cannot get mail

Question

My iphone 12 says... account error: outlook cannot get mail. The connection to the server failed.

Answer 1

Hi, I'm John! I will help you with this.

You're not alone, many users are currently experiencing the same issue with Outlook. It appears to be a widespread connectivity problem. Impacted users may include, but are not limited to, iOS users.

You can check the official service status here: https://portal.office.com/servicestatus/ expand “Microsoft consumer products”and look for the Outlook.com section for details.

For now, please wait until Microsoft resolves the issue and try again later.

I really hope this information is helpful!

Answer 2

On iPhone, the error that Outlook cannot get mail and the connection to the server failed is typically caused by one of these issues:

1. Incorrect mail server settings
   • The server name, username, or password may be wrong.
   • Open Outlook for iOS, edit the account, and verify:
     • Mail server address
     • Username (full email address, if required)
     • Password
   • Correct them and save, then try syncing again.
   • If unsure of the correct server details, contact the mail server administrator or email provider.
2. Exchange server not using TLS 1.2 or certificate problems (for on‑premises Exchange)
   • Outlook for iOS will not connect if the Exchange or Windows Server only supports TLS 1.0 or 1.1.
   • The Exchange/IT admin must:
     • Enable TLS 1.2 on the Exchange Server and its Windows Server OS using the published TLS guidance.
     • If already on TLS 1.2, check that the TLS certificate is valid, not expired, and correctly installed.
     • Renew the certificate if it is expired and re‑install as needed.

If this is a personal mailbox hosted by an ISP or company, the administrator or provider must confirm TLS 1.2 support and certificate validity on the server side.

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References:

• "The connection to your mail server timed out" error in Outlook for iOS or Outlook for Android