After upgrading to iOS 17 or iPadOS 17, are you seeing a “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error Keeps pop up on your screen? Don’t sweat it – you’re not alone. Many iPhone and iPad users are talking about this issue on Apple forums. This pesky glitch often shows up when you’re trying to send an email, particularly if you’re using Hotmail.
The most common error is “cannot verify server identity outlook.office365.com” or “the identity of m.hotmail.com cannot be verified“
If this error is driving you up the wall, relax. I’ll walk you through the simplest and most effective way to get rid of the “Cannot Verify Server Identity” message. Let’s dive in.
What Does “Cannot Verify Server Identity” Mean?
When you see this error, it means your email hasn’t securely connected to your email provider’s servers. This can happen for various reasons such as an expired SSL certificate, domain mismatch, or issues with server configuration. If this happens, you won’t be able to send or receive emails. This error is especially common if you have an old Hotmail account linked to your Apple Mail.
Precautions
Before you go troubleshooting, take the following steps:
- Back up your device completely.
- Jot down your Email username and password or store them in a password manager.
- Identify the specific email ID causing the issue. You’ll usually see it in the error message.
Note: All screenshots attached in this guide were taken from my iPad Pro. However, rest assured that all the steps are the same for the iPhone as well.
How to Fix “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error
There could be many reasons you’re facing this issue, but let’s tackle the most common one head-on. Follow these steps to permanently fix the “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error.
The latest iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 updates might not play well with third-party email accounts. Your email provider might have made changes to server settings that are causing the issue.
- Open the Settings app. Scroll down and tap on “Mail,” then tap on “Accounts.”
- Find and select the email account causing the issue.
- Tap on “Delete Account” (This won’t erase your account, just remove it from your Apple device).
- Confirm deletion.
Once you’ve successfully deleted the problematic account, re-add it by doing the following:
- Open “Mail” in Settings and tap on “Accounts.”
- Tap “Add Account.”
- And select your email provider.
- Enter your email ID and password.
- If you’re using Hotmail or Outlook, approve any permissions that pop up.
Voila! You’ve fixed the “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error.
If the issue persists, consider resetting your network settings, restarting your device, or reaching out to your email provider for tech support.
Conclusion
I hope this guide helps you fix the “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error to the curb. By following these steps, you’re also beefing up your email’s SSL security. If you’re still experiencing issues specifically with Outlook or Hotmail, consider downloading the official Outlook app for a smoother emailing experience. Got questions? Drop ’em in the comments section below.
FAQs
Cannot Verify Server Identity Keeps Popping Up
If the error keeps appearing, update your device’s version, re-add the problematic email account, and reset network settings. If it persists, contact your email provider or Apple Support.
Cannot Verify Server Identity iPhone Google.com
To fix this issue, clear your browser cache, ensure your device’s date and time are accurate, switch networks, or try an alternative browser. If unresolved, contact Apple Support.
