Sending emails with attachments is common for many professionals, businesses, and individuals who want to submit official documents, secure reports, or simply store important files.
However, in some rare and unusual cases, email servers usually bounce the emails back to the original sender, and the common error message they receive is the SMTP Email Error 554 4.4.7.
So why does your email server reject an email with an attachment, and how can you properly diagnose this? Let’s dive into this article to find out.
SMTP Email Error 554 4.4.7 is a delivery failure message often indicating issues beyond simple miscommunication. It typically points to a deeper problem with the recipient’s email server, serving as a warning of potential underlying system reliance issues.
Receiving the SMTP Email Error 554 4.4.7 means that the email you’ve sent exceeds the recipient’s receiving capacity.
The error code 554 is a message that indicates that there is a problem sending the email, while the 4.4.7 specifies that the email message is too large.
The most common root cause of SMTP errors is large attachments, often due to limitations imposed by a specific email provider. However, there are cases beyond large attachments that may trigger SMTP Error 554 4.4.7. Here’s what they are:
Sending an email should be straightforward, you send an email and the recipient should receive the email within seconds. Delayed delivery attempts is a clear indication that there is something wrong, with either the SMTP setting, or network server. Here are some of the root causes that trigger specific errors such as SMTP Error 554 4.4.7.
Network congestion is similar to traffic jams. When there are too many vehicles in a specific area, it becomes difficult for them to move forward, causing delays in reaching their destination.
This metaphor is comparable with network servers, high traffic volumes can delay the delivery of emails, since the network is congested and disrupts all the emails from being delivered to the recipient.
Email servers are often considered the pulse of the email network, ensuring seamless sending and receiving of messages.
For someone who uses email daily, sending and receiving emails typically occurs without issues. However, excessive usage can occasionally result in server overload.
Professionals who rely heavily on email may be subscribed to multiple newsletters or manage communication with several clients simultaneously.
Although rare, such situations can sometimes trigger SMTP Error 554 4.4.7.
Even if a recipient’s email is secured from causing server overload, the SMTP Email Error 554 4.4.7 can still occur if due to the unavailability of the recipient’s email server. Server unavailability are usually caused by:
- Maintenance and Downtime. The recipient’s email server may be unavailable due to maintenance outages and unexpected downtime.Â
- Server Configuration Problems. There can be issues in the configuration and setup of the recipient’s server making it impossible for the server to process and receive incoming emails.
- DNS Problems. The Domain Name System (DNS) translates domain names into corresponding network IP addresses, making it possible for email networks to locate the recipient’s email. A lack of or incorrect DNS resolution setup can cause issues with the sender’s email server, resulting in the email being lost in transit.
- Email Filtering and Blocking. Emails might be delayed or blocked by spam filters or the recipient’s server’s security measures if they think the emails contain spam or malicious code. The system mistakenly believes the email does not need to be delivered.
- Email Routing Issues. Incorrect routing and routing issues can cause delays in receiving emails. These delays are most likely to result in SMTP errors.
Since the SMTP Email Error 554 4.4.7 probably occurs due to large attachment issues, or message solving this can be more comprehensive than other SMTP errors. However, it is still critical for email senders and recipients to be cautious of this error, and employ necessary protocols to guarantee seamless receiving and sending of emails.Â
Here are some exclusive solutions for each prominent email service provider.
- Check Email Size. Ensure that the email size is not over 25/25 MB with an attachment or 20/20 MB without an attachment. If emails exceed the recommended sizes, convert the attachment or how to
- Review Recipient Address. Recheck the recipient’s address for any typed error .
- Check for Server Outages. Use Google Workspace Status Dashboard to check whether there is any Gmail service known for error on email delivery.
- Internet Connectivity. Verify your internet connection is stable. A poor connection can delay email sending.
- Server Settings. For Outlook users relying on SMTP for email sending, ensure your server settings are correctly configured. Go to File > Account Settings > Double-click on your email > More Settings > Outgoing Server to verify.
- Email Queue. If you’re using an email client, check the Outbox for stuck emails. A stuck email can sometimes delay subsequent emails.
- Spam Addresses. Verify that the recipient’s address hasn’t been accidentally added to your list of blocked addresses or flagged as spam.
- Send A Trial Email. Try sending the recipient a plain test email without any attachments to see whether it gets through. whether it does, there may be a problem with the email’s size or content.
- Status of Yahoo Mail Server. Look into any known problems with Yahoo Mail’s server online that might be affecting the delivery of emails.
There are various types of SMTP errors like 554 4.4.7 that can be resolved with email warm-up services.Â
Since these new or inactive email accounts are relatively unknown, it is inevitable for many email servers to consider these emails as spam or unsafe for the public.
Email warm-up services have gradual, but long-lasting effects to improve your email deliverability by increasing the volume of emails sent from a new email account or domain. Providing a solid and positive sending reputation with various Internet Service Providers (ISP).
Warmy.io stands out as a comprehensive solution in this domain, offering tools and  free email deliverability test to improve your email deliverability. The free deliverability test allows you to check if your email address is blacklisted—a common reason behind SMTP errors.
You can also take advantage of our free tools to generate SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) records, for authenticating your emails and protecting against spoofing and phishing attempts.
By utilizing services like Warmy.io, you can effectively prevent SMTP errors, improve your email health, and ensure your communications are consistently delivered to your audience.
Uninterrupted email communication should be the norm for every email user. However, slight delays or issues are inevitable, especially if you are unaware of the various factors that may cause these errors.
SMTP Email Error 554 4.4.7 is one of the most resolvable email errors, but that doesn’t mean it should be taken lightly. Delays in communication and interactions can have significant effects on your professional and personal life.
Regularly updating email lists, adhering to sending limits, authenticating emails with SPF and DMARC records, and using email warm-up services like Warmy.io are effective strategies to prevent SMTP errors and enhance email deliverability. By focusing on these solutions, users can maintain reliable and effective email communication channels.
📜 Related article:
What is SMTP Email Error 554 4.4.7?
SMTP Email Error 554 4.4.7 is a delivery failure message indicating that an email could not be delivered to the recipient's mailbox within a specified time. It suggests a delay rather than a permanent failure, often due to issues like server unavailability or network congestion.
Why did I receive SMTP Email Error 554 4.4.7?
This error typically occurs due to delayed email delivery attempts. Reasons can include recipient server downtime, network congestion, or incorrect email server configurations that prevent timely delivery.
How can I resolve SMTP Email Error 554 4.4.7?
To resolve this error, ensure that the recipient's email address is correct and check your internet connection. You might also need to contact the recipient's email server administrator if the issue persists, as the problem could lie with server availability or configuration.
Can SMTP Email Error 554 4.4.7 be prevented?
While not all instances can be prevented due to their reliance on external servers and networks, you can minimize occurrences by maintaining a good sender reputation, using email authentication protocols like SPF and DMARC, and ensuring your email content is not triggering spam filters.
How do email warm-up services like Warmy.io help with SMTP Email Error 554 4.4.7?
Email warm-up services gradually increase the volume of emails sent from a new email address or domain, helping to build a positive sender reputation with ISPs. This can prevent SMTP errors, including 554 4.4.7, by establishing your email traffic as legitimate and reliable, thus reducing the likelihood of delivery delays or rejections.
Are there tools to check if my email is on a blacklist, which might cause SMTP Email Error 554 4.4.7?
Yes, Warmy.io offers a free email deliverability test that includes checking blacklists. Being listed on a blacklist can affect your email deliverability, leading to errors like 554 4.4.7. By identifying and addressing any listings on blacklists, you can improve your email deliverability.
