Error sending email using Power Automate

Question

We are getting the following error message using Power Automate to open our local email application and send an email automatically.

A connection attempt failed because the connected party did not properly respond after a period of time, or established connection failed because connected host has failed to respond: Microsoft.PowerPlatform.PowerAutomate.Desktop.Actions.SDK.ActionException: Failed to send email message. ---> System.IO.IOException: A connection attempt failed because the connected party did not properly respond after a period of time, or established connection failed because connected host has failed to respond ---> System.Net.Sockets.SocketException: A connection attempt failed because the connected party did not properly respond after a period of time, or established connection failed because connected host has failed to respond.

Please suggest if we need to adjust any settings on our machine so this could go through.

Answer 1

Dear @Jacek Jackiewicz,

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A forum.

I understand that you are experiencing an issue with Power Automate when attempting to open Microsoft Outlook. As a forum moderator, I genuinely wish I could directly access your account or delve into the backend systems to diagnose and fix this for you. However, our role here is limited to providing general guidance and solutions that can be applied by users.

Based on your description and my research, this appears to be a socket-level timeout issue. This typically occurs when Power Automate attempts to establish a connection to your mail server but does not receive a response within the allotted time frame. In most cases, this indicates that a network barrier such as a firewall, antivirus software, or proxy is blocking or delaying the outbound traffic from reaching the destination host.

If you have Norton, McAfee, or Avast, look for "Mail Shield" or "Email Scanning" settings. This issue is common because these features intercept SMTP traffic to scan it, which creates a delay that causes the SocketException. Temporarily disable this to see if the flow runs.

Windows Firewall:

• Go to Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.
• Select Outbound Rules > New Rule.
• Select Program and browse to
  C:\Program Files (x86)\Power Automate Desktop\PAD.Console.Host.exe
• Select Allow the connection.

Additionally, I recommend posting your question in the dedicated Microsoft Power Platform community. This forum primarily focuses on Microsoft 365 Office and their native features, and I have limited resources for advanced Power Automate scenarios. Your issue would be better supported by specialists in the Microsoft Power Platform forumwhere you can receive more targeted guidance, including sample flows and deeper troubleshooting assistance.

I sincerely apologize for redirecting you. I understand this may not be the answer you were hoping for, and it can be frustrating when solutions are not straightforward. Please know that, as a forum moderator, directing you to the appropriate specialized support is the most effective assistance I can provide in my role. I truly hope your issue is resolved swiftly, and I wish you all the best.

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Answer 2

The error message you are encountering when using Power Automate to send an email indicates a connection issue with the email server. This can occur for several reasons, including incorrect server settings or network issues. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue:

1. Check Email Server Settings: Ensure that the SMTP server settings in your email application are correct. This includes the server address and port number.
2. Firewall and Antivirus Settings: Verify that your firewall or antivirus software is not blocking the connection to the email server. You may need to allow the application through your firewall.
3. Network Connection: Ensure that your internet connection is stable and that you can access the email server from your machine. You can try pinging the server or accessing it through a web browser.
4. Timeout Settings: If possible, check if there are any timeout settings in your email application or Power Automate that can be adjusted to allow for longer connection attempts.
5. Local Application Configuration: If you are trying to open a local email application, ensure that it is properly configured to handle requests from Power Automate.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may want to consult your IT department for further assistance or check for any known issues with Power Automate and your email provider.

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References:

• A general mailbox access error occurred while receiving email
• Troubleshoot common issues with email in flows