If your email client cannot connect to the mail server, the issue is usually one of four things: wrong server settings, wrong port, a firewall blocking the connection, or your IP has been temporarily blocked due to failed login attempts. Here is how to diagnose and fix each one.
Can you log into webmail?
Go to my.ultrawebhosting.com:2096 and try logging in with your email address and password. If webmail works, the server is fine and the problem is in your email client's settings. If webmail also fails, the issue is with the account credentials or a firewall block.
01. Check Your Server Settings
Verify these settings in your email client:
- Incoming server:
mail.yourdomain.com - Outgoing server (SMTP):
mail.yourdomain.com - Username: Your full email address (e.g.,
[email protected]) - Password: The password set for this email account in cPanel
The most common mistake is using just the username portion (like "john") instead of the full email address. See What Are My Mail Server Names for complete settings.
02. Check Ports and Encryption
The port and encryption type must match. Using SSL on a non-SSL port (or vice versa) will cause the connection to fail silently:
- IMAP: Port 993 with SSL/TLS, or port 143 with STARTTLS
- POP3: Port 995 with SSL/TLS, or port 110 with STARTTLS
- SMTP: Port 465 with SSL/TLS, or port 587 with STARTTLS
Do not use port 25 for outgoing mail. Many ISPs block it, and it does not support encryption.
03. Check for Firewall Blocks
If you entered your password incorrectly several times, the server firewall may have temporarily blocked your IP address. This is a brute-force protection measure.
Use our Firewall Unblock tool to check and unblock your IP. After unblocking, make sure your email client has the correct password before it tries to connect again, or it will get blocked again immediately.
If your email client is configured with the wrong password, it may try to connect every few minutes automatically. Each failed attempt counts toward the firewall block threshold. Fix the password in your email client before unblocking your IP.
04. Test With Webmail
Webmail bypasses your email client and network entirely. If webmail works at my.ultrawebhosting.com:2096:
- The server is working normally
- Your email account and password are valid
- The problem is in your email client settings, your local network, or your ISP
If webmail also fails, reset your password in cPanel > Email > Email Accounts > Manage.
05. ISP Port Blocking
Some internet service providers block email ports to prevent spam. If you cannot connect on the standard ports, try these alternatives:
- SMTP port 587 instead of 465 (with STARTTLS)
- SMTP port 26 as a last resort (available on Ultra Web Hosting servers)
If you are on a corporate or school network, their firewall may block email ports entirely. Try connecting from a different network (like your phone's hotspot) to confirm.
Still Cannot Connect?
Open a ticket with the exact error message from your email client and a screenshot of your account settings. We will check the server side.
Open a Support TicketFrequently Asked Questions
Why can my email client not connect to the mail server?
Usually one of four things: wrong server settings, the wrong port or encryption, a firewall blocking the connection, or your IP temporarily blocked after failed logins. Verify the settings first, then the port, then whether your IP is blocked.
What are the correct mail server settings and ports?
Use your mail server hostname with SSL or TLS enabled: IMAP on 993, POP3 on 995, and SMTP on 465 or 587. Your username is your full email address. The exact server name is in cPanel under Email Accounts, Connect Devices.
Why does my connection fail after several password attempts?
Repeated failed logins can get your IP temporarily blocked by the server firewall, which looks like a connection failure. Use the IP unblock tool or contact support to release it, and confirm your password is correct so it does not recur.
How do I tell if it is my client or the server?
Log into Webmail in a browser. If Webmail works but your client does not, the server and account are fine and the issue is your client's settings or your network. If Webmail also fails, your IP may be blocked or the credentials wrong.
Quick Recap
- Test webmail first - If it works, the server is fine
- Verify server, port, and encryption match - SSL on 993/995/465, STARTTLS on 143/110/587
- Username must be your full email address
- Check for IP blocks - Use the firewall unblock tool after failed login attempts
- Try port 587 or 26 if your ISP blocks standard email ports
Fixing email connection issues · Last updated November 2026 · Browse all Email articles
