Email delivery error

Email bounces with error DENIED_AUTH_REQUIRED

Fix an authentication-required rejection when a mail application, website or forwarding address is not authorised to use the UKC mail service.

When sendingAuthenticate to SMTP
When receivingAddress must exist
For supportKeep full bounce

The mail server needs proof that the request is authorised

UKC rejects unauthenticated sending and delivery to addresses that do not exist. This limits spam from compromised websites and prevents the server acting as an open relay.

Enable SMTP authentication

SMTP server
Your assigned UKC server, for example ukc12.uk
Username
Your complete mailbox email address
Password
The mailbox password
Authentication
Required
Preferred connection
Port 465 with SSL / TLS
Alternative
Port 587 with STARTTLS

In a website or plugin, select authenticated SMTP rather than PHP mail where possible. The From address should be a mailbox or address permitted by the authenticated account.

Confirm the destination exists in Plesk

  1. Log in to Plesk for the hosting service.
  2. Open Mail for the affected domain.
  3. Confirm the complete recipient exists as a mailbox, forwarding address or mail alias.
  4. If it does not exist, create the intended address and test again.

Creating a similarly named mailbox is not enough; the exact address used by the sender must be configured.

Check the application, not only the mailbox

  • Save the correct SMTP host, port and encryption in the application.
  • Retype the mailbox password rather than relying on an old saved value.
  • Test with the website plugin's built-in mail test where available.
  • Check that security software or a hosting firewall does not block the selected port.

Still receiving DENIED_AUTH_REQUIRED?

Send the full bounce or application error, affected address, sending or receiving direction, and confirmation that the address exists. Remove passwords and API keys before attaching logs.

Request email help

Was this answer helpful?

« Back