailbox requires messages to be approved by a moderator before delivery. Your message is pending approval.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like sending a note to a friend, but their parent needs to read it before giving it to them.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The message wasn't delivered because the mailbox moderator didn't approve it. The moderator could have rejected the message or not acted on it.

Simplified Explanation:

Your note didn't get to your friend because their parent didn't allow it.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The recipient's mailbox has reached its maximum storage limit, so new messages cannot be accepted until space is freed.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like a bookshelf that's so full there's no room for new books.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

An unspecified issue occurred within the recipient's mail system, preventing delivery. This can happen due to internal errors, resource limitations, or configuration problems.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like the post office saying, "We don't know what went wrong, but we can't deliver your letter."

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The recipient's mail system cannot accept network messages, often due to configuration errors or server overload.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like trying to send a letter, but the post office is closed due to maintenance.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The message size exceeds the recipient's server's maximum limit, possibly due to large attachments. Many servers limit message sizes to manage resources efficiently.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like trying to fit a large gift in a small mailbox.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The message is too large for the recipient's server to accept. Servers have maximum size limits to prevent overloading.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like trying to fit a giant gift into a tiny mailbox—it just won't fit.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The sending server couldn't connect to the recipient's server because it didn't respond. This could be due to server downtime or network issues.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like calling someone on the phone, but they never pick up.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The message is caught in a routing loop between servers and can't reach its destination. This often results from misconfigured mail routing.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like driving in circles because you keep missing the correct exit.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The sending server couldn't find the recipient's server because of DNS issues. The domain might not exist, or there could be configuration problems.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like trying to find a friend's house, but the street doesn't exist on any map.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

This indicates the email was misrouted due to configuration errors on the sender's end. This error often involves incorrect server routing or DNS issues.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like sending a letter to the wrong address because you accidentally wrote the wrong directions.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The domain specified in the email address doesn't exist or can't be located. This often happens with misspelled domains or issues with DNS.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like sending a letter to a town that isn't on any map.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The sending server couldn't locate the recipient's domain due to a DNS (Domain Name System) issue, making delivery impossible. This often happens if the domain name is misspelled or expired.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like trying to visit a city that doesn't exist on any map.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

An unspecified protocol error occurred during message transmission, preventing delivery. This could be due to incompatible software or corrupted data.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like trying to communicate, but the words are all jumbled and make no sense.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The sending server issued a command the recipient's server doesn't recognize. This could be due to protocol mismatches or incompatible mail server software.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like trying to speak a language the other person doesn't understand.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

A protocol error occurred during message transmission, likely due to software misconfigurations or protocol mismatches between the sender and recipient servers.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like using a phone number from a different country code that the phone system doesn't understand.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

