Learn Top Solutions To Troubleshoot And Get Fixed iPhone or iPad “Cannot Get Mail – The Connection To The Server Failed” Error!
Getting “Cannot Get Mail The connection to the server failed” error on iPhone or iPad? Don’t know how to fix “Cannot Get Mail The connection to the server failed” error? Recently we found that many iPhone users started complaining that their mail app started displaying an error message: “Cannot Get Mail – The connection to the server failed.”
The problem continue to rise on iOS devices like iPhone XS (Max)/XR/X, iPhone 8 (Plus), iPhone 7 (Plus), iPhone 6 (Plus), iPhone 6S (Plus), iPhone SE and more. If you are too facing the similar issue then go through this post. Learn more about what does connection to server failed mean and the effective solutions to fix “Cannot Get Mail: The Connection To The Server Failed” error on iPhone or iPad.
- Solution 1: Fix Cannot Get Mail: The Connection To The Server Failed Without Losing Data [Recommended]
- Solution 2: Re-Enter Password
- Solution 3: Make Sure That Internet Connection Is Connected
- Solution 4: Remove The Mail Account And Then Re-Add It
- Solution 5: Change The Mail Account Password
- Solution 6: Change Microsoft Exchange Security Settings [For Outlook Users]
- Solution 7: Refresh The Inbox
- Solution 8: Force-Quit The Mail App
- Solution 9: Move Mails To The Temporary or Other Inbox Folder
- Solution 10: Restart Your iPhone/iPad
- Solution 11: Other Possible Solutions
- Solution 12: Factory Reset Your iPhone/iPad
- Bonus Tip: Recover Lost iPhone/iPad If You Have Forgot To Take Backup

With the help of this professional iOS Repair Software, one can easily:
- Fix iOS to normal and resolve “Cannot Get Mail – The connection to the server failed” error without losing your important data.
- Fix other iOS issues such as device stuck in recovery mode, white Apple logo, black screen of death, looping on start and many more.
- Simple, fast and user friendly interface.
- Support all iDevice models like iPod touch, iPad, iPhone including iPhone XS (Max)/XR/X, iPhone 8 (Plus), iPhone 7 (Plus), iPhone 6 (Plus), iPhone 6S (Plus), iPhone SE, etc.
- Compatible with almost every version of iOS 12, 11, 10, 9, 8 and former versions.
Free Download Trial Version/Buy Now iOS System Repair Tool
![]() *Trial version only show how it works and not fix iOS to Normal. |
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![]() *Trial version only show how it works and not fix iOS to Normal. |
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So, let’s start with real user’s practical scenario!
Practical Scenario 1: iPhone 6s Plus Users Getting “Cannot get mail – the connection to the server failed”
iPhone 6S+, iOS 10.3.1
I use the Outlook app as my email client (works great). I had removed the native Apple mail app, but recently I found a need for it and I want to use my icloud.com email address with it, which is different from my Apple ID, but my icloud.com email address is visible under my profile on icloud.com. I CAN see emails to my icloud.com email address under the “Mail” section on the website icloud.com.
However, I cannot receive or send emails from the native Apple email app, which is set up to use my icloud.com email address. It just keeps saying, “Cannot get mail – the connection to the server failed”.
Help?
Source: Apple Discussion
Practical Scenario 2: A User Encountering “Cannot Get Mail. The connection to the server failed” Error On iPhone 6
Like many in this community since about 2011, I am having this issue: Cannot Get Mail. Connection to server failed on my Iphone 6. The problem started abruptly with no changes made by me. I, too, have tried a hard restart, a reinstall of my Outlook email to no avail. Given that this problem has presented on this community page over and over again, I would hope that a more permanent solution had been determined. Does anyone have any suggestions about how to resolve this? Thank you.
Source: Microsoft Community
Just like above examples, there are many iPhone and iPad users out their encountering the same issues.
If you are also facing the same problem, then do not worry, follow the solutions mentioned in the post below and fix “cannot get mail the connection to server failed” error on iPhone or iPad.
But before that let us know – What does connection to server failed mean?
Also Read: Solved: Photos Lost, Missing or Disappeared After iOS 12 Update
What Does Connection To Server Failed Mean?
Error “Cannot Get Mail The connection to the server failed” or not responding error is not only annoying but even prevents you from accessing your email. Almost every iOS user such as iPhone X/8 Plus/8/7 Plus/7/6/6S/5S/5, etc and other iPad and iPod Touch models running on running on iOS 11/10/9/8/7/6 are facing this issue. You only get an “OK” option to close the failed connection error manually.
To know detailed information about what does connection to server failed mean, please visit – What does it mean, connection to server failed?
Finally, the solutions part comes here – Learn how to fix iPad or iPhone cannot get mail: The connection to the server failed!
Important Note: Before performing any of the below solutions, it is recommended that you must backup your iPhone/iPad data to avoid data loss.
