Mac Mail not Connecting to Server - A Complete Guide

Server issues will occur on any email client such as Mac Mail. This error can cause many problems like inability to send or receive emails, disturbance in work and communication, etc. so, if you are having this same issue, this article will share methods that can solve Mac Mail not connecting to Server easily. But before that let’s understand the reasons that cause this problem.

Reasons Server Doesn’t Sync with Apple Mail

Mac Mail or Apple Mail is a Mac email client provided by Apple. If you are having issues with this email program, the reason behind this is mentioned below.

• You have entered incorrect account credentials and as a result, cannot connect your account.
• Settings of IMAP and POP are entered wrong which leads to a misconfigured account. This is due to entering incorrect server details, missing port numbers, or SSL/TLS settings.
• Slow and undisturbed internet connection can prevent you from reaching your server.
• Unexpectedly your account crashes or the server is under maintenance.
• You are using an outdated Mac Mail or operating system which can cause the server problem.
• There are chances that your configured email account is corrupt and the server fails the authentication.
• Firewall or third-party antivirus settings may block the software that connects the server.
• Full storage space can also cause the problem of Apple Mail not connecting to your server.
• Apple Mail unable to verify the identity of the server can also be the cause of the problem. As it does not recognize the server's unique ID and password encryption key.

These are the possible reasons why you are not able to connect to your server. Now to resolve this problem. Below are the solutions you can use.

Troubleshooting Connection Issue

These are the general ways to resolve your problem, follow them properly and fix your server issue.

1. Check your Account credentials: If you have typed incorrect account details. Check it and enter the correct credentials.
2. Review your server settings: When using IMAP/POP in Apple Mail, make sure that the server is enabled and provide the correct settings.
3. Stable Internet Connection: Check that you have a stable internet connection. Use another network or routers, if you have a bad network.
4. Update your MacOS and Mac Mail: Regularly upgrade your system and program so that you don’t have any problems.
5. Change Firewall: if the Firewall blocks your mail connection, temporarily disable the third-party security software.

These are general ways to troubleshoot the problem. If these do not work then, use the advanced solutions that we have explained below.

Change Email Account Password

This server connectivity issue can also happen because you entered the wrong password. To fix that you have to change the password of the incoming and outgoing server. Below are the steps to do it.

1. Click on the Mail option and then the Settings button.
2. Select the Accounts, then the email account which is not working.
3. Go to the Account option and type your new password.
4. After that, update this same password in the Outgoing mail server by going to Settings and Mail.
5. Select your account. Then, go to the Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP).
6. Click on the Advanced and type a new password.

This way, when you connect your server use the same password that you have changed.

Reconnect Mac Mail Account

If you remove your account and reconfigure the problem of Mac Mail not connecting to the server will be solved. By doing this your account will be refreshed and the issue will be sold. It is easy to remove the account, just follow the steps below.

1. Open the Mail app on your Mac and click on Mail.
2. Select the Settings option, then click on the Accounts.
3. Choose your account and click -.
4. If the account is used by other apps, go to the Open System Settings.
5. Click on the Internet Accounts and turn off Mail.
6. After that go to the settings >> Apps >> Mail.
7. Click on the Mail account, then the Add Account option.
8. Enter your Mac Mail account details which you have removed, and then save it.

This way you have got a fresh account and start the syncing process.

Move Data from Apple Mail to iCloud

If your account is still having server issues, the great move is to have easy access to your data. Here are the steps to do that.

1. Open System Preferences or System Settings and click Apple ID.
2. Select the iCloud, then check the Mail checkbox.
3. Turn on the Sync on this Mac for macOS 13.3 or later.
4. Click Turn on for Mac OS 13 to 13.2. Then, create a new iCloud account.

These are the solutions that you can use to solve the problem of Mac Mail not connecting to the server. We also have some bonus tips which are useful in this situation.

Preventing Server Issues

These methods are not a permanent solution, there are chances of having this same problem again. So, it is better to take steps to prevent it from happening again.

• Regularly update your program and email client. Most issues occur because of the outdated program. Upgrading them prevents any problem.
• During the process of server connection, make sure that you have strong and stable internet connectivity.
• Take a backup of your iCloud emails where your Apple mail saves so that if the problem happens you still have access to your data.

Conclusion

Server connectivity issues can cause you many problems. So, to resolve that this article provided various methods to solve Mac Mail not connecting to the server. Here, we have explained the reasons behind the problem and then several solutions which you can use to resolve the problem. Other than that, we also provide advanced tips to prevent the issue from happening again.