Fix iPhone Can’t Get Mail: The Connection to the Server Failed

What to do when you meet connect server failed issue? Fortunately, you can get 9 different ways to fix it in this in-depth article. Among these methods, we offer you a special solution that not only solves the connect server failed problem, but also solves other iOS and Android problems

Author Avatar Joy Taylor Last Updated: Aug. 30, 2024

You are trying to log in to your mail and the error pop-ups telling you that “Cannot Get Mail – The connection to the server failed“. Don’t you worry! because we have a solution for you. In this article, you will not only get to know why the connection to the server fails but also how you can avoid them in the future. To solve the connect server failed problem, we will need to understand it first.

1. Repair iPhone Connect Server Failed via iPhone Repair Tool

If you want a quick and guaranteed 90% chance of fixing the problem, then you better use iPhone repair software. Among the iOS system repair software available in the market, AnyFix is highly recommended. It is designed to get iPhone/iPad users out of software problems and data loss dilemmas. So, it allows you to repair iOS and fix various iPhone problems, including connect server failed issue, stuck on factory reset, iPhone black screen, attempting data recovery cannot be completed, etc. Supports all iOS versions and iPhone/iPad models. Follow below steps to fix iPhone connect server failed issue.

AnyFix – Fix iPhone Connect Server Failed

  • Fix iPhone stuck on emergency SOS mode with simple clicks.
  • 3 repair modes. All of your repair needs can be satisfied.
  • Repair 150+ iOS issues and 200+ iTunes problems in minutes.
  • No erase of data on your iPhone, 100% clean & safe.

Free Download100% Clean & Safe

Free Download100% Clean & Safe

Free Download* 100% Clean & Safe

Step 1. Free download, install, and run AnyFix on your computer. From the home page window, select System Repair.

AnyFix System Repair Option

AnyFix System Repair Option

Step 2. Connect the iPhone to your computer and select the App Issues from the program window. Then click on the Start Now button to proceed.

AnyFix System Repair App Issues

AnyFix System Repair App Issues

Step 3. Choose the Standard Repair option from the program window and follow the screen instructions to put your iPhone into recovery mode.

AnyFix Standard Repair

AnyFix Standard Repair

Step 4. Confirm the device information and click on the Download button to download the device firmware package.

Click Download to Add a Firmware

Click Download to Add a Firmware

Step 5. Click on the Fix Now button to start the repair process. Wait till the process finishes and make sure that the device stays connected to your computer.

Repair Is Completed

Repair Is Completed

2. Check the Internet Connection

You may have a problem with the server directly, but it could be your internet connection in most cases. Your wifi router or Mobile data can sometimes hinder your login details and stop you from connecting to the internet. 

Every device perceives data differently, so it is expected it has its capabilities for connecting to the network. It is said that whenever a problem arises, look for the simplest explanation. And most of the time, it is the solution. 

So, the first thing you will be required to do when presented with the server connection failure is to look at your Network device simply. 

Try applying the following fixes and check if the problem is resolved.

Restart the wi-fi router

  • If you are using a Wi-fi router, then your main goal will be to restart it. 
  • Every router has a power button behind where the ethernet cables are connected. 
  • Find the power button and press it. 
  • Check if the light indicators on the router have turned off. 
  • This will be your cue to press the power button again and start the router.
Restart Wi-Fi Router

Restart Wi-Fi Router

 Note: before pressing the button to restart the router, it’s advised to wait for at least 2-3 minutes. 

Check the devices connected to the internet

  • If you are using Wi-fi, you may have multiple devices connected. 
  • It may happen that the Connect to server failed problem may be limited to your device only. 
  • To confirm that suspicion, your goal would be to look for other devices connected to the wi-fi. 
  • Look if the connection is stable on the other devices. 
  • Try logging in from those devices. It may solve your issue. 

Check your Mobile Data

  • If you are not using a wi-fi router, the issue could be coming from your Mobile Network provider. 
  • It may happen that the 4G/5G services are temporarily unavailable or any other local issue. 
  • To solve this, you will need to call your network provider helpline to provide you with the details or wait for the issue to resolve itself. 

Call Help-line/support

  • If your wi-fi router still presents the problem, you can try contacting the service provider company. 
  • Every company that provides a network offers a helpline service. 
  • You can easily find the helpline contact number on your router.

3. Restart Your iPhone

Another of the simplest solutions to the server connection issue is restarting your phone.

  • If you are using a wi-fi router, check the devices connected to the internet. 
  • If the service works fine on the other devices, the issue may be with your Mobile device. 
  • Or sometimes it may happen due to prolonged screentime. Your device has built up excessive cache storage that affects your connection to the server and the internet. 
  • The simple solution is to restart your phone. 

4. Re-enter Your Mail Account

  • The connection server failed issue may occur because of a corrupted application or service you use on your phone. 
  • In cases where you have not verified your email account can result in a connection failure. 
  • This error can occur both in iPhone and Android devices. 

