Are you struggling with the frustrating Azure Mailkit.Security.AuthenticationException 535 5.7.8 error? You’re not alone.
This error can stop your emails from sending, causing delays and confusion in your communication. But don’t worry—understanding why this happens and how to fix it is easier than you think. Keep reading, and you’ll discover simple, clear solutions to get your email system back on track quickly.
Your smooth email experience is just a few steps away.

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Cause Of 535 5.7.8 Error
The 535 5.7.8 error happens because the mail server rejects the login. This is called an authentication failure. It means the server does not accept the username or password.
One common cause is incorrect credentials. The user may type the wrong email or password. Even a small mistake causes this error.
Another cause is SMTP server restrictions. Some servers block logins from certain apps or locations. They may require special settings or permissions.
Check your login details carefully. Make sure the server allows your app to connect.
Common Scenarios Triggering The Error
Azure SMTP Relay often causes the 535 5.7.8 authentication error. This happens when the relay server rejects the credentials. Many users enter wrong usernames or passwords. Also, missing permissions on Azure can block access. The relay needs proper setup to allow email sending.
Third-Party Email Clients like Outlook or Thunderbird sometimes fail to authenticate. They might use outdated or incorrect settings. These clients must support secure login methods. Without that, the server denies access with the 535 error.
Misconfigured MailKit Settings are a common reason for this error. Incorrect SMTP host, port, or SSL settings cause failed authentication. Using the wrong authentication type also leads to problems. Double-checking these settings can fix the issue quickly.
Steps To Verify Smtp Credentials
Check the SMTP username and password carefully. These must match exactly what your email provider gave you. Even one wrong letter or space causes errors.
Make sure the account you use has permission to send emails via SMTP. Some accounts need special settings enabled.
Try logging into your email provider’s website with the same username and password. This confirms your credentials work.
If your password changed recently, update it in your app or code immediately.
Confirm the SMTP server address and port number are correct. Wrong info can cause authentication failure.
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Configuring Mailkit For Azure Smtp
Use Secure Socket Options to keep email data safe. Common settings include None, SSL on Connect, and StartTLS. For Azure SMTP, StartTLS is often the best choice. It upgrades the connection to a secure one after connecting.
Enable authentication methods properly. Azure SMTP requires username and password. Always set SmtpClient.Authenticate with valid credentials to avoid errors like 535 5.7.8. This error shows the server did not accept the login details.
Remember to use the right port number. For StartTLS, port 587 is standard. Incorrect port or socket options cause connection failures.
Quick Fixes To Resolve Error
Resetting passwords often fixes the 535 5.7.8 error. Sometimes, passwords expire or get mistyped. Change the password in your email account settings. Then update the password in your Mailkit configuration.
Updating Mailkit library can solve compatibility issues. Use the latest version from the official source. Newer versions fix bugs and improve security. This step helps if the error is from outdated code.
Testing with alternative SMTP settings checks if your server blocks connections. Try different ports like 587 or 465. Use SSL or TLS options depending on your provider. Changing these settings often helps avoid authentication problems.

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Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Azure Mailkit.security.authenticationexception 535 5.7.8 Mean?
This error means the login to the mail server failed due to wrong username or password.
How Can I Fix Authenticationexception 535 5.7.8 In Mailkit?
Check your email and password. Also, verify server settings and enable less secure apps if needed.
Why Do I Get Error 535 5.7.8 With Azure Smtp?
This happens when your email server rejects login. Often caused by wrong credentials or security settings.
Can Authenticationexception 535 5.7.8 Affect Email Sending In Azure?
Yes, this error stops your app from sending emails until the login issue is fixed.
Conclusion
Resolving the Azure Mailkit. Security. AuthenticationException 535 5. 7. 8 error is possible. Check your username and password carefully. Ensure your email server allows secure connections. Double-check your SMTP settings for accuracy. Small mistakes often cause this issue. Keep your credentials updated and correct.
Testing your setup helps find problems fast. Understanding this error saves time and stress. Stay patient and follow these simple steps. You will send emails without trouble soon.
