The pervasive reliance on mobile communication makes the inability to dispatch correspondence from Apple’s ubiquitous iPhone a considerable impediment for users. A common frustration reported by countless individuals, the issue of "cannot send email from iPhone" often stems from a confluence of factors related to network connectivity, settings configuration, and account-specific protocols. Specifically, problems frequently arise with the Mail app’s interaction with email service providers such as Google’s Gmail or Microsoft’s Outlook, necessitating a systematic approach to troubleshooting potential conflicts within the iOS ecosystem. Resolution requires careful examination of SMTP server settings, network settings and iOS configurations to accurately diagnose and fix issues related to email transmission.
In today’s hyper-connected world, the iPhone stands as a ubiquitous tool for communication, and at its core lies email functionality. The ability to seamlessly send and receive messages, manage schedules, and engage in both personal and professional correspondence is intrinsically linked to the iPhone’s utility. Email is no longer just a feature; it’s a lifeline.
The Critical Role of Email on iPhones
For countless users, the iPhone serves as the primary device for managing email.
Its portability and integration with the Apple ecosystem make it indispensable for staying connected.
From urgent business matters to personal updates, email provides a central platform for communication, demanding consistent reliability.
Confronting Common Email Frustrations
Despite its crucial role, email functionality on iPhones isn’t always flawless. Users frequently encounter a frustrating array of issues.
These range from the simple, such as sending failures due to incorrect settings, to the complex, like account lockouts triggered by security protocols.
Common complaints include emails stuck in the outbox, the inability to receive new messages, and persistent error messages that disrupt workflow.
These problems not only interrupt communication but also erode user confidence in the device’s capabilities.
A Practical Guide to Restoring Email Harmony
This guide aims to cut through the complexity and provide actionable solutions.
We focus on equipping you with the knowledge and steps necessary to troubleshoot and resolve common email issues on your iPhone.
Our approach is practical, offering clear, concise instructions that can be easily followed, regardless of your technical expertise.
We will empower you to regain control of your iPhone’s email functionality. This guide prioritizes a user-centric approach, ensuring that you can confidently address and overcome email challenges, maintaining seamless communication in your daily life.
In today’s hyper-connected world, the iPhone stands as a ubiquitous tool for communication, and at its core lies email functionality. The ability to seamlessly send and receive messages, manage schedules, and engage in both personal and professional correspondence is intrinsically linked to the iPhone’s utility. Email is no longer just a feature; it’s a lifeline.
The Critical Role of Email on iPhones
For countless users, the iPhone serves as the primary device for managing email.
Its portability and integration with the Apple ecosystem make it indispensable for staying connected.
From urgent business matters to personal updates, email provides a central platform for communication, demanding consistent reliability.
Confronting Common Email Frustrations
Despite its crucial role, email functionality on iPhones isn’t always flawless. Users frequently encounter a frustrating array of issues.
These range from the simple, such as sending failures due to incorrect settings, to the complex, like account lockouts triggered by security protocols.
Common complaints include emails stuck in the outbox, the inability to receive new messages, and persistent error messages that disrupt workflow.
These problems not only interrupt communication but also erode user confidence in the device’s capabilities.
A Practical Guide to Restoring Email Harmony
This guide aims to cut through the complexity and provide actionable solutions.
We focus on equipping you with the knowledge and steps necessary to troubleshoot and resolve common email issues on your iPhone.
Our approach is practical, offering clear, concise instructions that can be easily followed, regardless of your technical expertise.
We will empower you to regain control of your iPhone’s email functionality. This guide prioritizes a user-centric approach, ensuring that you can confidently address and overcome email challenges, maintaining seamless communication in your daily life.
Understanding the iPhone Email Ecosystem: A Comprehensive Overview
The iPhone has evolved into a sophisticated communication hub, far beyond its initial role as a simple mobile phone.
Email is a cornerstone of this functionality, seamlessly integrating personal and professional communication into a single, portable device.
To effectively troubleshoot email issues on your iPhone, it’s crucial to grasp the underlying ecosystem that enables this seamless communication.
The iPhone as a Central Communication Hub
The iPhone’s design philosophy centers around consolidating various communication methods.
