Fix "535 5.7.8": SMTP authentication failed (bad username or password)
Getting 535 5.7.8? It means SMTP authentication failed (bad username or password).
How to fix it
Check credentials; many providers require an app password, not your login password.
Prevent it
- Authenticate with SPF, DKIM and DMARC.
- Use a dedicated IP.
- Keep bounce and complaint rates low.
How Rainmail helps
Rainmail sends from your own domain on a dedicated, isolated IP with SPF, DKIM, DMARC, reverse-DNS and managed warm-up handled for you, a REST API, and an AI watching deliverability — and it welcomes senders SES, SendGrid and Mailchimp reject, from $8. Run the free checker or see plans.