The most common reason is that the recipient email address was not added using the “+” icon, so the system does not recognize where to send the email. Other possible causes include using the wrong SMTP port number, choosing an unsupported security type, running outdated firmware, or having network connections that are blocked. Before you start troubleshooting, make sure you have not exceeded your email provider’s daily or monthly sending limits. Also, it’s helpful to reboot your modem and router before moving forward.
1. Click the Plus Sign to Activate the Email Address
The Amcrest application’s user interface can be confusing. Sometimes, users think they have entered the email address, but it won’t become active until the plus sign is clicked. This could be the reason for your issue, and clicking the plus sign to activate the email address may solve the problem.
2. Enable DHCP in the Settings of Your Router and Device
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) allows network devices (like PCs, network printers, and mobile devices) to automatically get their IP addresses. If DHCP is not enabled on your router or camera, you might see this email error. We will explain the process for Amcrest cameras, but it is very similar for Amcrest DVRs/NVRs.
3. Switch Between Wired and Wireless Network
There is a known bug in some Amcrest devices where email won’t send over a wireless connection, but works with a wired connection. The error you’re experiencing may be because of this bug. In this situation, try testing your email with a wired connection. If it works, you can switch back to wireless and test again.
4. Change Authentication to TLS
Protocols like SSL and TLS help secure your data during transmission. If the authentication protocol being used isn’t supported by your email provider or device, it could cause errors. Switching to TLS, which is often required by modern email providers, may resolve the issue.
5. Free Up Storage of Your Email
All email accounts come with a storage limit set by your provider. If you have reached your storage cap, the Amcrest device may not be able to send emails. Deleting some old emails, buying more storage, or setting up regular clean-up rules can help fix the issue.
6. Turn off Two Factor Authentication and Allow Less Secure Apps
Some apps or devices may not support the latest security standards required by your email provider, which can lead to blocked access. Enabling access for less secure apps may resolve the issue. Here’s how you can do it for Gmail.
7. Update Firmware of Your Amcrest Device
Amcrest regularly updates device firmware to address new security protocols (especially those imposed by providers like Google) and to fix bugs. If your firmware is outdated, you may experience these errors. Updating your device firmware can often resolve the issue.
8. Try Another Email Service
Email providers frequently change their settings to increase security and performance. Sometimes, your current email provider (like Gmail) might not work well with Amcrest devices. In this case, try using another email service like Outlook. If you must use your primary email, you can set up automatic forwarding from another service.
9. Use Your Own SMTP Server
If nothing else works, you can set up a free mail server on your PC so your Amcrest device can send emails to it. One popular option is hMailServer. Here’s how you can set it up:
