User profile for user: PeterKurt
PeterKurt Author
User level: Level 1
44 points

How to resolve 'HELO/EHLO outbound.qs.icloud.com is not matching your DNS configuration' error in iCloud Mail?

HELO/EHLO DNS Configuration, Mail doesn't deliver email to specific address

Mac OS 15.4.1 / iPhone 18.4.1


I cannot send email via Mail iCloud to one distinctive email provider. The emails bounce back after hours with this msg: "refused to talk to me: 421 EHLO MXIN201 Your HELO/EHLO outbound.qs.icloud.com is not matching you DNS configuration"


This happens when I send email via iCloud with wifi on. If I send it thru my iPhone mobile service (wifi off) the email reaches its destination 100%. Also, I can reach it thru gmail or outlook accounts. Strangely enough I can reach my iCloud address from that other email address no problem. Even more strange: I can send email to that email address using iCloud webmail.

I have spent hours talking to Apple Support and the provider, to no avail. The provider says it's an issue with iCloud. Apple says it's a problem with the provider.

I have checked ALL settings (osx mail, system, router) and cannot find any problem. All settings are as expected. I have latest software on all devices. I have switched off all security software (Norton). This issue started after I installed OSX 15.4. but I doubt that this is the problem.


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iMac (2017 – 2020)

Posted on Apr 17, 2025 8:44 AM

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User profile for user: PeterKurt
PeterKurt Author
User level: Level 1
44 points

Posted on Apr 23, 2025 6:18 AM

Solution found!

Following a suggestion from a very savvy user in the German Apple Community , I changed my DNS settings on my iPhone to 8.8.8.8 (Google), deleted the DNS numbers from my provider. Sent a test email to the troublesome email Adress and - it was delivered!

Next I did the same on my iMac , then deleted the Google DNS and reinstalled the original DNS settings on my iMac , sent an email and it got delivered right away. Somehow the DNS and SMTP settings must have got corrupted after update to 15.4. / 18.4.

I'll keep my fingers crossed.


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User profile for user: mikebhm
mikebhm
User level: Level 1
98 points

Apr 23, 2025 9:30 AM in response to PeterKurt

Thank you very much for this. Has anyone else tried this solution?

I have two individuals (out of hundreds of people I email) whose messages from my mac.com address have started bouncing with this message. Both were OK last month.

I have changed my DNS to Googles 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 and sent them both a test message. Now waiting for a thumbs up from them or another bounce.

If it works think I will probably keep the Google DNS.

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User profile for user: JohnWill70
JohnWill70
User level: Level 1
34 points

Apr 29, 2025 3:19 AM in response to PeterKurt

@PeterKurt - Where did you delete, change re-add DNS settings?


Edit: That worked, though for how long I don't know. In Mac OS Settings, for the active WiFi network click Details > DNS, change to 8.8.8.8 and send a mail - worked. Deleted that which caused it to revert to the router/gateway address of 192.168.0.1. Sent another test and that too worked. I guess I'll do the same on my iPhone to test that works.

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User profile for user: JohnWill70
JohnWill70
User level: Level 1
34 points

May 7, 2025 12:58 PM in response to alternate176

alternate176 wrote:

Problem solved for me without changing anything on my environment. Magic...until when??

Just saw your message and tried mine again, sending an e mail from my iCloud to virginmedia address and it went through immediately. Maybe whatever caused the problem has been fixed.

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How to resolve 'HELO/EHLO outbound.qs.icloud.com is not matching your DNS configuration' error in iCloud Mail?

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