SMTP Error Encyclopedia · Entry 014

Mailbox temporarily busy

Generic · Mailbox · 450 4.2.0

Exact response pattern450 4.2.0 Mailbox busy or temporarily unavailable
TemporaryGenericMailbox

What it means

The mailbox exists but is temporarily unable to receive the message.

Likely causes

  • Mailbox lock or backend issue.
  • Temporary quota handling.

Recommended response

  1. Keep queued and retry.
  2. Escalate only if the condition persists.
Operational rule: Preserve the complete SMTP response, remote hostname, sending IP, envelope sender and timestamp. Never diagnose from the three-digit code alone.

Related entries

Browse all SMTP errors Decode a bounce

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