Delete and Re-Add the Email Account
If adding a new server doesn't work or if your email provider requires the specific greyed-out server settings to be changed, the most effective solution is to remove the account and set it up again. This often forces the device to prompt for the settings again, or allows you to select the "Other" option during setup, which gives you manual control.
Important: Before doing this, ensure you know your email account's password and the required incoming/outgoing server settings (IMAP/POP and SMTP). If you use an account like Google or Yahoo with Two-Step Verification, you may need to generate an App-Specific Password from your provider's website.
- Back up or confirm all your email is on the server. Deleting the account will remove any mail downloaded to your device only. If you use IMAP, your mail is safe on the server.
- Open Settings > Mail > Accounts.
- Tap the account you want to remove.
- Tap Delete Account and confirm.
- Restart your iPhone or iPad (this is a good practice to clear any lingering data).
- Go back to Settings > Mail > Accounts > Add Account.
- Select Other (instead of Google, Exchange, etc.) for a fully manual setup. This will give you access to all fields, including the SMTP server, which should no longer be greyed out.
- Enter your account details and the specific incoming and outgoing (SMTP) server settings provided by your email provider.
