Getting a notification that the connection to the outgoing server failed on your iPhone can be quite a headache, especially when you’re trying to send an important email. Don’t worry; it’s a common issue with a relatively simple fix. This article will provide you with a quick guide on how to tackle this problem efficiently, ensuring you’re back to emailing in no time.
Once you’ve completed the action detailed in this article, your iPhone should be able to connect to the outgoing server successfully. This means you can continue to send emails without any interruptions.
Introduction
Have you ever been in a situation where you’re trying to send an urgent email from your iPhone, and suddenly, you’re hit with a message that reads, “The connection to the outgoing server failed”? If so, you’re not alone. This error can occur for various reasons, such as incorrect settings, network issues, or server problems. It’s a frustrating experience, but it is a solvable one.
Understanding why this error occurs is the first step in fixing it. It’s relevant to anyone who relies on their iPhone for sending and receiving emails. Whether you’re a professional who needs to stay connected on the go, a student coordinating with classmates, or simply someone keeping in touch with friends and family, this issue can disrupt your communication flow. But, with a few troubleshooting steps, you can typically resolve the problem quickly and get back to your day. So, let’s dive into how you can fix the connection to the outgoing server on your iPhone.
Step by Step Tutorial on Fixing the Outgoing Server Connection
Before diving into the steps, it’s crucial to understand that following this tutorial will help you reconfigure your iPhone’s email settings to ensure a successful connection to the outgoing server.
Step 1: Check Your Internet Connection
Make sure your iPhone is connected to a stable internet connection.
A poor or unstable internet connection is often the culprit behind the outgoing server connection failure. Whether you’re on Wi-Fi or using cellular data, ensure your connection is strong and stable. If you’re on Wi-Fi, try toggling it off and on or connecting to a different network. If you’re using cellular data, check if you have a good signal or consider finding a location with a stronger connection.
Step 2: Verify Your Email Settings
Go to the Settings app, select ‘Mail’, then ‘Accounts’, and tap on the email account that’s experiencing issues.
Incorrect email settings can lead to a failed connection to the outgoing server. Ensure that your account’s server settings, particularly the outgoing mail server (SMTP) settings, are correct. You can usually find the correct settings on your email provider’s website or by contacting their support team.
Step 3: Update Your Password
If you recently changed your email password, update it in your iPhone’s mail settings.
Sometimes, the server connection fails because the password saved on your iPhone doesn’t match the one for your email account. If you’ve changed your password recently and forgot to update it on your iPhone, this could be the cause of the problem. Simply enter your new password in the settings to sync them up.
Step 4: Restart Your iPhone
Power off your iPhone and then turn it back on.
This age-old troubleshooting step can work wonders. Restarting your iPhone can clear out any temporary software glitches that might be causing the outgoing server connection to fail. It’s a simple but often effective solution.
Step 5: Delete and Re-add Your Email Account
If all else fails, remove your email account from your iPhone and re-add it.
Deleting and re-adding your email account can sometimes resolve persistent server connection issues. This process refreshes your account’s connection to the server. Ensure you know your email settings or have them written down before deleting your account, as you’ll need to re-enter them.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Resolves Connectivity Issues | By following the steps outlined, you can address and rectify common issues that prevent your iPhone from connecting to the outgoing server, ensuring your email communication remains uninterrupted. |
| Improves Understanding of iPhone and Email Settings | This process gives you a better grasp on how your iPhone interacts with email servers, potentially making it easier to troubleshoot similar issues in the future. |
| Prevents Potential Future Problems | Regularly checking and updating your iPhone’s email settings as part of your troubleshooting can help avert future connectivity problems, saving you time and frustration. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Time-Consuming | Troubleshooting the connection to the outgoing server can be a time-consuming process, which can be inconvenient if you’re in a rush. |
| May Require Technical Knowledge | Some users may find the steps challenging to follow, especially if they’re not familiar with technical aspects of their iPhone or email settings. |
| Not a Guaranteed Fix | While these steps can resolve many issues related to server connectivity, they may not fix the problem if it’s due to a more complex issue, such as a server outage. |
Additional Information
When tackling the problem of a failed connection to the outgoing server on your iPhone, it’s essential to consider a few additional points. First, always ensure that your iPhone’s software is up to date. Apple frequently releases updates that resolve known bugs and improve device performance, which can sometimes include fixes for email-related issues.
Also, consider whether the email problem is isolated to your iPhone or if it’s occurring across multiple devices. If it’s the latter, the issue may lie with your email provider or server, and you might need to reach out to them for assistance.
Lastly, remember that while frustration is natural when dealing with technical issues, patience is key. Sometimes, server problems are temporary and may resolve on their own after a short period. However, if you’re frequently encountering server connection failures, it might be time to consider alternative email apps or even switching email providers for a more reliable service.
Summary
- Check your internet connection.
- Verify your email settings.
- Update your email password if necessary.
- Restart your iPhone.
- Delete and re-add your email account.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when the connection to the outgoing server failed on my iPhone?
It means your iPhone is unable to connect to your email provider’s server to send emails, likely due to incorrect settings, a poor internet connection, or server issues.
How do I find the correct outgoing server settings for my email account?
You can typically find the correct settings on your email provider’s website or by contacting their support team.
Will I lose my emails if I delete my account from my iPhone?
No, deleting your account from your iPhone will not delete your emails from the server. They should reappear once you re-add the account.
Can server connection issues be a sign of a security problem?
While server connection issues are usually not related to security problems, it’s always a good idea to ensure your account has a strong password and consider enabling two-factor authentication for added security.
Should I use a different email app if I keep having server connection issues?
If you consistently face server connection problems, you might want to try using a different email app or service that is known for reliable connectivity and performance.
Conclusion
Dealing with a failed connection to the outgoing server on your iPhone can disrupt your day, but it’s usually a problem that can be fixed with a bit of troubleshooting. By following the steps provided, you’re not only addressing the immediate issue but also arming yourself with the knowledge to prevent future occurrences.
Remember, maintaining updated software, understanding your email settings, and knowing when to seek additional help are all part of ensuring a smooth email experience on your iPhone. If you continue to face issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to your email provider or consider alternative solutions to ensure you stay connected.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.