Unable to download new Verizon/AOL mail with Apple devices - 5/22

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Level 1

4 points

Unable to download new Verizon/AOL mail with Apple devices - 5/22

This is probably not a Thunderbird specific problem since it's occurring with several mail applications, but AOL refuses to help, so I'm hoping someone here has encountered this problem and can help fix.

Since about 9 a.m. on Monday, May 11, I'm not able to download new messages from one Verizon/AOL account with any app, including Thunderbird on a MacBook Pro running High Sierra and on a newer MacBook Air running Monterey (both v91.9.0 (64-bit)), Apple Mail (MB Pro) and iphone mail. The apps can log in and check for new mail, but find nothing. I did replace the app password for Thunderbird on my MB Pro, and that did not solve the problem -- as I say, the apps are able to log in to the AOL server. I increased the timeout time for Thunderbird, and that did not help either.

I can still send mail through all of the apps. Other Verizon accounts are not affected. I did not change any settings for this account and can't now find any setting online that I could possibly revert -- all the settings seem to do with the Webmail portal. Since I'm having the same problem with four installations of three applications on three Apple devices, this would seem to be an AOL problem. But does anybody have any ideas?

Thanks!

MacBook Pro

Posted on May 11, 2022 10:04 AM

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Answer 1

Lindsay_B.

Community Specialist

May 12, 2022 11:22 AM in response to trvlrb

Thanks for confirming that for us, trvlrb,

According to this resource from AOL: Ways to securely access AOL Mail - AOL Help, they have changed requirements for logging into third-party email clients, such as iOS Mail. We would suggest making sure you've followed the steps provided in that resource next, if you have not already.

We can also provide troubleshooting for issues receiving mail on individual devices, as detailed below from both Apple Support articles and Mozilla Support for Thunderbird:

If you can't receive email on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

If you can’t send or receive email on your Mac - Apple Support

Cannot receive messages | Thunderbird Help

We would encourage you to check back with AOL after that.

Best!

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Answer 2

BrianK90

Community Specialist

May 12, 2022 10:43 AM in response to trvlrb

Hey trvlrb,

What did AOL support team tell you besides that they can't help you? Did they give you any information? If yes, what information did they provide you and what was their final response?

Are you able to see your incoming emails when you visit the direct website instead of using the Mail app? We look forward to your response.

Take care!

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Answer 3

trvlrb Author

Level 1

4 points

May 12, 2022 11:09 AM in response to BrianK90

Yes, new emails are available to me on the website, so I know there's not a problem with the server receiving messages.

The agent on the phone invited me to purchase a service plan (gold standard is just $39.95 a month!) as a prerequisite for troubleshooting the issue. The drone responding to my AOL messenger request said, "Since it's working fine using our website we have no control regarding other third party email apps such as Thunderbird and you will need to contact them for further assistance on this.....Thank you for your understanding!"

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Answer 4

trvlrb Author

Level 1

4 points

May 12, 2022 1:36 PM in response to Lindsay_B.

Thanks, Lindsey - I had seen the AOL pages and about year ago created the app password that's required. As I say, the email programs appear to be able to get into the AOL server and check for mail, but they don't download it. I also changed the app password for Thunderbird to no effect.

While I didn't remove and replace the email account in Thunderbird, I did add the account as a new account to Macintosh Mail and also downloaded Thunderbird to a different Mac and added my account to that as well. No luck in either case.

-Robb

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Unable to download new Verizon/AOL mail with Apple devices - 5/22

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