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How to Open Port 25 on DigitalOcean

Quick Answer

DigitalOcean blocks outbound port 25 (SMTP) on new accounts and rarely unblocks it on request. The reliable way to send email is to use a DigitalOcean account that already has port 25 open. These pre-opened accounts let you run mail servers immediately.

Why port 25 is blocked

DigitalOcean blocks outbound port 25 on new accounts to prevent spam abuse. Unlike some providers, DigitalOcean generally does not unblock it on request, which makes sending email directly from a fresh droplet impossible.

The reliable solution

Use a DigitalOcean account that already has port 25 open. These verified open-port-25 accounts have outbound SMTP enabled from delivery, so you can install Postfix, Mailcow, or any mail server and send email right away.

Setting up email properly

After confirming port 25 is open, configure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC DNS records for your domain, use a clean sending IP, and warm up your IP gradually to maximize deliverability and avoid spam folders.