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why does the smpt server reject authentication from android devices?

boomboomer
Dabbler
Posts: 10
Registered: ‎25-11-2012

why does the smpt server reject authentication from android devices?

After reading several threads, none of which seem to have been resolved, I'd like to ask if plus net can answer why it is that android devices (I've tried several different ones) won't authenticate on the smtp server when the pop3 server seems quite happy with the user and password?
Each device is happy to receive emails from the plus net email box assigned to each user, but none can get past the authentication stage during smtp setup.
error message:
535 - authentication rejected
settings:
server - relay.plus.net
port - 587
security type - none
user - boomboomer+mailbox (e.g.)
password - mailbox password
Any help would be appreciated as android is the main way I use email these days, on my last isp the smtp settings worked fine...
39 REPLIES 39
bobpullen
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Re: why does the smpt server reject authentication from android devices?

Do you pay for your account? Free, non-subscription accounts don't allow SMTP auth. I've a Galaxy S2 I'm using to write this reply and SMTP auth works fine. Also, what mobile provider are you using?

Bob Pullen
Plusnet Product Team
If I've been helpful then please give thanks ⤵

boomboomer
Dabbler
Posts: 10
Registered: ‎25-11-2012

Re: why does the smpt server reject authentication from android devices?

Hi Bob, thanks for the reply - yes I pay for my account although the broadband service doesn't commence for another ten days - I was trying to set the six mailboxes in advance.
Might that be the reason the smtp won't authenticate? The mailboxes all work fine via webmail, so I assumed all was ready to go.
I get the same error using WiFi on my current isp as through the mobile provider, EE.
Thanks for your help.
spraxyt
Resting Legend
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Re: why does the smpt server reject authentication from android devices?

Until your broadband service actually starts I don't think you count as a paying customer so authentication (from another connection) won't work. Should be OK after service activation. Smiley
Collecting email works as you've found but for sending it's either use webmail or the smtp server of your connection provider.
David
boomboomer
Dabbler
Posts: 10
Registered: ‎25-11-2012

Re: why does the smpt server reject authentication from android devices?

Darn, I was hoping to avoid having to change the domain redirects, user handsets etc all on the same day - I thought having paid in advance would qualify as a paying customer, but I guess not.
bobpullen
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Re: why does the smpt server reject authentication from android devices?

I'll check the situation when I get to the office...

Bob Pullen
Plusnet Product Team
If I've been helpful then please give thanks ⤵

bobpullen
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Re: why does the smpt server reject authentication from android devices?

Quote from: boomboomer
Hi Bob, thanks for the reply - yes I pay for my account although the broadband service doesn't commence for another ten days - I was trying to set the six mailboxes in advance.
Might that be the reason the smtp won't authenticate?

Should be OK by the looks of things. This is using your main username/password i.e. the ones you use to log into the main Plusnet website (the details are Base64 encoded):
220 avasout04 smtp relay.plus.net
ehlo relay
250-avasout04 hello [84.93.221.17], pleased to meet you
250-HELP
250-AUTH LOGIN PLAIN
250-SIZE 104857600
250-PIPELINING
250-8BITMIME
250 OK
auth login
334 VXNlcm5hbWU6
bW*******
334 UGFzc3dvcmQ6
cm9*******
235 ... authentication succeeded

Bob Pullen
Plusnet Product Team
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bobpullen
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Re: why does the smpt server reject authentication from android devices?

Quote from: boomboomer
boomboomer+mailbox

Just noticed, boombomber isn't you broadband account username is it? Perhaps that's what the problem is?

Bob Pullen
Plusnet Product Team
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boomboomer
Dabbler
Posts: 10
Registered: ‎25-11-2012

Re: why does the smpt server reject authentication from android devices?

No, I used boomboomer as an example for my post - I didn't want to post an important username in a public forum. Shall I PM the real user name to you?
It doesn't matter whether I use the main user/pass or the individual mailbox user/pass - none will authenticate.
bobpullen
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Re: why does the smpt server reject authentication from android devices?

Quote from: boomboomer
Shall I PM the real user name to you?

Feel free. As evidenced by the telnet transaction up there ^^^ it definitely works at a server level.

Bob Pullen
Plusnet Product Team
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bobpullen
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Re: why does the smpt server reject authentication from android devices?

Just replied to your PM but for the benefit of others ...
Seems like there might be some form of IP checking prior to an account being activated. That would also explain why you're able to send via Webmail (the connecting IP will be one of our Webmail servers).
I've just tried again using my phone over my vodafone 3G connection and encountered problems:
1|app_38@android:/ # telnet relay.plus.net 25
220 avasout06 smtp relay.plus.net
ehlo relay
250-avasout06 hello [212.183.132.20], pleased to meet you
250-HELP
250-AUTH LOGIN PLAIN
250-SIZE 10485760
250-8BITMIME
250 OK
auth login
334 VXNlcm5hbWU6
bW*******
334 UGFzc3dvcmQ6
cm*******
535 ...authentication rejected

So I'm inclined to retract what I said earlier and say that I don't think it's going to work until your account's active Sad

Bob Pullen
Plusnet Product Team
If I've been helpful then please give thanks ⤵

boomboomer
Dabbler
Posts: 10
Registered: ‎25-11-2012

Re: why does the smpt server reject authentication from android devices?

Thanks for the assistance Bob, it's a shame because I'll have to set everyone up on the commencement date (I bet my existing isp will sever their server on the dot).
But at least it should work on the day or, as Arnold says, "I'll be back"
Regards.
johngie
Dabbler
Posts: 23
Registered: ‎07-07-2007

Re: why does the smpt server reject authentication from android devices?

Quote from: Bob
Do you pay for your account? Free, non-subscription accounts don't allow SMTP auth. I've a Galaxy S2 I'm using to write this reply and SMTP auth works fine. Also, what mobile provider are you using?

Pardon me for jumping in here Bob, but I'm having the same issue with a Galaxy S3 on an O2 monthly account.
On the phone,my SMTP settings are exactly as they are at home, i.e:
SMTP server: relay.plus.net
Security Type: None
Port 25
Require sign-in: Yes
Username and password: my regular PN ones.
If the phone is at home connected via Wi-Fi, everything works. Away from home (however connected) I can receive mail from PN but not send.
I've asked this question over on the O2 community forum and have been told:
"Just use the plusnet email address and servers no need to use the o2 smtp server as they allow plusnet mail over their network".
So I seem to be going round in circles!
RPMozley
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Re: why does the smpt server reject authentication from android devices?

@johngie
Have you tried the alternate port 587 rather than 25?
That's RPM to you!!
johngie
Dabbler
Posts: 23
Registered: ‎07-07-2007

Re: why does the smpt server reject authentication from android devices?

Yes. Still no joy. Works on my Wi-Fi, but not when connected via O2. Cry  This is getting exasperating! O2 support totally useless, so trying here.