My iPhone Says “Account Error” In Mail. Here’s The Fix!

You went to check your Mail inbox on your iPhone when you received a notification saying “Account Error.” No matter what you try, you can’t read your emails! In this article, I’ll explain how to fix the problem when your iPhone says “Account Error” in Mail.

Close And Reopen App

While it’s uncommon, closing and reopening the Mail app can sometimes fix minor glitches that may cause an account error. If you have an iPhone with a Home button, double-click it to open the app switcher. If your iPhone doesn’t have a Home button, swipe up from the very bottom to the center of the screen to open the app switcher.

Once the app switcher is open, swipe the Mail app up and off the top of the screen to close it. Now that the Mail app is closed, go back to the Home screen and open it again. If you’re still seeing an Account Error, move onto the next step.

close safari on iphone

Enter Or Update Your Mail Password

A missing or incorrect password is the most common cause of an “Account Error” in the Mail app. The fix might be as simple as re-entering your password. Sometimes it’s necessary, especially if you recently upgraded to a new iPhone or changed your email account password.

Open Settings and tap Mail. Tap Accounts and select your email account. Finally, tap Re-enter password and type in the password for your email account. Reopen the Mail app to see if the error has been fixed.

choose a mail account in iphone settings

Update Your iPhone

Mail is a native iOS app, meaning it comes pre-installed on your iPhone. Native apps can only be updated by updating the iOS version on your iPhone. iOS updates contain bug fixes, one of which may help resolve the account error your iPhone is currently experiencing.

Open Settings and tap General -> Software Update. Tap Download and Install or Install Now if an iOS update is available. When the update is complete, open the Mail app and see if the Account Error has been resolved.

install ios 15 on your iphone

Delete Your Account And Set It Up Like New

Deleting your account and setting it up like new can give it a fresh start. Deeper account issues can be difficult to track down. Rather than trying to troubleshoot the issue, we’re going to completely erase what’s causing the error.

Open Settings and tap Mail. Tap Accounts and select the email account currently experiencing the error. Finally, tap Delete Account.

delete iphone mail account

Next, go back to Settings -> Mail -> Accounts and tap Add Account. Set up your email account like new, then open the Mail app to see if the error has been resolved.

add new iphone mail account

Contact Your Email Provider

If your iPhone still says there’s an “Account Error” in Mail, it’s time to contact your email provider. There may be a high-level issue with your account that only a customer support representative can fix.

If you have an iCloud email account, reach out to Apple support for help. Apple provides help online, over-the-phone, and in-person. Make sure to schedule an appointment if you plan on going into your local Apple Store!

Account Error: Fixed!

You’ve fixed the problem and can read your emails again! Make sure to share this article on social media to teach your friends and family how to fix the problem when they see an “Account Error” in the Mail app. Leave a comment down below if you have any other questions about your iPhone.

About Author

David Lynch is an expert on cell phones, cell phone plans, and other tech. After using a flip phone into his early 20s, he learned the ropes about iPhones and Androids from a former Apple employee. Today, his articles and videos are read and viewed by millions, and he has been cited by major publications including Reader's Digest, Wired, CMSWire, Consumers Advocate, and more.

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Patty Jean Wiese
13 days ago

5+ gold stars from me to you. Your advice how to get back my email traffic 😉 worked for me. I’ve had so much going on lately… I didn’t have enough patience and a bit fatigued so I looked for help. Thanks for your good deed of being there for others to help. 🙂

Eduard
4 months ago

I have the same email error and nothing is working what can I do.

Ernest
7 months ago

I read below to turn off vpn and now it’s fixed

Rena
7 months ago

It’s fixed! Thank you it was just my updated password 🙏

Mark
11 months ago

My iPhone experienced this mail account password error. Fix wasn’t related to iPhone or mail account password. I disabled my VPN client and it started working once more. Random, as same VPN client used for months without this error occurring.

Louis
1 year ago

Please! Error account! Tried everything deleting but nothing please help

Louis
1 year ago

I don’t recieve emails any more ! I did everything delete and reinstall nothing please help

Karen
1 year ago

Brilliantly helpful, the delete &reinstall of email account worked a treat! Thank you! 👍

Jane
1 year ago

Super helpful! Thank you!

bryan
1 year ago

im having trouble with my email says account error and I dont. know what to do

brian
1 year ago

Thank you!!!! this helped me out big time. So simple.