// REFERENCE · PORT 25 · TCP

Port 25: SMTP

Port 25 is SMTP, the port mail servers use to deliver email to each other.

AT A GLANCE
PORT
25 / TCP
SERVICE
SMTP
ALSO CALLED
smtp, mail relay, email
IF EXPOSED
LOW RISK IF EXPOSED

What runs on port 25

Every mail server that receives email for a domain listens on TCP 25, and servers hand messages to each other over it. It dates from 1982 and was originally unencrypted, though most servers now upgrade to TLS with STARTTLS. Email apps are supposed to send through 587 or 465 instead.

On a home network

Home devices almost never listen on 25. A NAS running a mail server package is the usual exception. Printers and cameras that send email alerts connect out to a mail provider, usually on 587 or 465.

If port 25 is reachable from the internet

On a real mail server, 25 open to the internet is required and normal. On a home connection it is unusual, and a misconfigured mail server that relays mail for anyone gets abused for spam quickly. Many residential ISPs block port 25 to stop infected home computers from sending spam directly.

How to check whether it is open on your network

If you do not run a mail server, nothing on your network should have 25 forwarded; check your router's port forwarding list. A port scan of your public address from outside confirms it.

// RELATED PORTS
587SMTP submissionTCPLOW RISK IF EXPOSED465SMTPSTCPLOW RISK IF EXPOSED110POP3TCPMEDIUM RISK IF EXPOSED143IMAPTCPMEDIUM RISK IF EXPOSED
ON YOUR PHONE · EXPOSURE CHECK

To find out whether port 25 is open on something in your home, and whether the internet can reach it, the app scans your Wi-Fi from your phone and checks your public address from the outside. It says what it checked and what it could not. Get RECON for iPhone — one-time purchase, no account, nothing leaves the device.

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