Overview
The “Email Address Rejected by Server” error occurs when your Apple device is unable to send or receive emails due to incorrect settings or authentication issues with the mail server. This error is commonly seen in iOS Mail, iPadOS Mail, and macOS Mail apps when using IMAP, SMTP, or POP email accounts.
This guide will cover:
- Why this error occurs
- Step-by-step troubleshooting methods
- Advanced fixes for email server issues
- Best practices to prevent future email errors
Why Does the “Email Address Rejected by Server” Error Occur?
This error typically occurs when your device is unable to authenticate with the outgoing mail server (SMTP). Possible causes include:
- Incorrect email settings – The mail server details (hostname, username, or password) may be incorrect.
- SMTP authentication not enabled – Some mail servers require authentication for sending emails.
- Wrong SMTP port or security settings – Your device may be using the wrong outgoing mail port or encryption method.
- Account password changed – If your email password was updated, you need to update it on your device as well.
- Email provider blocking the connection – Some email providers block access if an unrecognized device or IP is detected.
- Temporary server issues – Your email provider may be experiencing downtime or server-related problems.
How to Fix “Email Address Rejected by Server” Error
1. Restart Your Device and Check Internet Connection
Before making any changes, restart your iPhone, iPad, or Mac and ensure you have a stable internet connection.
Steps:
- Close the Mail app completely.
- Restart your device (Power off and then turn it back on).
- Reconnect to a stable Wi-Fi or mobile network.
2. Verify Your Email Login Credentials
Ensure that your email address and password are correct, especially if you recently changed your email password.
Steps:
- Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts.
- Select the affected email account.
- Tap Account Settings and verify the email address and password.
- If the password is incorrect, update it with the correct one.
3. Enable SMTP Authentication
Some mail servers require authentication for outgoing emails. Ensure this setting is enabled.
For iPhone/iPad:
- Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts.
- Select your email account and tap SMTP under Outgoing Mail Server.
- Tap the primary SMTP server (e.g.,
mail.example.com). - Ensure that Use Authentication is enabled and enter your email credentials if required.
For Mac Mail:
- Open Mail > Preferences.
- Select Accounts and choose your email account.
- Click on Server Settings.
- Ensure that Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP) Authentication is enabled.
4. Check SMTP Server Settings and Ports
Using incorrect SMTP settings can cause email rejection errors. Make sure your settings match your provider’s recommendations.
| Setting | Correct Value |
|---|---|
| SMTP Server | mail.yourdomain.com (or as provided) |
| Port (SSL) | 465 |
| Port (TLS) | 587 |
| Port (Non-secure) | 25 (Not recommended) |
| Authentication | Required |
| Username | Your full email address |
| Password | Your email account password |
For iPhone/iPad:
- Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts.
- Select your email account and tap SMTP.
- Tap the primary SMTP server and verify:
- Server: ON
- Hostname:
mail.example.com - Username: Your full email address
- Password: Correct password
- SSL: Enabled
- Port:
465(for SSL) or587(for TLS)
For Mac Mail:
- Open Mail > Preferences > Accounts.
- Select your email account and go to Server Settings.
- Verify the outgoing mail server details and ensure SSL is enabled.
5. Remove and Re-Add Your Email Account
If the issue persists, remove the email account and set it up again.
For iPhone/iPad:
- Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts.
- Select the affected account and tap Delete Account.
- Restart your device and go back to Settings > Mail > Add Account.
- Re-enter your email credentials and configure the account.
For Mac Mail:
- Open Mail > Preferences > Accounts.
- Select the affected email account and click Remove (-).
- Restart your Mac and re-add the account.
6. Update iOS, iPadOS, or macOS
Ensure that your device is running the latest software update to prevent compatibility issues.
Steps:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- If an update is available, install it.
- Restart your device and check if the issue is resolved.
7. Contact Your Email Provider
If none of the above fixes work, contact your email hosting provider or IT support. Some providers block access from unknown locations and may require verification.
Summary
| Issue | Solution |
| Incorrect email login credentials | Update your password in email settings |
| SMTP authentication not enabled | Enable authentication under SMTP settings |
| Wrong SMTP port or security settings | Use Port 465 (SSL) or 587 (TLS) |
| Outdated device software | Update iOS, iPadOS, or macOS |
| Corrupt email configuration | Remove and re-add email account |
References
- Apple Support: Mail Connection Issues
- Google Workspace SMTP Settings
- Microsoft Outlook SMTP Settings
By following these steps, you can resolve the “Email Address Rejected by Server” error and restore email functionality on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac Mail app.