SMTP authentication is a security requirement that ensures only authorised users can send email through your mail server. When hosting with Domains.co.za, all outgoing email must use authenticated SMTP settings to prevent abuse, spam, and unauthorised access.

Without SMTP authentication, your mail server could potentially be used to send spam, which would severely damage your domain reputation and email deliverability. Domains.co.za enforces authentication policies to protect customers and maintain server integrity.

Configuring SMTP authentication correctly ensures that your email clients, website contact forms, and third-party applications can send mail securely and reliably through your hosting account.

This tutorial explains how to configure SMTP authentication.

NOTE:

Email authentication on the Domains.co.za platform requires a valid username and password to send outgoing mail. Our servers do not operate as an open relay, which means that emails cannot be sent without proper SMTP authentication linked to an active email account hosted on your domain.

When configuring an email client, website contact form, CRM, or any third-party application to send mail, the correct full email address must be used as the username, together with the corresponding mailbox password. SMTP authentication must also be enabled within the mail settings.

This requirement protects your domain from unauthorised use, helps prevent spam and abuse, and safeguards the sending reputation of our shared mail servers. If authentication details are entered incorrectly, outgoing mail will fail to send, and you may receive an authentication error in your email client or application logs.

How to Configure SMTP Authentication

1. Login to Your Domains.co.za Account.

2. Open the Manage Services dropdown menu and access your hosting plan.

3. On the next page, click Manage next to your domain.

4. Under Product Information, click Login next to Control Panel, to access cPanel.

5. In cPanel, go to Email Accounts.

6. Select the email address.

7. Click Connect Devices.

Use Correct SMTP Settings

Outgoing Server:

mail.yourdomain.co.za

Port:

• 465 (SSL).
• 587 (TLS).

Authentication:

• Enabled.

Username:

• Full email address.

Password:

• Email account password.

Additional Information

• It is important to note that the client must use a valid email username and password when sending emails through our servers, as Domains.co.za does not operate an open relay. This means that all outgoing mail must be authenticated using SMTP credentials linked to an active email account hosted on your domain.
• Authentication helps prevent unauthorised use of the mail server, protects your domain’s reputation, and reduces the risk of spam or abuse. Before configuring any email client, application, or third-party system to send emails, ensure that the correct email address and password are entered and that SMTP authentication is enabled in the email settings.
• SMTP authentication should never be disabled. Disabling authentication increases the risk of unauthorised use and may result in your account being suspended for security reasons.
• Always use encrypted ports such as 465 (SSL) or 587 (TLS). These ports protect email credentials and message content during transmission. Port 25 is commonly blocked by internet service providers and should only be used in specific technical circumstances.
• If your website uses a contact form or SMTP plugin, ensure that the full email address is used as the username, and that the correct password is entered. Incorrect credentials may trigger temporary security blocks on your hosting account.
• If you experience sending failures, review your firewall settings, antivirus software, or hosting package limits. Some internet providers block outgoing mail ports by default.
• For high-volume email sending, consider using a dedicated transactional email service rather than relying solely on standard hosting SMTP limits.

Login to Domains.co.za Account

1. Go to the Domains.co.za website Account Login page.

2. Enter your Email and Password and click the Sign In button.

3. You will see the Domains.co.za Dashboard, displaying the Manage Account menu on the left and your Account Information, Account Overview and Open Support Tickets on the right.