Home » Apple » iPhone

How to Fix Cannot Verify Server Identity Error on iPhone

The Cannot Verify Server Identity error may occur on your iPhone while sending or receiving emails through the Mail app. You might assume it’s due to a weak internet connection, but the cause of the issue may be more serious. With this troubleshooting guide, you will learn the possible reasons and fixes for it.

How to Fix Cannot Verify Server Identity Error on iPhone

Why Do I Keep Seeing Cannot Verify Server Identity Error on iPhone? How to Fix

The possible reasons aside from poor or unstable or unsecured internet connection are:

  • Outdated iOS carrier settings
  • Incorrect date and time settings
  • Incorrect network settings
  • Outdated Mail app

Method 1: Basic Troubleshooting Methods

These basic troubleshooting methods will help you get rid of the said error which is caused by temporary glitches.

1A. Restart iPhone – This is one of the easiest and most basic methods that you can try. To learn how you can restart your iPhone, read and follow our article on How to Restart iPhone X.

slide to power off button

1B. Force Restart Mail App

Another fast and quick way to resolve this issue is by force restarting the iPhone Mail app. Let’s see how to do that:

Option I: For iPhone X and Later

1. Swipe upwards from the bottom of your home screen and then stop at the middle of your screen. Doing so will show you all the apps that are running currently.

2. Swipe up on the Mail app preview to close it.

swipe up to close the mail app | cannot verify server identity error

Option II: For iPhone 8, iPhone SE, and iPod touch

1. Press the home button twice to see the list of applications that are recently used.

2. Swipe up on the Mail app preview to force close it.

1C. Use Secure Network Connection

When you make use of the public network, this error can come your way. So, we advise you to use a private secured network to establish a secure and reliable connection between your Mail app and desired mail server.

Method 2: Set Correct Date and Time

With the incorrect date and time settings, the Mail app cannot verify the mail server identity as the server certificates have an expiration date and time. If any issue occurs in verifying these time parameters, you will be prompted with the discussed error. So, it’s wise to have your iPhone date and time settings set to automatic.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.

go to settings option

2. Now, tap on General.

click general

3. Tap on Date & Time.

4. Lastly, turn on the toggle for the Set Automatically option so that iPhone sets the correct date and time.

Note: If this option doesn’t work, you can deactivate it and can set the correct date and time manually.

choose date & time option

Also Read: Fix Wi-Fi Disconnects When iPhone is Locked

Method 3: Re-Add Mail Account

Another possible solution to the server identity issue is by removing your account and then re-adding it. Adhere to the steps given below to do so:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.

2. Tap on the Mail > Accounts option.

tap on the accounts option | cannot verify server identity error

3. Then, select the desired email account you wish to delete.

4. Tap on the Delete Account option and after that confirm your action in the following pop-up.

5. Now, navigate to Settings > Mail.

tap on the mail option

6. Tap on the Account > Add Account option.

tap on add account option

7. Then, choose your email service provider.

8. Next, follow the on-screen instructions to add your account details and complete the setup.

Method 4: Update iOS Carrier Settings

Sometimes outdated carrier settings can lead to connectivity issues, causing this cannot verify server identity error. To update these settings, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.

2. Next, tap on General from the menu.

click general

3. Now, tap on the About option.

tap on the about option | cannot verify server identity error

4. Swipe down to locate and tap on the Carrier option. 

5A. If an update is available, tap on the Update option from the popup.

5B. If carrier settings are already up to date, you will see the updated carrier version details.

Method 5: Update iOS

Updating the OS of your device prevents the glitchy settings or apps to cause various errors on your device. Let’s see the steps to update the iOS of your iPhone:

1. Launch the iPhone Settings app.

2. Tap on the General option.

General |

3. Next, tap on the Software Update option.

tap on software update |

4. Tap on the Download and Install option.

Note: If a message appears asking you to temporarily remove apps because iOS needs more space for the update, tap on Continue or Cancel.

Tap on the Download and Install option |

5A. If you want the update to occur immediately, tap on the Install option.

5B. Or, if you tap on Install Tonight and plug your iOS device into power before you sleep, your device will be updated automatically overnight.

Note: You are also given the option to install the software later by choosing to Remind Me Later.

Also Read: 11 Ways to Fix Visual Voicemail is Currently Unavailable Error

Method 6: Disable SSL Encryption

Many iPhone users who kept seeing the cannot verify server identity error have resolved it by disabling SSL Encryption. So, you can also try out this method. To do that, read and follow the steps discussed below:

1. Navigate to the iPhone Settings menu.

2. Now, tap on the Mail option.

tap on the mail option

3. Then, tap on the Accounts option and choose the problematic Mail account if you have multiple accounts.

tap on the accounts option | cannot verify server identity error

4. After that, tap on your email ID.

5. Tap on Advanced and turn off the toggle for the Use SSL option.

Method 7: Reset Network Settings

An issue with the network-related settings can also cause cannot verify server identity error. In such a situation, you can reset the network settings on your iPhone. To reset network settings on your device, adhere to the following steps:

Note: The information related to the network will be erased from your iPhone, such as the Bluetooth device pairings, Wi-Fi passwords and names, mobile network preferences, etc.

1. Go to the Settings app on your device.

go to settings option.

2. Consequently, tap on the General option.

click general. | cannot verify server identity error

3. Now, tap on the Transfer or Reset iPhone option.

click on transfer or reset iphone

4. Then, tap on the Reset > Reset Network Settings option.

tap on the Reset - Reset Network Settings option

Also Read: How to Fix SSL Error on iPhone

Method 8: Reset All Settings

If the network reset has not fixed the cannot verify server identity error, you can reset all settings on your iPhone. To make yourself familiar with how to do it, follow the steps discussed below:

1. Launch Settings and tap on the General option.

Tap on the General option. | cannot verify server identity error

2. Tap on the Transfer or Reset iPhone option.

Tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone option. |

3. Tap on Reset.

Tap on Reset.

4. Tap on Reset All Settings.

Tap on Reset All Settings. | cannot verify server identity error

5. Follow the onscreen instructions to successfully finish resetting your iPhone settings.

Method 9: Factory Reset iPhone

Note: Factory reset is an extreme measure and it can remove all information and content from your device. Thus, you are advised to back up your device data before the following steps.

The last method you can resort to is the factory reset if you keep seeing the cannot verify server identity error on your iPhone despite performing the above methods. Follow our article on How to Factory Reset iPhone X to learn the method to successfully factory reset your iPhone.

tap on erase all content and settings |

Recommended: How to Activate eSIM on iPhone 13 and 14 and iPhone 15

After fixing this cannot verify server identity error on your iPhone, the Mail app will be able to verify the identity of the email server it is attempting to connect to. So, you can send and receive emails without any problem. You can mention your doubts and suggestions in the comments section below. Keep exploring our website for such iPhone troubleshooting docs and we’ll see you in our next guide!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *