What is SMTP authentication?

SMTP stands for simple mail transfer protocol and is an Internet standard for email transmission. SMTP Authentication ensures that only authorized users have access to Road Runner email servers.

SMTP authentication is required any time you are away from your home and want to access your email via an email client or a smartphone. If SMTP authentication is enabled, you can access your email from any Internet connection.

• If SMTP authentication is not working or is not set up properly, your email client requests your Road Runner user name and password. Or you might receive an error, such as, "Your server has unexpectedly terminated the connection.'' In many email clients, there is a Test Account Settings button you can click that checks whether you have configured the settings correctly.

You can access your Road Runner Web Mail without setting up SMTP authentication.

If you have an iPhone, see How do I set up my iPhone to receive email from my Road Runner email account?