How to Fix Mail Server Errors in Apple Mail on macOS? – A Complete Guide
Apple Mail is a popular email client among Mac users, but it’s not without its occasional issues. One common problem is mail server errors in Apple Mail, which can prevent you from sending or receiving emails and disrupt your productivity. These errors can occur due to a range of reasons, such as server outages, incorrect account settings, software glitches, or even outdated system preferences.
In this blog, we’ve outlined quick and reliable methods to fix mail server errors in Apple Mail on macOS. Solutions include restarting the Mail app, checking internet connectivity, resetting Mail preferences, verifying account settings, and re-adding the email account. For users looking for a more stable alternative, switching to Outlook for Mac is also a viable option. Tools like Apple Mail Converter can make the transition easy by securely migrating your emails.
Read More – Fix Apple Mail Not Receiving Emails
Common Reasons for Mail Server Errors in Apple Mail
Mail server errors in Apple Mail can occur for a variety of reasons, often interrupting your ability to send or receive emails. Below are some of the most frequent causes:
Misconfigured account settings, such as the wrong incoming (IMAP/POP) or outgoing (SMTP) server addresses, port numbers, or authentication methods, are a leading cause of server connection failures.
A weak, unstable, or disconnected internet connection can prevent Apple Mail from accessing your mail server, resulting in failed sync or timeout errors.
Apple Mail relies on preference files (plist files) to store configuration data. If these files become corrupted, it can interfere with normal app behavior and lead to persistent server errors.
Using an outdated version of macOS or Apple Mail may cause compatibility issues, especially if your mail provider has updated its protocols or security requirements.
Solutions to Fix Mail Server Errors in Apple Mail
If You’re Experiencing Mail Server Errors in Apple Mail, Try the Following Solutions:
#1: Force Quit the Mail App
Apple Mail may occasionally freeze or stop responding, especially when it encounters a server error. Restarting the app is a quick first step that can often resolve the issue.
To quit the Mail app normally:
- Click on the Mail app in the Dock to bring it into focus.
- Press Command + Q on your keyboard to quit the application.
To force quit the Mail app:
- Press Option + Command + Esc to open the Force Quit Applications window.
- Select Mail from the list.
- Click Force Quit.
Once the app is closed, reopen Apple Mail and check if the mail server error is resolved. If not, continue with the next solution.
#2: Check Internet Connectivity
A weak or unstable internet connection is one of the most common causes of mail server errors. Make sure your Mac is connected to a stable network.
Steps to check:
- Open Safari or any browser and try loading a webpage.
- If it doesn’t load, try switching to a different Wi-Fi network or restarting your router.
- You can also toggle Wi-Fi off and on from the Mac menu bar to refresh the connection.
Once the internet is stable, reopen Apple Mail and see if the syncing issue is resolved.
#3: Verify Mail Account Settings
Incorrect server settings can prevent Apple Mail from connecting to your mail server.
To verify or update your settings:
- Open Mail, then go to Mail > Settings (or Preferences) from the top menu.
- Select the Accounts tab and choose the problematic email account.
- Check the Incoming Mail Server and Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP) details.
- Make sure the Username, Password, and Port Numbers are correct (refer to your email provider’s support page for exact details).
- Ensure that Use SSL is enabled if required by your provider.
Click Save, close the settings window, and check if the issue is fixed.
#4: Rebuild the Mailbox
Rebuilding the mailbox can help resolve syncing issues by forcing Apple Mail to re-download message content from the server.
Steps:
- Open Apple Mail.
- Select the mailbox (e.g., Inbox) from the sidebar.
- Click Mailbox in the top menu bar.
- Choose Rebuild from the dropdown menu.
This process may take a few minutes, depending on the size of your mailbox.
#5: Remove and Re-add Your Mail Account
If mail server errors continue, removing and re-adding your email account can often fix issues caused by misconfigured settings or authentication problems.
Steps to remove and re-add your mail account:
- Open the Mail app and go to Mail > Accounts from the top menu bar.
- In the sidebar, select the email account you want to remove.
- Click the minus (–) button at the bottom of the list to delete the account.
- Confirm the removal when prompted.
- After the account is removed, click the plus (+) button to add a new account.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to sign in and complete the setup process.
Once the account is added, give Apple Mail a few minutes to sync your messages and check if the server issue has been resolved.
Conclusion
Apple Mail users on macOS may sometimes experience functionality issues, one of the most common being mail server errors. Throughout this blog, we’ve explored quick and effective solutions such as force-quitting the app, verifying account settings, and re-adding the email account to help resolve these disruptions.
However, if the issue persists and starts to interfere with your productivity, switching to a more reliable and feature-rich email client like Microsoft Outlook can be a smart choice. Since Outlook uses the PST format, unlike Apple Mail, which stores data in MBOX format, you’ll need to convert your mailbox data for a smooth transition.
The most efficient and secure way to do this is by using a professional tool like CubexSoft Mac Mail Converter. It allows you to effortlessly convert Apple Mail data into Outlook-supported PST files while maintaining data integrity and folder structure. With its user-friendly interface and reliable performance, CubexSoft makes migrating from Apple Mail to Outlook seamless and secure. It supports MBOX files from over 16 different email clients, including Apple Mail, Thunderbird, Google Takeout, Entourage, Eudora, SeaMonkey, and Opera Mail.
With the right solution in place, you can resolve persistent mail issues and transition to a more stable platform without compromising your data.
