Apple Mail Unable to Connect to Server – [SOLVED]
Does Apple Mail unable to connect to server and thereby you are constantly wondering how Apple Mail connects to a server? However, Apple Mail is a default email client of Apple that effortlessly syncs across all Apple devices. Although several users feel satisfied with Apple Mail functioning but some face several challenges where Apple Mail unable to connect to server that prevent users from sending/receiving of emails. When Mac Mail disconnects with the server, it disrupts the flow of email communication, result delay the sending/receiving of emails, restricting the extract of email history along with contacts and potentially causing data loss if not fixed quickly. In case you are encountering Apple Mail unable to connect to server issue, then you’ll find a solution in a further segment. Here we have provided a guide that will help you to understand the reason behind getting the error and the solution for resolving the same.
How to know if Apple Mail unable to connect to Server?
Wondering why you unable to send emails in Apple Mail? Or probably you didn’t receive any email since few days and you start thinking why. If you are encountering errors such as not able to send any email in Apple Mail or email history failed to load or it is possible you are experiencing issues with server connectivity.
Many times users address error notifications stating “Unable to connect to server” or spinning wheel appearing beside account name. These issues usually indicate the primary cause with server connectivity. However, getting Apple Mail unable to connect to server means that it is unable to set up a connection with the server where email account is hosted. Users facing such issues mostly gain from troubleshooting similar to Apple Mail connectivity issues to detect patterns. This will have a few implications for the end user aka you –
Not able to Send or Receive Emails
One of the most understandable signals when Apple Mail unable to connect to server when a user not able to send/receive emails through a Mail app.
Emails get Stuck in the Outbox
Without the connection to the email server, any email you are thinking about sending will present in the outbox and you not able to receive any new emails until the connection establishes again. This leads to communication delay and missed emails.
Email History not loading
If Apple Mail loses connectivity with the email server, then it will have problem loading full email history and contact list. It may load the most recent emails but won’t load all of them.
You Encounter Data Loss
In many severe cases, if Apple Mail is unable to connect to server for long period of time, then there is a risk of data loss especially if emails are not appropriately synchronized and backed up.
Why Apple Mail is unable to connect to Server?
There could be few possible reasons why Apple Mail app not able to create a steady connection with email server. Some of them are mentioned here –
Incorrect IMAP/POP Settings
Apple Mail connects to email servers using Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP) and Post Office Protocol (POP) ensures smooth interaction between Mac Mail email client and the email server. Incorrect IMAP or POP settings are the most recurrent reasons behind Apple Mail cannot to the email server.
Mismatch Security Protocol
Email Servers mostly need specific security protocols such as SSL/TLS to encrypt communications between client and the server. If Mac Mail is configured to use the wrong security protocol or in case the server need encryption but it is enabled in the settings, then the connection will be rejected.
Software Conflicts
Conflicts between the Mail app and the other software installed on your Mac lead to syncing issues. This includes conflicts with other email applications, system utilities, or security software.
Blocked Firewall
At times, Mac’s firewall also prevent Mail app from establishing connection with the email server. Firewalls are safety measures that track and control incoming as well as outgoing network traffic. If it is strictly configured, then they obstruct legitimate connections including those needed for Apple Mail to generate connection with the Mail Server.
Server Maintenance
At times due to occasional server maintenance, Mail app encounters many difficulties. Email Server many times perform schedule maintenance to make sure the steadiness and security of the servers. During such periods, servers become temporarily unavailable or their functionality get reduced which lead to connection issues with email applications such as Apple Mail. If that’s the situation, then there is little one can do except waiting for the maintenance to be completed.
Internet Connectivity Issues
A steady internet connection is important for a Mail app to work appropriately and connect to the server. If the device has an issue with internet connectivity such as unstable Wi-Fi signal, router problems, or network congestion, these will affect the communication between the device and the email server. Thus, emails won’t able to sync or receive on time.
How to Fix – Apple Mail Unable to Connect to Server
In case you are encountering issues with Mac Mail and you are wondering if there is something you can do, then yes. Here are few solutions which you can use to resolve the issue. Here are some troubleshooting methods discussed that you may take help of to resolve the error Apple Mail unable to connect to server –
Restart Mail App
If you are facing errors in Mac Mail, such as Apple Mail cannot connect to server then the first step you may take is to start the Mail app again. Performing the restart will often fix small syncing issues and enable the app to function normally. To refresh Apple Mail email, navigate towards Mailbox menu appearing at the top of the screen and select “Get all New Email” or press Command + Shift + N. This action will ask the app to check for new incoming emails and update Mail inbox folder. You may also close the app and open it again.
Update Email account Password
If you are encountering challenges with one of the email accounts connected to Apple Mail, then it is because you have changed the password recently of that email account. And if this happened, then it is important to update the password in Apple Mail as well along with incoming mail server and outgoing mail server passwords. Follow the below steps to do the same –
- Navigate to Mail and click Settings.
- Tap Accounts and choose the required email account which is not working properly.
- Go to account to enter new password.
Now, update the password for outgoing mail server –
- Navigate to Settings, click Mail and choose the account.
- Move to Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP) and select Advanced tab.
- Enter new password.
After password is updated, Mail app should initiate syncing with the email account again but updating will take some time.
Remove & Reconnect Email Profile
Another way to re-set up the server connectivity is to remove as well as reconnect the email account that you are encountering issues with. This will refresh email account settings which will fix the root issues that are cause Apple Mail unable to connect to server error. You may remove email account in Apple Mail in just few clicks and configure it again. After this is done, check if you are now able to send/receive emails.
Test Server Connectivity
Apple Mail has inbuilt diagnostic tool i.e. Connection Doctor that allow users to verify the status of email server connections. This offers real-time details of a connection to the incoming and outgoing servers, helping in highlighting issues that preventing inbox from updating, sending or receiving, or loading email history. If you discover that your Mail app has connectivity issues, then you may use the Connection Doctor tool to investigate. The tool will verify incoming & outgoing server settings, address server-related issues. To avoid the issue, it is suggested to make use of reliable proxy server.
Reset Firewall and Security Settings
In some situations, firewalls or security settings on Mac may stop Apple Mail to establish connection with the mail server. Resetting the configurations can guide in offering guarantee that the Mail app holds important permissions to interact with the mail server and sync new messages. This will deactivate the firewall temporarily or security software, modifying settings to allow access to Apple Mail and then re-enabling or adjusting server as required upholding security.
Verifying that ports 143 (IMAP) or 110 (POP) are open in firewall settings which can frequently aid in fixing problems with Apple Mail not refreshing the inbox.
Consider Apple Mail Alternatives
If you are making use of Apple Mail to take care of multiple email accounts at once but constantly facing issues with the server, then try to look for its alternatives. Fortunately, there are many email applications which are useful in managing more than one email account at once. Additionally, it is necessary to take backup of Apple Mail mailboxes before implementing the process.
You may one either MacMister Apple Mail Converter to export Apple Mail mailboxes into many saving options or in case you have MBOX files, then utilize MBOX Converter for Mac. This will preserve your important data into reliable and secure saving type.