How to fix Cannot Verify Server Identity on iPhone

Stuck with the “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error on your iPhone? Well, you are not alone. Sometimes, the iPhone mail app throws this error due to stringent mail server verification. Due to this error, you won’t be able to send or receive emails on your iPhone. This article will explain the root cause of this iPhone error and fix it for good.

Why does my iPhone keep telling me “Cannot Verify Server Identity”?

To understand the root cause of this error, we need to learn more about SSL certificates. It is a code that helps verify ownership of websites. Furthermore, SSL also checks whether the company is reliable or not.

Typically, the “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error on iPhone drops due to an untrusted server. However, sometimes iOS bugs and wrong email settings could also be culprits. The error commonly occurs after setting up a new email account. SSL verification takes place every time you add a new email account.

Let us look at how to fix the issue.

5 Fixes for Cannot Verify Server Identity on iPhone in iOS 17

1. Restart and update iPhone

Restart your iPhone to fix minor issues in the email app. At the risk of sounding cliche, a restart can work wonders! Apart from that, update to the latest iOS. Perhaps Apple has already fixed the bug in the latest build.

2. Update iOS carrier setting

A conflict in the network setting could cause trouble with email syncing. The best course of action is to update the iOS carrier setting. Once done, the Update should resolve any issues about the network.

Update carrier settings by heading over to Settings → General → About. Follow on-screen instructions to update the carrier setting.

Note: Carrier update automatically appears when you open About. The feature was introduced in iOS 14.3.

3. Force restart the Mail app

There is a good chance that in-app errors could be causing this error. In such cases, force restart could do wonders. If the Mail app is open on your iPhone, close it and restart. Drag and close the app using gestures. Here is how you can force close apps on different iPhone models.

4. Remove your account and add it again

Certain server identity issues will only get resolved when you remove your email account. You can delete the current email and add it again. Fret not; you are just unlinking the email account. All of your email and other data will remain intact.

Here is how you can delete an email account:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Mail → Accounts.
3. Tap the Email account you want to delete.
   
   
4. Tap the Delete button in red and confirm in the next pop-up.
   
   

How to add back your email account:

1. Head over to Settings → Mail.
2. Select Account →Add account.
3. Choose your email service provider.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions and add your details.

It is better to add and remove all email accounts on your iPhone. Ideally, the error should get fixed by now. If the iPhone “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error persists, proceed to the next step.

5. Factory Reset iPhone

Yes, as dreaded as it may sound, you will have to reset your iPhone. Before doing so, backup your iPhone. Factory reset will erase everything from your iPhone. Factory Reset will most definitely fix any underlying issue causing server identity errors. If nothing solves the issue, you are left with only one solution.

Once done, you can easily restore your iPhone. Follow the below steps to factory reset your iPhone.

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select General.
3. Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
4. Select Erase all content and settings.
   
   
5. Enter device passcode.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions and reset your iPhone.

It is very important to set up your iPhone as new. Otherwise, the previous settings will be retained. This could potentially cause issues. While setting up email, ensure that credentials and other settings are correct. Give it a try and check if the Mail app is working properly.

Hopefully, the above steps have helped fix “Cannot Verify Server Identity” on iPhone. If you have anything more to add, let us know in the comments below.

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