How to Solve the "Cannot Verify Server Identity" Error on iPhone

Do you see the error message "Cannot verify server identity" on your iPhone? This means your Mail account isn't connecting properly to your device. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to fix it. Here's what to do when you cannot verify server identity on your iPhone.

Why Can't I Verify Server Identity on My iPhone?

If you can't verify server identity on your iPhone, your Mail account is having trouble syncing. This can happen if it doesn't have the right permissions when you first add it or can be caused by software issues. Delete the Mail account from your iPhone, and then add it again to solve the problem.

Section 1 of 8:

What does Cannot Verify Server Identity mean?

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The "Cannot Verify Server Identity" is usually caused by expired or bugged SSL certificates. An SSL certificate is what authenticates a website's identity and allows your device to connect. To fix this error, you'll need to ensure a secure connection. Follow the steps below to reconnect your Mail account to your server.

Section 2 of 8:

Restart Your iPhone

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Before you try any fixes, give your iPhone a restart. This can solve minor software bugs.

Section 3 of 8:

Restart the Mail App

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Force-close the Mail app and open it again. If the Mail app has been running in the background for a long time, it may just need help loading new information.
- On iPhones without a Home button, swipe up from the bottom of the screen, hold, and then release. Swipe up on the Mail app to close it. Open it again.
- On iPhones with a Home button, double-press the Home button. Swipe up on the Mail app to close it. Open it again.

Section 4 of 8:

Re-add the Mail Account

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This is the grey cog icon.
You'll need to scroll down to find this option.
3
Tap Accounts. This will be at the center of the page.
- You'll see a list of all added email accounts on your iPhone.
A new page will open.
5
Tap Delete Account. This is at the bottom in red font.
- You may need to tap Delete Account again to confirm.
- Return to the Accounts page.
Tap Add Account at the bottom, select your provider, and enter the login information.

Section 5 of 8:

Reset Network Settings

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1
Open the Settings app. This is the grey cog icon.
- Resetting your network settings will forget any Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN/APN settings.^{[1]
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You can find this towards the middle of the page.
This will be at the bottom of the page, above Shut Down.
You can find this at the bottom.
5
Tap Reset Network Settings. This is the second option.
- It may take a few moments to reset.

Section 6 of 8:

Reset All Settings

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1
Open the Settings app. This is the grey cog icon.
- This will reset your Network Settings, Keyboard Dictionary, Home screen layout, and Location & Privacy settings.
You can find this towards the middle of the page.
This will be at the bottom of the page, above Shut Down.
You can find this at the bottom.
5
Tap Reset All Settings. This is the first option.
- It may take a few moments to reset.

Section 7 of 8:

Disable SSL Certificates

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1
Open the Settings app. This is the grey cog icon.
- If you can't verify server identity, you can try disabling the SSL certificate for your account.
You'll need to scroll down to find this option.
3
Tap Accounts. This will be at the center of the page.
- You'll see a list of all added email accounts on your iPhone.
A new page will open.
This is towards the bottom, above Delete Account.
You can find this at the bottom of the page.
The switch will turn grey.

Section 8 of 8:

Update Your iPhone

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Make sure your iPhone has the latest software update. These updates provide important fixes.^{[2]
X
Research source} To check for an update, do the following:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap Software Update.
- Tap Download and Install.