How to Fix “Cannot Verify Server Identity Error” on iPhone?

The “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error on iPhone shows as a full-screen pop-up that stops you from reaching a specific website, often showing the server name. It means the device can’t confirm the server’s SSL certificate is real because the certificate details don’t match the expected website.

The most common cause is an expired or mismatched SSL certificate from an email, calendar, or unwanted source, with other causes including redirects caused by malware or unverified configuration profiles.

Common Troubleshooting

As noted above, a mismatch between the domain name and server name often triggers this error. When they don’t match, iPhone flags the certificate as untrusted. Try the following depending on how your email is hosted.

Changing the mail server name – If you host email on a VPS, change the mail server name in your settings to match the certificate’s common name (CN). For example, use the exact host shown on the certificate.

Fixing the main configuration – If you’re on Shared Hosting, update the incoming/outgoing server fields on your iPhone to use mail.server-name.com instead of mail.website-name.com so they match the certificate.

Setting up a free certificate – If you’re using a self‑signed or otherwise invalid certificate on a VPS, install a valid one (for example, from Let’s Encrypt, a trusted CA that provides free SSLs).

1. Use a Secure Network Connection

Public Wi‑Fi can sometimes cause this error. Before trying technical fixes, switch to a trusted network, such as your home Wi‑Fi or your mobile hotspot, and test again. This simple step has resolved the issue for many users.

2. Set the Correct Date and Time On iPhone

Wrong date or time can break certificate checks. Make sure your iPhone matches the current time zone or is set to update automatically.

1. On your iPhone, click on the Settings app and select the General option.

   

1. Next, click on the Date and Time category.
2. Here, on the Date & Time screen, toggle on Set Automatically.
3. Once done, check if you can send or receive email.

3. Reboot Your iPhone

Temporary bugs or glitches can trigger this error. Restarting gives your iPhone a fresh start and often clears the issue.

1. Hold the side button until the power slider appears.
2. Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone.
3. Wait 1–2 minutes, then press the side button again to restart.

4. Re-add Your Email Account

If the account settings are corrupted, removing and re‑adding the account can help.

1. Open the Settings app on the Home screen of your iPhone.
2. Select Accounts & Passwords (on newer iOS versions, this may be Mail > Accounts).
3. Tap the Accounts section.
4. Select the email account you want to delete.
5. Tap the Delete Account button at the bottom of the screen.

   

6. Tap Delete from My iPhone to confirm. The selected account will be removed.
7. After deletion, go back to Settings and tap Passwords & Accounts (or Mail > Accounts).

   

8. Tap Add Account and choose your email service.
9. Enter the required details.
10. Follow the on‑screen steps to finish setup.

5. Reset Network Settings

If the problem persists, your network settings might be the issue. Resetting them often restores a clean connection to the mail server.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and choose General.
3. Tap Reset.

   

4. Select Reset Network Settings. This removes your saved Wi‑Fi networks, VPN settings, and other network customizations.

   

5. If prompted, enter your passcode.
6. Confirm to reset network settings.

6. Disable SSL Encryption

Some users have cleared the error by temporarily turning off SSL for the affected account. This should only be used for testing, and only if your email provider allows non‑SSL connections. If it works, contact your provider to fix the certificate and then turn SSL back on for security.

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down to Mail and tap it.
3. Tap Accounts, then select the problematic email account if you have multiple.

   

4. Tap your email address at the top.
5. Tap Advanced and toggle off Use SSL.
   Disable SSL option

7. Update iOS Carrier Settings

Outdated carrier settings can affect network and mail connectivity. Update them to make sure everything works smoothly.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to General.

   

3. Tap About.
4. Follow the on‑screen prompt to install the latest carrier update (if available).
5. After updating, check if the issue is resolved.

8. Download the Latest Software on iPhone

Running an outdated version of iOS can cause errors like this. Updating your iPhone not only fixes bugs but also improves security and stability.

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Go to General and tap Software Update.

   

3. If an update is available, tap Download and Install and wait for it to finish.
4. After installation, restart your iPhone and test Mail again.

9. Factory Reset

If nothing else works, a factory reset can help. This erases your iPhone and installs a clean copy of iOS. Back up your data first, because this will remove everything. Follow the below guidelines to perform a reset on your iPhone.

1. Launch Settings on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and choose General.
3. Select Transfer or Reset iPhone.

   

4. Tap Reset, then choose Reset All Settings to try a non‑destructive reset first.

   

5. If the issue continues, go back to Transfer or Reset iPhone and select Erase All Content and Settings to perform a full factory reset.
6. If asked, enter your passcode to proceed.
7. Confirm the action and wait for the process to complete.
8. Your iPhone will reboot automatically.
9. Set up your iPhone, add your email account again, and check if the error persists.