550 5.1.0 Error: Address rejected — sender or recipient refused — Causes & Fix | InboxVerify
SMTP error code

550 5.1.0 — Address rejected — sender or recipient refused

Updated October 12, 2026 · By the InboxVerify team

A generic address error. Depending on the wording it refers to the recipient (address not accepted) or to your sender address.

Hard bounce · permanent

Common causes

  • Recipient address not accepted by the server
  • Your From / envelope sender address is not valid or not allowed
  • Sending from a domain that has no MX or A record

How to fix it

  1. Read the text after the code — it usually says whether the sender or the recipient is the problem
  2. Make sure your sending domain has valid MX records and can receive replies
  3. Verify the recipient address
Bounce ExplainerRun the right check for your domain or paste the full bounce message for a precise explanation.
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Frequently asked questions

Is 5.1.0 the same as 5.1.1?

5.1.1 specifically means the mailbox does not exist. 5.1.0 is a broader "other address status" code.