Shared cPanel servers limit how many messages each domain can send per hour. The limit protects the server's reputation: if one hacked contact form or one large mailing could send unlimited mail, the whole server would be blocklisted and everybody's email would land in spam. Normal business email never comes close to the limit.
Before you start
- If you received a bounce or notice mentioning "max emails per hour", note the time and which address sent the messages.
What happens at the limit
- Messages over the limit are not lost straight away. The server defers them and retries later, when the hourly counter has room again.
- If the queue keeps growing for many hours, messages eventually fail and the sender gets a bounce such as
Domain example.com has exceeded the max emails per hour (n/n (100%)) allowed. Message discarded. - Failed or deferred messages also count toward the limit, so a spam outbreak can block legitimate mail for the rest of the hour.
Your plan's exact hourly value may vary by product; ask support if you need to know it for planning.
See what was sent
- Open cPanel → Email → Track Delivery.
- Run a report with Show Deferred and Show Failures enabled.
- Look at the sender column. One address or a script user (your cPanel username) sending hundreds of messages points to the cause.
More on reading the report in Track Delivery.
Common causes
| Cause | Sign | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Compromised mailbox | Spam sent from one address, often abroad | Change password, see secure email accounts |
| Abused contact form | Many messages from the cPanel user to random recipients | Add CAPTCHA or honeypot, update the form plugin |
| Newsletter sent from the hosting | Burst of messages to your list | Use an email marketing service |
| Mailing list with many members | Each post creates one message per member | Keep lists small; see mailing lists |
| Plugin sending notifications in a loop | Repeated identical messages | Disable the plugin, check its settings |
Warning: If you see mail you did not send, act immediately: suspend outgoing mail for the address and change its password. Sending spam can get the account suspended.
Sending newsletters the right way
- Use a dedicated email marketing or transactional email service for lists. They handle bounces, unsubscribes and reputation.
- Connect your website to that service via SMTP or API so order and form emails do not count toward the hosting limit either.
- Publish the service's SPF include and DKIM record in Zone Editor so mail is authenticated.
Need more?
If your legitimate everyday volume is close to the limit, contact support. Depending on the plan we can advise on options, such as a reseller or VPS plan, or an external sending service.