Can't add accounts in Mail - stuck on "Next"

Hi,


I have recently deleted my IMAP account from Mail (High Sierra), and now I want to add it again.


But when I have filled out all the info (username, password, in- and outgoing serverinfo), it asks which apps I want to use it with. I only have two options: E-mail and Notes. I choose "E-mail" and press "OK". And then nothing happens. I can press "OK" 10 times, at nothing happens. The dialogue box is still there.


Anyone, who has a clue what to do?


Thanks in advance

MacBook Pro with Retina display

Posted on May 16, 2018 2:55 PM

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Posted on Mar 5, 2019 12:32 PM

I had the same problem with adding a simple IMAP mail account - "next" button in endless loop, could not create it.

Deleting entries for email in keychain did not help.

I took a backup of the user keychain files ~/Library/Keychains

Then followed advice from ED in PA:

1. Open the Keychain Access utility in your Applications folder.

2. In the "Keychain Access" dropdown list, open "Preferences..."

3. Click "Reset My Default Keychains" and follow the prompts.

4. Restart your computer.

Now it was possible to create the mailbox and all old mails was loaded.


But all passwords were lost.

So I imported a backup file by "Add keychain". It seems it does not restore the passwords, but I can look them up in the imported keychain in Keychain app.

(My mac has Norwegian interface, so some of the terme may be misspelled)

73 replies

Jan 28, 2019 2:02 PM in response to Doc Williams

Exactly the same issue as many others. One gmail based account started acting up, continually asking for password, but not allowing you to put it in. I deleted it, but can get it ok on my phone or if I log in via gmail in browser. Same now happening for two other gmail based accounts. I have deleted them from my mail app, with intention of re-installing them - but it won't let me do that. Gets stuck on the first screen as soon as you put the email address in and press next....


This is obviously some sort of bigger issue with the app as so many of us have the same problem.


Its annoying, but the fact calendars aren't syncing too is my big concern....so many appointments that only exist in that app etc. Does someone have a simple straightforward solution or do I need to go to a genius store or something?

Apr 18, 2019 11:15 AM in response to BDAqua

Yes. I had to authenticate and then I had to authenticate a 2nd time. Due to their 2step verification. We’ll see if it sticks this time.


However I am unable to add imap or pop accounts. After you get to the screen where you put it outgoing and incoming servers hit continue and the wheel just spins and nothing happens.

Sep 8, 2018 11:04 PM in response to Macisforsome

The same thing is happening to me too. The issue seems to be with the "Internet Accounts" preferences control panel. It just won't work anymore.

User uploaded file

I did have a Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook account on there. I deleted them and tried to reenter them, only to have them hang on the "Next" button after entering the passwords. This is a very serious issue. MacOS's internal internet functionality is basically broken. The only way to bypass it is to use a 3rd party app that doesn't use this control panel. Postbox and Airmail are perfect examples of email apps that work correctly.

Sep 14, 2018 10:28 PM in response to Macisforsome

Same Problem. Found the problem (In my case). I had the perpetual "next" button when trying to add an exchange account that I had deleted. 7 hours with Apple support, dozens of different things tried (a few are on this board). This is what worked.

1. Go to user accounts and create a brand new user "test admin" - make it an administrator obviously.

2. Re-start, and log into the test admin account

3. Go to "iCloud" under "system preferences", add your iCloud account under which you have been having problems.

4. Re-start the computer, log back into the test account, go back to iCloud, log out, and log back in

5. Go to "Internet Accounts" under system preferences and attempt to add the problem account. If it won't install, stop reading (you have a different problem than I do)


6. If it works, then you may have the issue that I did.

7. Oddly, the problem was within my "Keychain" - there were conflicting account status within Keychain, and the conflict was sending me through the "next" loop.

8. Log into your original account

9. Finder, Go, "option key" (this shows the "Library" folder), Keychains folder in Library

10. Inside the Keychains folder there are at least two files that conflict with one another. We deleted them all.

11. Restart the computer, log into your original account, Log in and out of your iCloud account, go to Internet Accounts and try to add the problem email or exchange account. In my case, Success!


Good Luck.

May 17, 2018 10:21 AM in response to Macisforsome

Hello Macisforsome,

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities!

I understand from your post that you removed your IMAP email account and are trying to add it back, but the OK button in the dialogue box is not responding. I recommend testing the issue while your Mac is in safe mode and/or in a new user account. The following articles have the steps you will need to test the issue in both safe mode and in a new user account:

Use safe mode to isolate issues with your Mac - Apple Support

How to test an issue in another user account on your Mac - Apple Support

Let us know how it goes.

Best Regards.

Jun 8, 2018 5:58 AM in response to avatar5555555

See this article macOS Sierra: Internet Accounts System Preferences

If you don’t yet have an account from a particular provider, such as Yahoo!, create one on the provider’s website, then add it here.

The article itself is showing the method for configuration , also the same mail address in your case gmail address can not be used / added for the second time .

So its better to first create a gmail account on their web server see this article Create a Gmail account - Gmail Help

In your screen shots you must consult the internet service provider .

If you want to add an account from a provider that isn’t listed, such as a mail or calendar account for your company or school, click Add Other Account on the right, click the type of account you want to add, then enter the requested account settings. If you don’t know the type of account or the account settings, ask the account provider.

Also you wrote , you signed in system preferences > internet accounts with gmail address before sign in with your Apple ID , try the method what suggested .

Sep 10, 2018 1:34 PM in response to Dudh

Dudh wrote:


is anyone from Apple Support team monitor this forum? if many people are having this issue then I would think that this is escalated and Apple should be looking into this with high priority.

This is a user-to-user technical support forum. Apple monitors it only for the purposes of making sure people adhere to the terms of use. The people who do that are not part of Apple Support.


If you want Apple to know you specifically have a problem, use the Contact Support link at the top right of every page of these forums.


If you want to submit feedback (you will not get a response but everything will be read), use the Feedback page:


Product Feedback - Apple

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Can't add accounts in Mail - stuck on "Next"

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