550 5.4.1: recipient address rejected: access denied
The recipient domain's server refused the address, typically because it does not exist in their directory.
Permanent failure (hard bounce)
What 550 5.4.1 means
Seen mostly with Microsoft 365 and Exchange Online when directory-based edge blocking is on: addresses that do not exist in the organisation's directory are rejected at the edge with "Recipient address rejected: Access denied".
Common causes
- The mailbox does not exist at that organisation
- A typo in the address
- The person has left and the account was deleted
How to fix it
- Check the address with the recipient
- Remove it from your list
What to do with the address
Treat it as invalid and remove it.
Check an address now with the free email checker, or look at a domain's mail setup with the email domain checker, MX lookup and SPF checker.
Related error codes
Frequently asked questions
- What does 550 5.4.1 mean?
- The recipient domain's server refused the address, typically because it does not exist in their directory. Seen mostly with Microsoft 365 and Exchange Online when directory-based edge blocking is on: addresses that do not exist in the organisation's directory are rejected at the edge with "Recipient address rejected: Access denied".
- Is 550 5.4.1 a hard bounce or a soft bounce?
- Permanent failure (hard bounce). The address will keep failing, so remove it.
- What should I do with the address after 550 5.4.1?
- Treat it as invalid and remove it.