# Fixing the "max defers and failures" error

> Why cPanel pauses your outgoing email when too many messages fail, and how to find and fix the cause.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/email/cpanel-email/fixing-the-max-defers-and-failures-error/

If you see an error like this when you send email, your outgoing mail has been paused for a while:

```
Domain example.com has exceeded the max defers and failures allowed per hour
```

## What it means

A **failure** is a message that can't be delivered at all, for example to an address that doesn't exist. A **defer** is a message the receiving server refused for now and asked us to try again later.

When too many of the messages your domain sends in an hour fail or are deferred, the server pauses your outgoing mail. This protects your domain's reputation, and everyone else's on the server. Sending usually starts again on its own within the hour.

## Common causes

- **Old or mistyped addresses** in a mailing list or contact list
- **A website form or plugin** sending to invalid addresses, or sending spam after being abused by bots
- **A hacked email account** or website script sending spam
- **Missing SPF or DKIM records,** which make receiving servers reject or delay your mail

## How to fix it

1. **Wait for the pause to lift.** Don't keep resending; every new failure adds to the count.
2. **Find the failing messages.** In cPanel, open **Track Delivery** under **Email**. Look for messages marked as failed or deferred and note the recipient addresses and error messages.
3. **Fix the cause:**
   - Remove or correct bad addresses in your mailing lists.
   - Add a CAPTCHA to website forms, and update or remove any plugin sending unexpected mail.
   - If you see messages you didn't send, [change the email account's password](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/email/webmail/how-to-change-your-webmail-account-password/) at once, and scan your website for malware.
   - Check that your domain has valid SPF and DKIM records. In cPanel, **Email Deliverability** shows any problems and can repair them. See [Managing email deliverability settings](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/email/cpanel-email/managing-e-mail-deliverability-settings-in-cpanel/).
4. **Send newsletters elsewhere.** Bulk mail to large lists is the most common cause. Use a newsletter service instead of your hosting email.

If the error keeps coming back, or you think your account has been compromised, [open a support ticket](https://dashboard.ruachost.com/submitticket.php) and we'll investigate.

## Related articles

- [Email sending and mailbox limits](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/email/guides/email-sending-and-mailbox-limits/)
- [Resolving the "550 sender verify failed" error message](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/cpanel/guides/resolving-the-550-sender-verify-failed-error-message/)