SMTP 220 Service Ready vs 500 Syntax Error
SMTP 220 (Service Ready) is a 2xx Positive Completion response, while 500 (Syntax Error) is a 5xx Permanent Negative response. 220 indicates that the SMTP server is ready to begin the mail transaction. This greeting is the first response a client receives upon connecting, and it typically includes the server's hostname and software identificati In contrast, 500 means that the server could not recognize the command due to a syntax error. The command line was malformed or the command is not recognized by this server.
Descripción
The SMTP server is ready to begin the mail transaction. This greeting is the first response a client receives upon connecting, and it typically includes the server's hostname and software identification.
Cuándo lo verás
Immediately after establishing a TCP connection to the mail server on port 25, 465, or 587. This is the server's welcome banner confirming it is ready to accept commands.
Cómo solucionarlo
No fix needed — this confirms a successful connection. If you do not receive this greeting, check that the server is running, the port is correct, and no firewall is blocking the connection.
Descripción
The server could not recognize the command due to a syntax error. The command line was malformed or the command is not recognized by this server.
Cuándo lo verás
When you send a command the server does not understand — often due to a typo, unsupported command, or an excessively long line.
Cómo solucionarlo
Check the command spelling and syntax against the SMTP specification. Ensure the command line does not exceed 512 characters and uses proper CRLF line endings.
Diferencias clave
220 is a 2xx Positive Completion response, while 500 is a 5xx Permanent Negative response.
SMTP 220: The SMTP server is ready to begin the mail transaction. This greeting is the first response a client receives upon connecting, and it typically includes the server's hostname and software identificati
SMTP 500: The server could not recognize the command due to a syntax error. The command line was malformed or the command is not recognized by this server.
You encounter 220 when immediately after establishing a TCP connection to the mail server on port 25, 465, or 587. This is the server's welcome banner confirming it is ready to accept commands.
You encounter 500 when when you send a command the server does not understand — often due to a typo, unsupported command, or an excessively long line.
Cuándo usar cada uno
For 220 (Service Ready): No fix needed — this confirms a successful connection. If you do not receive this greeting, check that the server is running, the port is correct, and no firewall is blocking the connection. For 500 (Syntax Error): Check the command spelling and syntax against the SMTP specification. Ensure the command line does not exceed 512 characters and uses proper CRLF line endings.