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Playbook for makers · Forced move · free while in beta

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Exchange Online: password SMTP AUTH off by default end of 2026

Readers can stay on Exchange Online: they change a setting or plan. Help the ones who would rather leave.

No deadline yet. · Public page

Low switching pressure21/100

An estimate from the deadline, cost, discussion and need to move. It is not a product rating.

What goes into it

Confidence: low.

deadline0/30
money14/25
attention0/25
audience0/12
force7/8
  • No deadline. People complain but few move. Treat as weak unless attention is high.
  • The change is forced: it reaches users even if they wait.

  1. 1 Related discussions

    Only threads tied to this event that talk about leaving, moving or prices. Saved, not live. Check the date and read the thread before replying.

    No live threads yet.

  2. 2 What people ask

    No common questions yet.

  3. 3 Reply templates

    Answer the question first. Link only if it helps. Always keep the disclosure line. Never post the same text twice.

    Helpful first
    Sorry you have to deal with this. You can stay on Exchange Online. Here is what to change:

1. List what sends mail with a password. Check printers, scanners, website forms, apps and scripts that send through Exchange Online.
2. Switch each one to OAuth. Update the device, plugin or code so it signs in with OAuth instead of a password.
3. Keep a short list of exceptions. If a device cannot use OAuth, plan to replace it. Admins can turn password SMTP back on for now.

If they would rather leave, describe a verified way <your product> can help: <your link>
[Disclosure: I build <your product>.]
    Short answer
    You can stay on Exchange Online. First: list what sends mail with a password. Then switch each one to OAuth.
Happy to help if you get stuck.
[Disclosure: I build <your product>.]

  4. 4 Switch-page builder

    Create a draft “Switch from Exchange Online” page. Add your product, review every claim, then copy HTML or Markdown. Your product claims need your own evidence.

    • Add your product name to replace “Your product”.
    Preview

    Switch from Exchange Online to Your product

    Password SMTP AUTH (Basic auth) in Exchange Online: a change is due. You can stay on Exchange Online. If you would rather leave, here is how to move to Your product.

    What changes at Exchange Online

    At the end of December 2026, Exchange Online turns off SMTP AUTH with a username and password by default. Printers, apps and scripts that send mail this way need OAuth.

    • Off by default: End of December 2026, for existing tenants (Microsoft)
    • Until then: No change (Microsoft)
    • Can admins turn it back on?: Yes, admins will still be able to enable it if needed (Microsoft)
    • New tenants created after December 2026: Not available by default; OAuth is the supported method (Microsoft)
    • Final removal date: Microsoft will announce it in the second half of 2027 (Microsoft)
    • What to use: OAuth (Microsoft)
    • Posted: January 27, 2026 (Microsoft)
    • Devices and apps that send with a password: Stop sending at the end of December 2026 unless an admin turns it back on (Microsoft)

    You can stay on Exchange Online if you make the change. This page is for people who would rather leave.

    What Your product gives you

    Write two or three short lines here. Say what Your product does, who it is for, and what it costs. Use only facts you can show.

    How to move from Exchange Online to Your product

    1. Save what you need from Exchange Online. Keep a copy before you cancel anything.
    2. Import into Your product. Say which files you accept and how long an import takes.

    Tell readers to move before their next renewal.

    Questions people ask

    If Your product has a direct answer to one of these, add it here. Keep it short and true.

    How to help new users settle in

    Send one short email. Say what changed, where to find you now, and what they need to do. Put the most important line first.

    If there is a date, send a short reminder a few days before it. Keep a copy of the list you sent it to.

    Sources

  5. 5 Search ideas to validate

    suggested, not measured Phrases people may search when a tool changes like this. We have no search volume data for them.

    • password smtp auth in exchange online
    • exchange online alternative
    • exchange online alternatives
    • exchange online export
    • how to leave exchange online
    • switch from exchange online
    • exchange online migration
    • exchange online migration 2026