TLDR
Due to the high risk of spam, abuse, and IP blacklisting associated with SMTP traffic, outbound port 25 (SMTP) is blocked by default on all DreamWebHosts VPS and Dedicated Servers. Port 25 may be unblocked after verification for legitimate use cases that comply with our network and anti-abuse policies.
Why Port 25 Is Blocked by Default
Email abuse and unsolicited bulk email (spam) remain one of the leading causes of IP reputation damage across hosting networks. Even a single misconfigured or compromised server can result in collateral IP blacklisting, affecting multiple customers.
To protect our infrastructure and customers, DreamWebHosts follows industry-accepted best practices, including the guidelines published by the Messaging, Malware and Mobile Anti-Abuse Working Group (M3AAWG).
As a result:
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Outbound SMTP traffic on port 25 is blocked by default on all VPS and Dedicated Servers.
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This policy helps prevent abuse, protects IP reputation, and ensures long-term email deliverability across our network.
Eligibility to Request Port 25 Unblocking
You may request port 25 to be unblocked if all of the following conditions are met:
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The server has been active for at least 30 days
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There are no outstanding invoices or billing issues
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The request is for a legitimate, compliant email use case
Each request is reviewed individually and approval is not guaranteed.
Required Information for SMTP Unblock Requests
To request outbound SMTP access on port 25, please submit the following details:
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Email Use Case Statement
A clear explanation of how email will be sent and what measures you will take to ensure your server is not used for spam or abuse. -
Server Identity Configuration
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A valid hostname pointing to the main IP address of your VPS or server
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Properly configured reverse DNS (rDNS) matching the hostname
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Incomplete or unclear requests may be delayed or denied.
Mailing-Only Servers Are Not Allowed
DreamWebHosts does not permit mailing-only servers, defined as systems whose primary purpose is sending email over SMTP.
To clarify:
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This policy does not affect standard web hosting environments that include email as a secondary service.
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It does apply to servers created primarily for bulk or outbound email sending.
Servers that generate spam complaints across multiple IPs, or exhibit behavior consistent with email abuse, may be suspended or have SMTP access revoked.
Spam Complaints & Monitoring
Our network is continuously monitored through:
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Multiple feedback loops
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Spam complaint reports
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Spam trap hits (e.g., Microsoft SNDS, major mailbox providers)
If a server shows:
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A high complaint ratio
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Spam trap activity
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Repeated abuse reports
SMTP access may be re-blocked or suspended, even after prior approval.
⚠️ Mailing lists that are not strictly double opt-in (including single opt-in or opt-out-only lists) may result in immediate suspension.
IP Rotation Policy
IP rotation for sending email is not permitted without prior authorization.
Examples:
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A server with multiple IPs sending mail across all IPs
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Rotating IPs to avoid spam detection or reputation issues
If multiple IPs associated with a server receive spam complaints or trigger spam traps, SMTP access may be blocked - even if previously approved.
Exceptions
Limited exceptions may be granted to:
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Established web hosting companies operating mail servers
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Verified M3AAWG members
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Known, reputable mailing services
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Trusted postmasters with a proven history of compliant email practices
In short: well-known, reputable senders with strong email hygiene typically have no difficulty obtaining approval.
Additional Considerations
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SMTP requests are evaluated based on domain age, sender reputation, and use case
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Requests must be submitted per server
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Requests submitted from free email providers (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo) may be denied or require additional verification
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Servers migrating from another provider that require SMTP immediately should clearly state this during the initial request
After SMTP Approval
Once port 25 access is approved, customers are strongly advised to review and follow best practices for mail server setup, including:
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Proper authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
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Secure SMTP configuration
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Monitoring outbound mail activity
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Regular abuse and log reviews
Failure to maintain proper email practices may result in SMTP access being revoked.
