icloud smtp failed to connect via apple mail

Question

Level 1

5 points

icloud smtp failed to connect via apple mail

Hi.

I met a problem, which lasting more than 1 month, that the apple mail fails to connect to iCloud SMTP server, but the IMAP works fine. The Mail Connection Doctor said as following:

Could not connect to this SMTP server. Check your network connection and that you entered the correct information in the Account preferences. Also verify that the server supports SSL. If it does not, deselect the "Use TLS/SSL" checkbox in the Server Settings tab of Account preferences.

I logged Connection Activity as following:

INITIATING CONNECTION Jan 16 01:02:18.411 host:p71-smtp.mail.me.com -- port:587 -- socket:0x0 -- thread:0x600003cd5580

CONNECTED Jan 16 01:02:18.435 [kCFStreamSocketSecurityLevelNone] -- host:p71-smtp.mail.me.com -- port:587 -- socket:0x6000000d5bc0 -- thread:0x600003cd5580

The same problem happens on my iPhone.

I tried to logout my Apple ID and re-login on my Mac, switching off the mail and switch on, but nothing changed.

I am using macOS Monterey 12.6.2. Unfortunately, I could not upgrade to the newest OS cuz of my old MacBook Pro is not compatible.

Any hint or suggestion will be appreciation.

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 12.6

Posted on Jan 15, 2023 9:42 AM

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Answer 1

ryane77

Community Specialist

Jan 18, 2023 7:30 AM in response to sidneychu

G'day sidneychu,

Thanks for following up with those details. Based on what's happening, we'd like to have you test in safe mode next. This prevents some items from loading on startup, runs a basic disk check, and should help in ruling out some potential software causes for the issue. Here's How to use safe mode on your Mac:

"Intel processor

Turn on or restart your Mac, then immediately press and hold the Shift key as your Mac starts up.
Release the key when you see the login window, then log in to your Mac.
You might be asked to log in again. On either the first or second login window, you should see ”Safe Boot” in the upper-right corner of the window."

Once you start up in safe mode, test to see if the same behavior occurs, and then click Apple menu () > Restart to get back to normal. Let us know the results.

Cheers.

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Answer 2

tygb

Level 9

64,998 points

Jan 19, 2023 4:40 AM in response to sidneychu

If you are using gmail account signed in as Apple ID in Mac system preferences that is configured with iCloud account don't check mark any settings , it's empty by default .

See the articles Change Outgoing server settings in Mail on Mac - Apple Support

Verify an email account’s outgoing server in Mail on Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 3

tygb

Level 9

64,998 points

Jan 18, 2023 8:39 AM in response to sidneychu

The mail application is corrupted , remove the accounts and once again configure Remove email accounts in Mail on Mac - Apple Support

See this article Add email accounts in Mail on Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 4

Todd0213

Community Specialist

Jan 17, 2023 8:07 AM in response to sidneychu

Greetings sidneychu,

Signing out and back in to your Apple ID is a great step, and we're glad you had the chance to try that step. In addition to those steps, you'll want to complete the steps listed below as they're specific to resolving iCloud Mail issues. If you continue to have issues after these steps, complete the remains troubleshooting steps outlined in the following article.

"Check the system status of iCloud Mail.
Check that you turned on iCloud Mail:

On your Mac, open the Mail app then choose Mail >Preferences. Click Accounts, then select your iCloud account in the sidebar. Under Account Information, make sure that the account is turned on and the status is online.
On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud and check that Mail is turned on.

3.Make sure you that haven't exceeded your iCloud storage limit. If you exceed your iCloud storage limit, learn how to make more space available in iCloud.

4.Make sure that you're using the latest version of software on your device."

If iCloud Mail isn't working - Apple Support

Let us know how that goes!

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Answer 5

tygb

Level 9

64,998 points

Jan 20, 2023 5:46 AM in response to sidneychu

Is your Apple ID signed as example1@icloud.com or example2@me.com what is the status of it on the server do it exists https://iforgot.apple.com/appleid#!&section=appleid or you had started erasing the account from server How to delete your Apple ID account - Apple Support

May be you are using third party apps / softwares in Mac that is stopping the mail app to function , click on finder > applications , post a screen shot of it .

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Answer 6

Chris_C1

Community Specialist

Jan 18, 2023 9:00 AM in response to sidneychu

Hey there sidneychu,

At this point, you'll want to Contact Apple Support for assistance.

Have a good one!

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Answer 7

sidneychu Author

Level 1

5 points

Jan 18, 2023 12:12 AM in response to Todd0213

Hi Todd0213,

Thanks for your reply. Here is the result I did according to your instructions:

"Check the system status of iCloud Mail.

-> Available.

Check that you turned on iCloud Mail:

- On your Mac, open the Mail app then choose Mail >Preferences. Click Accounts, then select your iCloud account in the sidebar. Under Account Information, make sure that the account is turned on and the status is online.
- On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud and check that Mail is turned on.

-> Turned on already.

Make sure you that haven't exceeded your iCloud storage limit. If you exceed your iCloud storage limit, learn how to make more space available in iCloud.

-> As I have an iCloud+ subscription, The free capacity is 9.4GB.

Make sure that you're using the latest version of software on your device."

-> I am using MacOS Monterey 12.6.2, on an Intel Macbook Pro Mid 2015, on which the new Ventura is not compatible.

Unfortunately, the SMTP still does not work, as well as the IMAP works fine.

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