GoDaddy Dedicated Server Hosting Blocks Port 25
Today I was helping a client troubleshoot a problem with a dedicated server he has at GoDaddy. For some reason, a web form created by another developer was having problems sending on his GoDaddy server. After reviewing the code, I determined it was likely an external issue. Some testing of PHP mail() and phpMailer lead me to the conclusion that GoDaddy was blocking port 25.
Luckily there is an easy workaround to this problem. Much like with their CURL functionality GoDaddy has a relay server that can be used to send email. The address for the GoDaddy dedicated server email relay is:
k2smtpout.secureserver.net
I did read in the documentation that the relay server limits you to 1000 emails per day so if you need to send more than that I would suggest contacting GoDaddy support. Below are some instructions on how to setup the relay on both Linux and Windows servers. This text was pulled directly from the GoDaddy website.
In Linux, Plesk uses qmail as the default mail server. The configuration file /var/qmail/control/smtproutes needs to have the line :k2smtpout.secureserver.net in it so that it will work properly (the colon is necessary).
In Windows, if Plesk is installed, MailEnable uses a “smarthost” of k2smtpout.secureserver.net.
This solution seemed to work fine. Also, as a note, from the documentation I found it would appear that most GoDaddy dedicated servers come pre-configured to use the relay. However, if you’re reading this yours probably didn’t, or some tool has screwed up your settings and now you have to fix them. Good Luck.
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Just wanted to add to this that the GoDaddy SMTP relay servers have recently been updated.
Depending on your server name, you could have one of three SMTP relays. Check the first 2-digits of the Server Name to find which SMTP Relay your server should use. k2smtpout.secureserver.net should only work for K2 servers now.
K2 – k2smtpout.secureserver.net
S2 – s2smtpout.secureserver.net
P3 – p3smtpout.secureserver.net