How to Fix SMTP ERROR: Failed to connect to server: Connection refused (111) error on WordPress

Many of the WordPress users are encountering the problem when sending emails from WordPress using any plugins. Some of them are encountering the ‘SMTP ERROR: Failed to connect with server: Connection refused (111) error’.

To fix this error, you will need to disable SMTP Restrictions on your server.

1) Log in to WHM.

2) Go to “SMTP Restrictions” in the “Security Center”. The security center section of WHM allows you to enhance the security on your server.

3) In order to disable SMTP restrictions, you will need to click on the “Disable” button. This feature prevents users from bypassing the mail server to send mail, a common practice used by spammers. Only the MTA, mailman, and root will be allowed to connect to remote SMTP servers.

4) Next, navigate to “Tweak Settings” under “Server Configuration”. Tweak settings allows you to configure various cPanel & WHM settings. The settings are categorized by tabs at the top of the interface, and the “All” tab displays all the settings.

5) Disable “Restrict outgoing SMTP to root, exim, and mailman (FKA SMTP Tweak)” in the mail section. Enabling this feature will redirect outgoing SMTP connections to the local mail server. Only root, exim, and mailman will be allowed to make direct connections.

That’s it. The issue should now be resolved.

If you need any further assistance, please contact our support department.