"Cannot send message using the server iCloud" - Is this from iCloud, the Mac OS, or Comcast?

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"Cannot send message using the server iCloud" - Is this from iCloud, the Mac OS, or Comcast?

I realize this topic comes up all too often, but I'm really stuck here:

My iMac suddenly stopped sending emails about 3-4 days ago.

Error message includes: The server response was: <c-174-160-4-141.hsd1.ca.comcast.net[174.160.4.141]>: Client host rejected: Access denied"

with instructions to "select a different outgoing mail server from the list below or click Try later"

Connection Doctor says everything is fine; there are 2 iCloud mail servers listed int he outgoing mail server window (nothing that says SMTP).

I'm only using Mac mail, so I don't know of any other mail provider or "system administrator" to contact.

I've been all over the Mail Settings, the Apple Support pages, etc, and have tried a bunch of stuff on those pages but can't seem to get it to work.

Can someone provide some suggestions along the lines of something a not-terribly-tech-savvy person could try?

Or, is this in fact due to something weird like Comcast/Xfinity updated their SMTP info and/or it didn't get updated in the last Mac OS update?

Running Ventura 13.4.1 on a 24-in M1 iMac, if that matters.

Thanks in advance!

iMac 24″, macOS 13.4

Posted on Jul 5, 2023 3:08 PM

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Answer 1

WinsC1

Community Specialist

Jul 6, 2023 3:43 PM in response to kfinn408

Hey kfinn408,

The issue could potentially be network related, if your internet connection is having trouble connecting to the mail server this could occur. We'd recommend temporarily disabling any anti-virus or security software you may have running to test to see if that changes anything as that software could interfere with the connection.

We'd also suggest checking for and installing any updates that may be available for your Mac to see if that resolves the issue: Update macOS on Mac - Apple Support

If that doesn't help, contact Apple Support for further assistance here: Get Support

Thanks!

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Answer 2

Lindsay_B.

Community Specialist

Jul 6, 2023 1:52 PM in response to kfinn408

Hi finn408,

Thanks for visiting the Apple Support Communities.

Are you using an @iCloud.com email address, or one issued from your internet service provider? If the email has been issued by your internet service provider, it would not use the iCloud.com SMTP server details.

If you are using an @iCloud.com email address, the steps in If iCloud Mail isn't working - Apple Support are designed to help troubleshoot.

If you are using a third-party email address, such as that from your internet service provider, we can suggest the Mac Mail troubleshooting here: If you can’t send emails in Mail on Mac - Apple Support.

Don't hesitate to reach back out if you still need help.

Best!

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Answer 3

kfinn408 Author

Level 1

5 points

Jul 6, 2023 3:34 PM in response to Lindsay_B.

Thank you for the suggested resources. I feel like I've been through those already?

I'm using a mac.com email email address; other email addresses associated with my Apple ID are iCloud.com and me.com. So isn't Apple/Mac my email provider, regardless of who my internet service provider is? (I don't use an email account associated with the ISP). This is part of what's confused me about the instructions on various forums and support pages.

Here are 2 screenshots of what's going on:

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"Cannot send message using the server iCloud" - Is this from iCloud, the Mac OS, or Comcast?

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