Does Apple Mail support TLSv1.3?

I am running Apple Mail on Big Sur 11.7.4. I am trying to connect to a TLSv1.3 only email server. I am having issues retrieving and sending mail with the proper settings in place. I am wondering if it is a TLSv1.3 error with apple mail. My question is...


Does Apple Mail support TLSv1.3 on MacOS Big Sur?

MacBook Pro

Posted on Mar 2, 2023 12:42 PM

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Posted on Mar 2, 2023 12:50 PM

We might need a little more information. TLS 1.3 is a protocol, not a server type. It is the standard and is supported by Mail (and other Apple applications) on both iOS and macOS.


It’s possible the server or provider you are connecting to isn’t compatible with Mail or is configured incorrectly.


For information on how Apple incorporates TLS into its products (and other TLS-related services) check out this page: TLS security - Apple Support


If you have more information or screenshots you can provide, that may prove useful in providing a better answer.


I hope this helps a little, I apologize if it doesn’t.

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3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 2, 2023 12:50 PM in response to zurmurure61

We might need a little more information. TLS 1.3 is a protocol, not a server type. It is the standard and is supported by Mail (and other Apple applications) on both iOS and macOS.


It’s possible the server or provider you are connecting to isn’t compatible with Mail or is configured incorrectly.


For information on how Apple incorporates TLS into its products (and other TLS-related services) check out this page: TLS security - Apple Support


If you have more information or screenshots you can provide, that may prove useful in providing a better answer.


I hope this helps a little, I apologize if it doesn’t.

Mar 2, 2023 1:08 PM in response to zurmurure61

Per some previous reports, SMTP on Big Sur did not include support for TLSv1.3.


Per Apple, yes, current Mail app does include support for TLSv1.3:


iOS, iPadOS, and macOS support Transport Layer Security (TLS 1.0, TLS 1.1, TLS 1.2, TLS 1.3) and Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS). The TLS protocol supports both AES128 and AES256, and prefers cipher suites with forward secrecy. Internet apps such as Safari, Calendar, and Mail automatically use this protocol to enable an encrypted communication channel between the device and network services. High-level APIs (such as CFNetwork) make it easy for developers to adopt TLS in their apps, while low-level APIs (such as Network.framework) provide fine-grained control. CFNetwork disallows SSL 3, and apps that use WebKit (such as Safari) are prohibited from making an SSL 3 connection.


Also check whether the service requires an app-specific password:

Sign in to apps with your Apple ID using app-specific passwords - Apple Support


Consider an upgrade to Monterey or Ventura, if your Mac supports it.

How to download macOS - Apple Support


Pending newer macOS, the Thunderbird mail client app can likely connect as that includes its own TLS support.



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Does Apple Mail support TLSv1.3?

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