This indicates that the message violated one or more communication protocol rules between the sending and receiving servers, possibly due to unsupported formats or unexpected data.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like trying to play a game without following the rules so the other side refuses to continue.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The recipient's server rejected the message because it contained unprocessable or prohibited content, such as unsupported attachments or formats.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like sending a puzzle missing half the pieces, so the person receiving it can't understand it.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The recipient's server couldn't process the message due to incompatibility issues between the email and the server's supported formats. Conversion was necessary but prohibited by policy.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like sending a picture that can't be printed because the printer only accepts text.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The recipient's server requires a secure format (encryption), but the message couldn't be converted. This often happens with servers that enforce strict security protocols.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like trying to deliver a secret message but not being able to seal it properly.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The message couldn't be converted to a secure format required by the recipient's server, possibly due to encryption issues or unsupported formats.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like trying to open a locked box without the correct key.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The email was blocked because its content did not meet the recipient's server policies. This may happen if the content resembles spam or contains prohibited words, phrases, or attachments.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like your letter being returned because it contains banned words.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The sender isn't authorized to send to the recipient. This could be due to spam filters, blacklists, or authentication failures.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like being stopped at a gate because you're not on the approved list.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The sender is not authorized to deliver the email to this recipient. The restriction might be due to domain security settings, permissions, or anti-spam policies.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like entering a restricted area without the required pass.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The message was rejected due to cryptographic errors, such as invalid or expired security certificates.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like your secret code isn't accepted because it's outdated.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The recipient's server rejected the sender's email address, possibly due to security reasons, such as blocklisting or failure to meet specific authentication requirements.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like trying to attend a party but being turned away at the door because your name is on a "Do Not Enter" list.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The client isn't authorized to send mail using the server. This could be due to missing or incorrect authentication.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like trying to check out a book from a library without a library card.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The sending account is not authorized to send emails on behalf of the specified user, often due to missing permissions or authentication issues.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like trying to sign a friend's name without their permission and getting caught.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The sending client did not authenticate with the mail server, resulting in a rejection. This usually indicates missing or incorrect login credentials.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like trying to enter a secure building without an ID card to prove who you are.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The message requires encryption to be delivered successfully, but it was sent without the necessary encryption settings. Some servers enforce encryption policies to protect data security.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like needing a unique key to open a locked door, but you don't have the right one.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The sending server failed the SPF (Sender Policy Framework) check, indicating that it isn't authorized to send mail on behalf of the domain.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like someone pretending to be from a certain company but not having any ID to prove it.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The message failed DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) validation, meaning the message's integrity can't be verified. DKIM helps ensure that the message hasn't been altered and is from a verified sender.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like receiving a letter without a signature, so you can't tell who it's from.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The recipient's server rejected the message because its content policies flagged it as potentially harmful or spam-like.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like your package being returned because it looks suspicious to security.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The sending client didn't authenticate with the server, and anonymous access isn't permitted. Most servers require authentication to avoid unauthorized mail relaying.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like trying to enter a secure building without showing your ID.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The sender cannot relay messages through the server, often due to anti-spam policies or authentication failures. Relaying requires permission to prevent abuse by unauthorized senders.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like sending a package through a courier service without proper authorization.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The message triggered a policy in the recipient's organization that placed it in quarantine for review, typically due to spam or suspicious content.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like the post office setting aside your letter for inspection because it looks unusual.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The message was blocked because its content violated the recipient's server policies, possibly containing prohibited material.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like your package was returned because it had items that aren't allowed.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The recipient's mailbox is configured to restrict messages from certain countries, and the sending server's location or IP falls into a blocked category.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like trying to call someone in a country where international calls are blocked.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The sender's security certificate couldn't be validated by the recipient's server, possibly because it was expired or untrusted.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like showing an expired passport at the airport—you can't go through.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

Due to incompatible security settings, the sending server couldn't establish a secure (TLS) connection with the recipient's server.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like both sides speak different languages and do not understand each other.

Soft Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The recipient's server requires messages to be encrypted, but the sending server doesn't meet this requirement.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like needing to whisper a secret, but you're speaking out loud instead.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

This error occurs when a message is rejected because it violates the recipient organization's policies. The message content may trigger data loss prevention (DLP) rules, contain prohibited keywords, or include restricted attachments.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like trying to bring a forbidden item into a building with strict security rules—they won't let you in because what you're carrying isn't allowed inside.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The recipient's server denied access due to policy restrictions or authentication failures. This can happen if the sender does not meet specific policy requirements set by the recipient.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like a locked door to which you don't have the key.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The sender has exceeded the number of messages or recipients per policy limits set by the recipient's server.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like being told you've reached your limit on how many cookies you can have.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The message was rejected because its content didn't meet the recipient's server policies, possibly flagged as spam or containing prohibited material.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like your letter being returned because it contains words that aren't allowed.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The message contains an attachment type prohibited by the recipient's server policies.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like trying to bring a forbidden item onto an airplane.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The sender's domain or IP address has a poor reputation and is blocked by the recipient's server to prevent spam.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like being denied entry because of a bad report card.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The message was identified as spam by the recipient's server and was rejected outright.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like your package is being returned because it looks suspicious.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The message closely resembles known spam patterns and was rejected by the recipient's server.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like your letter looking just like ones that have caused trouble before, so it's not delivered.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

These errors indicate that the message was rejected due to security policies on the recipient's server, such as failing authentication checks or violating content restrictions.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like trying to enter a restricted area without the correct permissions.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The message didn't comply with organizational policies, possibly due to content restrictions, prohibited attachments, or other security settings.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like being told you can't wear certain clothes at school because of the dress code.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The recipient's server blocks the sender's IP address due to spam or security concerns.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like your phone number is being blocked, so you can't call someone.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

These errors indicate that the message was rejected because it contains content that the recipient's server considers suspicious or harmful.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like your package is being returned because it looks unsafe to open.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The client isn't authorized to send mail through the server, often due to authentication failures or policy restrictions.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like trying to borrow a book from a library you're not a member of.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

The server couldn't authenticate the user, possibly due to incorrect credentials or missing authentication tokens.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like entering the wrong password and being locked out.

Hard Bounce

Technical Explanation:

These errors indicate that the message was rejected because it violated the recipient's server's content policies, such as prohibited attachments or flagged keywords.

Simplified Explanation:

It's like trying to enter a restricted area with items that aren't allowed.

Hard Bounce