Your device couldn't connect to the server. There may be a problem with the server or network. Your device couldn't connect to the server. There may be a problem with the server or network.

Phone keeps saying “cannot connect to the server”

Help! The Settings shown in the image did not resolve the problem for me. Both are ON but I still get the error message and files are not downloading (iPhone and iPad). Ugh! What else could it be?

It happened to me only when using cell data. Do this:

1. Go to Settings > Cellular
2. Go all the way down and tick on “iCloud Drive”

Just figured it out. A "restart" is required for the change to take effect. It is working now.

And by the way "WiFi Assist" is not necessary, unless you want this feature. Only iCloudDrive is required with a restart to successfully download Files open Excel/Number, PDF, etc. over Cellular that were not previously downloaded or open over WiFi. Cheers.

I’ve been experiencing this for roughly 3 months when I try accessing files in iCloud such as a spreadsheet in Numbers. I’ve tried the recommendations given here and also connected via VPN, cellular and WiFi. It will occasionally work but more often than not I get the exact error shown.

I’ll update this post if I come across a fix but as for now there doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to it.

No updates from Apple

I was having the same problem. Ticked on iCloud Drive under Cellular then turned my phone off. After turning my phone back on it’s working, I can access my files, but my Pages documents are showing up like PDF’s and it’s not giving me the option to edit… :/

Could’nt connect to the server!

Hello Dinesh687,

We have a great support article that might help with this. Please take a look at it here: If your iPhone or iPad won't connect to a Wi-Fi network - Apple Support. Follow this guidance:

"Make sure that your router is on and that you're within range

If you're too far from your Wi-Fi router, you can't get a signal, so make sure that you're within range.

Make sure that Wi-Fi is on and that you can see your network

Go to Settings > Wi-Fi and make sure that Wi-Fi is on. Tap the name of your Wi-Fi network to join. A blue checkmark beside a network name means that you're connected.

If you see Auto Join disabled under Settings > Wi-Fi > [Your Network], tap the More Info button and then tap Auto-Join.

If asked, enter your Wi-Fi password

If asked, enter the password for your Wi-Fi network. Get help if you don't know your password.

Even if you enter the correct password, you might see an "unable to join the network" message or an "incorrect password" message. Restart all of your devices, then try to enter your password again.

Check for issues with your Wi-Fi network

If iOS or iPadOS detects an issue with your Wi-Fi connection, you might see a Wi-Fi recommendation under the name of the Wi-Fi network that you're connected to. For example, you might see the alert "No Internet Connection." To get more information, tap the Wi-Fi network.

Check your cables and connections

If you still can't connect to your network or get online, make sure that your router is connected to the modem and turned on.

Restart

Restart your iOS or iPadOS device.

Restart your router and cable or DSL modem by unplugging the device and then plugging it back in.

After you restart each device, see if you fixed the issue.

Reset your network settings

If you're using iOS or iPadOS 15 or later, tap Settings > General > Transfer or Reset [Device] > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

If you're using iOS or iPadOS 14 or earlier, tap Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

This also resets Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN and APN settings that you've used before.

Get more help

• If you're connected to a Wi-Fi network but you can’t get online, try to use your Wi-Fi network on other devices. If you can't get online using your other devices, there might be a service outage. Call your cable company or internet provider for help.
• Try connecting to a Wi-Fi network in a different location. If your device can connect, you need to get help with your Wi-Fi network. If your device can't connect to any Wi-Fi networks, contact Apple.

Update your Wi-Fi router with the latest firmware and make sure that the router supports your Apple product. For more information, contact the router's manufacturer."

We hope this helps. Let us know if we can assist with anything else at all. Take care.