Mail server monitoring
When a mail server stops answering, nobody notices until messages bounce or clients cannot sync. FastPing holds the same opening conversation as a mail client and tells you when it fails.
Check details
- Monitor type
- SMTP server, IMAP server and POP3 server
- Target
- Host name or IP address
- Default port
- 25 · 993 · 995
- Fastest interval
- 5 minutes
- Before a down alert
- A second check after 20 seconds
- Checked from
- Helsinki, Finland (EU)
How it works
- FastPing connects to your SMTP, IMAP or POP3 server and reads its greeting.
- It asks for the capabilities and upgrades with STARTTLS when it is offered, or uses TLS from the first byte on ports 465, 993 and 995.
- It validates the certificate, then ends the session without logging in and without sending any message.
- Two failed checks in a row open an incident and alert you.
What FastPing checks
- Availability
The server accepts the connection and answers with a valid greeting.
- Encryption
STARTTLS or implicit TLS works, and you can require it.
- Certificates
Untrusted, mismatched or expired certificates, with a warning before expiry.
- Greeting time
An optional warning when the greeting is slower than your threshold.
Set it up
Choose SMTP server, IMAP server or POP3 server. Enter the host name, and the port if it is not the default (25, 993 or 995). Keep the automatic encryption setting, or require STARTTLS, then save.
Frequently asked questions
If your question is not here, write to us. We reply by email, usually within one business day.
Contact supportDoes FastPing need my mailbox password?
No. FastPing never logs in and never sends mail. It only reads the greeting and capabilities and tests encryption.
Why is a missing STARTTLS only a note on port 25?
Mail servers usually encrypt traffic between each other opportunistically and still deliver without it. Choose "Require STARTTLS" if you want an alert anyway.
Can I check the SPF, DKIM and DMARC records too?
Yes, with an email security monitor on your domain, and a blacklist monitor for your mail server address.
Related monitoring
- DMARC, SPF and DKIM monitoringGraded SPF, DKIM and DMARC records, with change alerts for SPF and DMARC and for DKIM keys that disappear.
- Blacklist monitoringMail server IPs and domains checked against DNS blocklists such as Spamhaus every six hours.
- SSL certificate monitoringExpiry warnings and alerts for broken chains, hostname mismatches and self-signed certificates.
Start with the free plan
3 monitors, checks every 5 minutes and 1 status page. No payment details needed.
Spamhaus is a trademark of its owner. FastPing is not affiliated with or endorsed by its owner.