Solution 1: Fix Cannot Get Mail: The Connection To The Server Failed Without Losing Data [Recommended]
Sometimes the issue lies in your iDevice thus it is recommended to use iOS System Repair Tool in order to fix iOS to normal thereby fixing the error ‘cannot get mail the connection to the server failed’. This effective and useful repair tool will not only fix your mail server error but will also help you in fixing other different iOS errors and issues.
The best thing about this software is that it is available for both Windows and Mac computer.
![]() *Trial version only show how it works and not fix iOS to Normal. |
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![]() *Trial version only show how it works and not fix iOS to Normal. |
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This iOS repair software is compatible with all models of iPhone, iPad or iPod touch running on iOS 12, 11, 10, 9, 8 and former iOS versions. The repair software is available for both Windows and Mac users.
Below follow the complete steps to fix ‘Cannot get mail – The connection to server failed’ error on iPhone or iPad by using iOS System Repair software.
Also Read: Solved iOS Update Error: iPhone Attempting Data Recovery on iOS 12
Steps To Fix Cannot Get Mail The Connection To Server Failed
Note: Fixing/Repairing iOS to normal by using iOS System Repair, your iOS device will get updated to latest iOS version. If your device is jailbroken, then it will get updated to non-jailbroken version. And if you have unlocked your device then it will get re-locked.
Step 1: Connect Your iOS Device To Computer
Download, install and launch iOS System Repair on your computer and click on “Repair” from the available option.
Now connect your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch to your computer with the help of USB cable that came along with the device. As iOS System detects your iOS device click on “Start” to begin the process.
The tool will then show the details information of your device such as device model, iOS version, baseband version, jailbroken or not, etc. Click “Next” to continue.
Step 2: Boot Your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch In DFU Mode
If your iOS device is not functioning properly, then iOS System Repair Tool will prompt you to boot your iOS device in DFU Mode. Simply follow the steps mentioned-below to boot your iPhone, iPad or iPd Touch into DFU mode.
Step To Boot iPhone X/8/8 Plus/7/7 Plus In DFU Mode:
- Switch OFF your iPhone.
- Press and hold the “Volume Down + Power” button together for 10 seconds.
- Release the “Power” button but keep pressing the “Volume Down” button until your device get into DFU mode.
Steps To Boot Other iOS Devices Into DFU Mode
- Switch OFF your iOS device.
- Press and hold the “Power + Home” button together for 10 seconds.
- Release the “Power” button but keep pressing the “Home” button until your device get into DFU mode.
Step 3: Select And Download The Firmware
To get a guaranteed and successful system recovery, you must select the right device model and firmware information. After that, click on “Download” button.
Since the firmware download is large, you have to wait for some time to complete the download. During the process make sure your network is stable. If your firmware download fails or if it is not downloaded successfully, then you can also click on “Copy” to download the firmware from the Apple official site and click on “Select” to restore the downloaded firmware.
Step 4: Fix iOS Back To Normal Condition
As the firmware download gets completed, click on “Fix Now” button to begin the process of repairing the iOS system issues and bring back your iOS device to work normally again.
Once the repairing process gets complete, your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch will restart as normal. If it does not boot normally, then try the process again by clicking on the “Try Again” button.
![]() *Trial version only show how it works and not fix iOS to Normal. |
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![]() *Trial version only show how it works and not fix iOS to Normal. |
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Solution 2: Re-Enter Password
If you changed the mail password from your computer or laptop, then you might face this issue while opening the mail app on your iPhone or iPad for the first time. To fix this mail connection issue you need to re-enter the passcode.
To perform this you need to go to “Settings” then choose “Mail, Contacts, Calendar” option. Click on “Account” and hit “Password”. Now enter the password. Your device may ask you to sign in again. Update your email password and refresh the messages. Check whether the “cannot get mail the connection to the server failed” problem has been fixed.
Solution 3: Make Sure That Internet Connection Is Connected
Make sure that internet connection is properly connected to your iPhone or iPad. If there is interruption in the connection, then you may see mail server connection failed error on your device screen.
So, whether you are using Wi-Fi or mobile data make your device is getting strong and it is properly connected to internet.
In some cases, users forget to turn ON cellular data or Wi-Fi. Therefore, you should turn on Wi-Fi or mobile data and make sure your iOS device is well connected to internet.
Also Read: [Solved]: iPhone XS (Max)/XR/X/8 Stuck On FaceTime Ending
Solution 4: Remove The Mail Account And Then Re-Add It
Sometimes removing and reentering the account is the good solution to fix “Cannot Get Mail – The connection to the server failed” issue.
To remove your email account select “Settings”, hit “Mail” and tap “Account”. Scroll down and click on “Delete Account” button. To reenter the email account move to “Account” and add your email account again.
