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EmailPhones & Tablets

How do I fix an iPhone that stops receiving email while a computer still does?

Answer

On the iPhone, check Mail account settings, Fetch/Push schedule, and sign-in status for the same account that works on the desktop. Remove and re-add the account if the password or sync connection is broken.

Before you start: stop right away if…

  • Removing an account from the iPhone deletes locally downloaded mail for that account on the phone.

Follow these steps

  1. Check the Mail account is enabled

    Open Settings, Mail, Accounts, select the account, and confirm Mail is turned on.

    You should see: The account is enabled for Mail on the iPhone.

  2. Review Fetch and Push settings

    Go to Settings, Mail, Accounts, Fetch New Data and make sure Push is on when supported, or Fetch is not set to Manual only.

    You should see: The iPhone is set to check for new mail automatically.

  3. Fix sign-in errors

    If the account shows a password alert, update the password or complete provider sign-in, then open Mail and pull down to refresh.

    You should see: The alert clears and new messages begin downloading.

  4. Remove and re-add the account

    If mail still never arrives, delete the account from the iPhone Mail settings and add it again with the official account type for your provider.

    You should see: The inbox rebuilds on the iPhone and matches the desktop mailbox.

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Extra tips

What to look for: Password incorrect alerts, Fetch New Data set to Manual, the account toggled off for Mail, and whether only one address is affected

Before you change anything: Confirm the same email address works on the desktop. Know whether the account is Gmail, iCloud, Exchange, or another provider. Have the account password or app-specific password ready. Do not give that password to unexpected callers.

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