Follow the following steps if you encounter this issue on your iPhone:

  1. Go to settings.
  2. Find the Mail, Contact, and Calendars options.
  3. Open the email account, causing the “Connection server failed” error, and select the “Delete Account” option.
  4. Head back to the Mail, Contact, Calendars option again after deleting the account.
  5. Add the account that was causing the problem. 
  6. Refresh the messages and try connecting again to see if the issue is resolved.
iPhone Re-enter Your Mail Account

iPhone Re-enter Your Mail Account

5. Change the “mail days to sync”

Sometimes changing the sync time on your iOS device will help you resolve server connectivity issues. And please note this option is only available for iOS 8 to iOS 13. 

Follow the steps mentioned below.

  1. Go to settings.
  2. Tap on password and accounts. (Note: If this option isn’t available on your device, go to Mail > Accounts or Mail, Contacts, Calendars.)
  3. Tap on the email account where you want to change the settings.
  4. Tap on Mail Days to Sync and select how many days of email you want to download to Mail. 
  5. To synchronize all mail, select “No Limit”.
  6. You have now successfully synced your mail to your wish.
Change the Mail Days to Sync Option on iPhone

Change the Mail Days to Sync Option on iPhone

6. Check Date & Time Settings:

It might seem trivial. But region, date, and time can affect your server connectivity. It is one of the most commonly ignored issues. Date and time settings can change in the following conditions. 

  • It could happen that mistakenly your date or time settings get changed. 
  • Your phone could be in the hands of a kid that unknowingly disrupts the phone date and time settings. 
  • Some errors could occur due to downloading third-party apps. 
  • It could also be possible that you may not have set the Region/Time zone to automatic. 
  • In older models, while traveling internationally, your region does not change, and you need to set the region manually for the date and time to be synced. 

Follow the steps below to ensure the date and time are properly synced.

  • First, ensure that you have the latest version of iOS.
  • Go to settings > General > Date & Time.
  • Tap on set automatically.
  • Doing so will automatically set your Date & Time regarding your time zone.
  • If a message says, “updated time zone information is available,” simply restart your phone.
  • Head to Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services and turn on Setting Time Zone.
Turn off Automatically Date&Time

Turn off Automatically Date&Time

7. Change Microsoft Security Exchange Settings

Now, this is a Tech expert process. Here the user will need to change the server settings manually from the phone. So if you are an experienced user. Follow the steps mentioned below.

Step 1. Enter your exchange account

  • To do that, go to Settings > Mail > Add Account > Microsoft Exchange.

Step 2. Enter your email

  • Enter your email address.
  • Below, you will also notice an account description. This information is optional.
  • Now click on “next.” 
  • A screen will ask you if you want to configure it manually. Tap on Configure manually.

Step 3. Connect to your server exchange

  • Here, you can see the option to enter your password and additional information.
  • Tap Next after entering your email & password. 
  • You may also need to enter additional server information, which your Exchange Server administrator can provide.
Enter Info and Password

Enter Info and Password

Step 4. Sync your content

  • Here you can sync your mail, contacts, calendars, and reminders. 
  • When done, tap on save.

8. Disable Firewall

A firewall is one of the features that can disturb your syncing with the mail and cause issues such as “Connect server failed.” The firewall in android and especially iOS devices cannot be disabled. It could be possible if you have administrative access to your phone. But the general audience does not have a simple way of disabling the firewall. 

Although there could be another alternative that is disrupting your access to the server.

  • Now recently, you may have installed a VPN application. 
  • Or, sometimes, the software you use is in sync with your PC. 
  • This puts an additional wall between your data and the server. 
  • Make sure when you are putting your information in, your VPN services are disabled. 

Note: This fix works with both iPhone and Android.

Disable Firewall on iPhone or Android

Disable Firewall on iPhone or Android

9. Change Password Settings

The server connectivity issue can bugger you a lot. You may keep thinking How do I fix email not connecting to the server? You may have tried many ways, but what if there was a simpler method? And that method would be to change your password. You may have logged in from the same email to any other internet site. This puts you at risk for data theft. Also, if your account is active on another device, it can disrupt your data connectivity. To solve this.

  • Go to settings.
  • Tap on your name.
  • Go to password and security.
  • Change your password.
Change the Apple ID password on your iPhone

Change the Apple ID password on your iPhone

Final Words

The mobile phone world is so reliable that we forget to notice how far we humans have come technologically. This technology is helping the world in numerous ways. But there are errors, and then there are fixes. Following the steps mentioned above, you will be able to fix the Connect server issue in no time. However, of all the solutions, we recommend using AnyFix, as it not only solves the Connect Server Failed problem, but also other problems related to iOS.

Author Avatar
Joy Taylor Twitter Share Facebook Share

Senior writer of the iMobie team as well as an Apple fan, love to help more users solve various types of iOS & Android-related issues.

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