You’ve probably heard that email is the best way to reach your customers. It’s a great way to keep in touch and let them know about your latest products and promotions. But what if your email isn’t reaching their inbox?
Many factors can affect whether your email lands in your customers’ inboxes or ends up in their spam folders. One of the most important factors is the port your SMTP server is using.
In this article, we’ll explain SMTP ports and how to choose the right one for your business. We’ll also share some tips on how to prevent your emails from being sent to spam.
What Is SMTP and What Is an SMTP Port
SMTP, or Simple Mail Transfer Protocol, is the system through which email is sent. The SMTP port is the port through which your email passes to send it to its destination.
There are a few different SMTP ports that you can choose from, but which one you should use depends on your email provider and your specific needs. In most cases, the default port settings will work just fine, but it’s a good idea to be aware of all your options in case you need to change them.
Types of Ports Used in SMTP
There are three types of ports used in SMTP:
- The standard port, which is 25
- The secure port, which is 465
- The extended security port, which is 587
- The alternative of 587, port 2525
The standard port is the most common and default for most email clients. However, secure and extended security ports are recommended for senders who require a higher level of security.
How to Choose the Right SMTP Port
Now that you understand the different SMTP ports, it’s time to choose the right one for your needs. You’ll need to use a different port depending on your email client and server.
You’ll need to contact your email service provider (ESP) or system administrator to find out which port to use. They can tell you which port to use for your specific setup. Once you have that information, enter it into the SMTP port field in your email client.
Factors That Influence Port Selection
When it comes to selecting the right port, there are several different factors to consider. For example, the connection type (Secure or Non-secure) as well as the authentication type (TLS or SSL). There’s also the authentication protocol and whether you’re using a shared server or a dedicated server.
Depending on your user’s email provider, some ports may not be available. It would be best to remember that different ports will have different connection speeds. For instance, port 25 is a non-secure port faster than Secure ports like 465 and 587.
You should also consider why you’re using SMTP first: Is it for marketing emails, transactional emails, or email notifications? Different ports may offer advantages for each of these scenarios. For example, if you are sending out marketing emails, then port 25 may provide better speed and reliability, whereas dedicated servers use secure encrypted ports like 465 and 587.
It’s essential to carefully weigh these variables to choose the best port for your use case.
Examples of Common Ports and Their Functionalities
When configuring your SMTP settings, you need to know about the various ports available and which is the best for your setup. Here are some of the most commonly used ports and what they’re typically used for:
- Port 25: This is the default port for standard SMTP communication. It’s used to send emails over a non-secure connection.
- Port 465: Also known as the Secure SMTP (SMTPS) port, this port is used to send emails over a secure SSL or TLS connection.
- Port 587: This port is used for submission with authentication and is often used with webmail providers. It is recommended that you use this port with TLS/SSL encryption when sending outbound messages, as it works well with most LAN setups.
- Port 2525: This port provides an alternate way of sending emails if other ports are blocked or restricted.
Each of these ports has its own pros and cons, so it’s essential to consider your setup before deciding which one to use. For example, if you have an email server on site, port 25 or port 587 may be sufficient for outgoing mail, whereas if you use an external provider, port 465 or port 2525 may be more suitable.
Security Considerations When Choosing an SMTP Port
When selecting an SMTP port, security should also be a consideration. Different ports have different levels of security, so it is vital to choose the correct port for your needs. For example, sending sensitive information like credit card numbers or passwords should use a secure port like TLS (Transport Layer Security). This port uses encryption to protect the data, making it more difficult for hackers to intercept.
You can also consider using an email authentication protocol such as Sender Policy Framework (SPF) or DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM). These protocols will ensure that the emails are being sent from a legitimate source and can help protect against spoofing and phishing attacks. Finally, ensure that your server supports a secure sockets layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS). SSL/TLS is a technology that encrypts data over the internet and helps keep your emails safe from eavesdroppers.
Final Words
So, how do you choose the right SMTP port?
Well, the first step is to identify the type of connection your mail server is using. Once you know that, you can then find the corresponding port number.
If you’re unsure how to do that or are experiencing difficulty setting up your SMTP port, speak to your mail server provider for help. They should be able to guide you in the right direction.
Choosing the correct SMTP port can be tricky, but it’s not too difficult with the right information. Just make sure you stay informed and consult with your mail server provider if you need assistance.