How do you fix a Validate Your Credentials mail error?
Answer
Update the account password in the mail app, confirm IMAP/SMTP or OAuth sign-in, and reconnect on stable internet. Server connection failed usually means the stored password expired or app passwords/OAuth need refresh.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Removing an account from a mail app does not delete server mail if you only remove the local account.
Follow these steps
Verify the password in a browser
Sign in at the official Gmail/Outlook/provider site. If browser login fails, reset the password there first.
You should see: You can sign in on the web with the current password.
Update the account in Mail settings
On iPhone go to Settings > Mail > Accounts, tap the account, and update the password or re-authenticate. On other apps, open account settings and sign in again.
You should see: The account status no longer shows a credentials error.
Allow app access if required
For Google/Microsoft accounts, approve OAuth sign-in or create an app password if you use an older IMAP client with 2-step verification.
You should see: The mail app is authorized to access the mailbox.
Remove and re-add the account if needed
If errors remain, delete the account from the mail app (mail stays on the server) and add it again with automatic setup.
You should see: Inbox syncs without Validate your credentials.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Mail shows Validate your credentials and/or Connection to the server failed while other internet apps may work.
Before you change anything: Know your current email password or be ready to reset it on the provider’s official site. Note whether the account is Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, or IMAP. Avoid entering passwords on unexpected popup pages.