550 5.7.1: message refused (policy or spam rejection)
The server refused your message because of a policy, your reputation or its content.
Rejected by policy or reputation
What 550 5.7.1 means
A broad permanent rejection. The recipient server decided not to accept your mail: your IP or domain may be on a blocklist, the message looked like spam, or you tried to relay through a server that does not allow it. The text after the code usually names the reason.
Common causes
- Your IP or domain is on a blocklist
- The message content triggered spam filters
- Failed SPF, DKIM or DMARC authentication
- Relay access denied: you are not allowed to send through that server
- The recipient has blocked your address
How to fix it
- Read the full error text for the specific reason
- Check your IP and domain against major blocklists
- Fix authentication records
- Review the message for spammy wording and links
What to do with the address
The address may be perfectly fine. Fix the sending problem before removing contacts.
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 5.7.1 mean?
- The server refused your message because of a policy, your reputation or its content. A broad permanent rejection. The recipient server decided not to accept your mail: your IP or domain may be on a blocklist, the message looked like spam, or you tried to relay through a server that does not allow it. The text after the code usually names the reason.
- Is 550 5.7.1 a hard bounce or a soft bounce?
- Rejected by policy or reputation. It is usually about the sender, not the recipient.
- What should I do with the address after 550 5.7.1?
- The address may be perfectly fine. Fix the sending problem before removing contacts.