What happens if an email exceeds the server's size limit?

When an email exceeds the server's size limit, it is not accepted by the server and typically generates an error code. This mechanism is in place to ensure that the server remains functional and can operate effectively without being overloaded by large emails.

When sending an email, the sending server checks the size of the message against the predetermined limits set by the receiving server. If the size exceeds this limit, the server rejects the email outright rather than attempting to store it or process it in any way. The user sending the email usually receives a notification that an error has occurred, often accompanied by a specific error code which indicates the nature of the issue, helping them understand that the problem is related to the size of the email. This process maintains the efficiency and reliability of email communication, preventing disruptions in service caused by oversized messages.