Solved: Mail app cannot connect to Outlook Exchange server after iOS 17 update

Following the recent iOS 17.1.1 update, users are experiencing difficulties with the Mail app connecting to Microsoft Outlook and Exchange accounts. This guide provides practical solutions to address these issues, including the “cannot connect to server” error message and repetitive password requests for Outlook accounts within the Mail app.

iOS 17.1.1, an incremental update from Apple, aimed to resolve existing problems in the seventeenth OS iteration. However, some users encountered new challenges, particularly related to Microsoft accounts.

Problem

Users report that, post-update, the Mail app fails to establish a connection with Microsoft Outlook and Exchange accounts. The primary error message displayed is “cannot connect to server.” Additionally, users note persistent prompts for Outlook account passwords within the Mail app.

Try out each workaround below to identify the successful solution. Let’s begin.

Solution 1: Create App-Specific Password

Start by generating an app-specific password within your Microsoft account and applying it to your iPhone.

1. Navigate to your Microsoft account’s security settings. Look for the option to create app-specific passwords.
2. Follow the prompts to create a unique password specifically for the Mail app on your iPhone. Ensure it’s distinct from your regular account password.
3. On your iPhone, open the Mail app settings. Locate the account settings for Microsoft Outlook and Exchange, then replace the existing password with the newly generated app-specific password.
4. Check if the Mail app can now connect to your Microsoft Outlook and Exchange accounts without encountering the previous issues.

Note: It’s crucial to use this app-specific password exclusively for the Mail app on your iPhone.

Proceed with testing the other workarounds to determine the most effective solution.

Solution 2: Delete and Re-Add Account

As the next step, consider removing and re-adding the impacted account. This action will refresh the account settings, potentially resolving the current issue. Follow the steps below to execute this solution:

1. Open the Settings on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and select “Passwords & Accounts.”
3. Locate and choose your Microsoft account from the account list. Tap “Delete Account” to remove it from your device.
4. Return to Settings, then go to “Mail” and select “Accounts.” Choose “Add Account” and opt for Microsoft Outlook or Exchange. Enter your account details as prompted.
5. Confirm whether this resolves the issue of the Mail app not working with Outlook/Exchange on iOS 17.1.1. Check for successful connectivity.

Proceed with testing each workaround to identify the most effective solution for the problem at hand.

Solution 3: Reset Network

Addressing potential network data corruption, you can reset the network settings to their default state. Be mindful that this action will erase saved WiFi networks, passwords, cellular settings, VPN, and APN settings. Ensure you have your Apple account credentials on hand before proceeding:

1. Open the Settings on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and select “General.” Look for “Transfer or Reset iPhone.”
3. Tap on “Reset” and then select “Reset Network Settings.”
4. Confirm the action and enter your device passcode if prompted.
5. Allow the device to reset the network settings. This process will take a moment.
6. After the reset is complete, check if the Mail app can now successfully connect to Microsoft Outlook and Exchange accounts without encountering the previous issues.

Ensure you test each solution to determine the most effective resolution for the Mail app connectivity problem on iOS 17.1.1.

Solution 4: Factory Reset Device

If none of the previous methods yield positive results, the final step is to perform a factory reset on your device. This drastic measure will erase all data, restoring the device to its default state. Ensure you have a backup of your data before proceeding:

1. Open the Settings on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and select “General.” Look for “Transfer or Reset iPhone.”
3. Tap on “Reset” and then select “Erase All Content and Settings.”
4. Confirm the factory reset action and enter your device passcode if prompted.
5. Allow the device to reset, which may take some time.
6. After the reset is complete, set up your device using your Apple ID.
7. Check whether the Mail app connectivity issue with Microsoft Outlook and Exchange accounts is now resolved.

Remember to test each solution and determine the most effective approach for resolving the Mail app connectivity problem on iOS 17.1.1.

Conclusion

Concluding the troubleshooting process, these methods aim to resolve the Mail app’s issue with Microsoft Outlook/Exchange on iOS 17.1.1. If you encounter any challenges or have questions about the provided steps, feel free to share them in the comments. We are committed to assisting you promptly with a solution.