Solution 5: Change The Mail Account Password
In order to fix the issue try changing the password for Microsoft exchange account, Yahoo account and your other email accounts. Open your “Microsoft account” to access “Security & password” and “Change your password”. Or select any other email account you want to edit. Once you are done changing the password, don’t forget to reenter into the email app.
Solution 6: Change Microsoft Exchange Security Settings [For Outlook Users]
This solution is for users who uses Outlook Mail app on iPhone/iPad.
This is little bit tricky solutions. It is also possible that you may not have Active directory installed on your computer. So, simply visit the referred link to install active directory on your computer
Active Directory: https://www.technipages.com/windows-install-active-directory-users-and-computers
Once you have installed the active directory, you have to change the settings of the server to which your iOS device trying to connect to. Below follow the steps.
- Open “Active Directory” of the users and computers.
- Select “View” and then hit on “Advanced Features”.
- Right click on the mail account to open “Properties”.
- Click on “Security” and then “Advanced” button.
- Put a tick on the small box before “Include inheritable permissions from this object’s parent” option.
- Select “Apply” button on the lower right corner. This will fully end the process.
Now, check if cannot get mail the connection to the server failed issue is resolved or not.
Also Read: How To Recover Permanently Deleted Emails From iPhone/iPad
Solution 7: Refresh The Inbox
Try refreshing the inbox and to do so go to “Active Directory Users and Computers”, and then select “View” and hit on “Advanced Features”. Right click on mail account to view “Properties”. Click on “Security” and then hit on “Advanced” button. Put a tick mark on the small box before “Include inheritable permissions from this object’s parent” option. Select “Apply” button on the lower right corner. Check if cannot get mail the connection to the server failed issue is resolved or not.
Solution 8: Force-Quit The Mail App
You might be getting this error because of your mail app glitch. Fix it by restarting your mail app. Press he Home button twice to view all operating applications. Look for your mail app and side it off. Now go back to the Home screen and click on mail icon to launch it again. Check if cannot get mail the connection to the server failed on iPhone or iPad is solved.
Solution 9: Move Mails To The Temporary or Other Inbox Folder
When you fail to resolve the issue cannot get mail error then try to create a temporary folder on the server. Make a backup of your email in this new folder. But the issue persists; create a permanent folder to keep incoming emails.
Also Read: 9 Solutions To Fix iPhone X Keep Restarting Itself
Solution 10: Restart Your iPhone/iPad
The easiest solution to fix the error cannot get mail is restarting your iPhone. This simple solution fixes most of the error on digital devices. But don’t forget to make a backup of your iPhone data. To restart your iPhone press Home button and Power button until you find the Apple logo. But if mail connection to server failed on iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, then press Home button and Volume down button to restart iPhone.
Solution 11: Other Possible Solutions To Fix Cannot Get Mail Connection To Server Failed On iOS 12/11/10/9/8
If the above given manual solution fail to fix cannot get mail error, then try the following methods.
- Turn to “No Limit” in the “Mail Days to Sync” field.
- Enable Airplane mode and then disable it.
- Open “Settings”, hit on “General”, then hit on “Reset” and click on “Reset Network Settings”.
- Turn off “iCloud” from the “Settings” menu.
Also Read: Best Way To Recover Deleted iCloud Backup Data [3 Solutions]
Solution 12: Factory Reset Your iPhone/iPad
Try this solution as lost resort to fix the issue of unable to get mail.
I said last resort because, factory reset or hard reset will completely wipe all data stored within your iPhone or iPad. Hence, it is suggested that you must go with Solution 1 that is to try iOS System Repair Tool as it will fix the error without iPhone/iPad data loss.
Also Read: How To Restore iPhone XS/XS Max/XR From iTunes Backup [2 Ways]
Bonus Tip: Recover Lost iPhone/iPad If You Have Forgot To Take Backup
While fixing the error “Cannot Get Mail: The Connection To The Server Failed” error on iPhone/iPad, if you have lost important data and if you do not have valid backup in iTunes or iCloud, then it is highly recommended that you must immediately try iOS Data Recovery software to recover lost data from iPhone or iPad.
I said immediately because if lost data get overwritten by new data, then you may lose the chances to recover all your data from your iOS device.
Wrap Up
The above given solutions will surely help you to fix cannot get mail connection error on iPhone or iPad. Though solutions are easy and simple and you don’t need to be a tech-savvy. Before, performing any of the above given solution it is advised to make a proper backup of your data. Remember the saying “Prevention is better than cure”.
However, if there is an issue with devise iOS system, then it is highly recommended that you must go for Solution 1 that is to try iOS System Repair Tool in order to fix the mail connection server error on iPhone or iPad.

Max Field
Max Field is a founder of recoveriphone-data.com. He is an iOS lover and loves to write tips, tricks, fixes for errors, data recovery solutions and more related to iOS, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, iTunes and iCloud.