Email is integrated alongside messaging, social media, and other communication apps, creating a unified experience.
This centralization simplifies managing multiple communication channels, enhancing productivity and convenience.
The ability to access email from anywhere, at any time, has transformed how we conduct business and maintain personal relationships.
Three primary components govern email functionality on your iPhone: iOS, the Mail app, and the Settings app.
Each plays a distinct role in ensuring seamless email communication.
iOS, the iPhone’s operating system, is the bedrock upon which all other functions, including email, operate.
It manages system resources, security protocols, and network connectivity, which are essential for email functionality.
iOS updates often include improvements to email handling, security enhancements, and bug fixes.
Therefore, keeping your iPhone’s iOS up-to-date is critical for optimal email performance and security.
The Mail app is the user interface through which you interact with your email accounts.
It allows you to compose, send, receive, and manage your emails.
The Mail app integrates seamlessly with iOS, leveraging its features for notifications, search, and data protection.
Understanding the Mail app’s features and settings is essential for effective email management.
The Settings app provides the configuration options for your email accounts.
Here, you can add new accounts, modify server settings, adjust notification preferences, and configure security options.
Incorrect settings are a common cause of email problems, making the Settings app a crucial tool for troubleshooting.
Accurate configuration in the Settings app is paramount for ensuring reliable email functionality.
Email communication relies on specific protocols to transmit messages between your iPhone and email servers.
Three essential protocols are SMTP, IMAP, and POP3.
Understanding these protocols is key to diagnosing and resolving email-related issues.
SMTP is the protocol used for sending email messages from your iPhone to the email server.
It handles the transmission of email from your device to the recipient’s mail server.
Incorrect SMTP settings are a primary cause of sending failures, resulting in emails stuck in the outbox.
IMAP is a protocol that allows you to access your email messages stored on the email server.
With IMAP, your emails remain on the server, allowing you to access them from multiple devices.
Changes made to your inbox on one device are synchronized across all devices.
Most modern email services recommend IMAP for its flexibility and synchronization capabilities.
POP3 is another protocol for receiving email messages.
However, unlike IMAP, POP3 typically downloads emails from the server to your device, and then deletes them from the server.
This can be problematic if you access your email from multiple devices, as emails may only be available on the device where they were initially downloaded.
Due to its limitations, POP3 is less commonly used than IMAP in modern email setups.
Your Email Service Provider (ESP) hosts your email account and manages the email servers.
Popular ESPs like Apple (iCloud Mail), Gmail (Google), Yahoo! Mail, and Microsoft Outlook (Hotmail/Live.com) offer email services that seamlessly integrate with the iPhone.
Corporate email servers also play a significant role for business users.
- Apple (iCloud Mail): Tightly integrated with the Apple ecosystem, offering seamless synchronization across Apple devices.
- Gmail (Google): A widely used ESP known for its robust features, spam filtering, and integration with other Google services.
- Yahoo! Mail: A long-standing ESP with a large user base, offering ample storage and various customization options.
- Microsoft Outlook (Hotmail/Live.com): A popular ESP, particularly among business users, integrated with the Microsoft Office suite.
Many businesses utilize their own email servers, often based on Microsoft Exchange or other platforms.
These servers require specific configuration settings to connect to your iPhone.
Ensuring correct server settings, including domain, server address, and security protocols, is crucial for accessing corporate email on your iPhone.
Consult your IT department or email administrator for assistance with configuring corporate email accounts.
Network Connectivity: Ensuring a Stable Email Connection
For email on iPhones to function correctly, a stable network connection is absolutely essential.
Without it, sending and receiving messages is simply impossible.
The iPhone’s email client relies on consistent communication with email servers.
This communication is only possible through a robust network connection.
Mobile Data vs. Wi-Fi: Understanding the Impact on Email Performance
iPhones connect to the internet via two primary methods: mobile data (cellular) and Wi-Fi.
Each has distinct characteristics that impact email performance.
Mobile Data: Convenience and Coverage
Mobile data offers convenience and widespread coverage.
This allows for email access virtually anywhere a cellular signal is available.
However, mobile data speeds can be variable depending on signal strength and network congestion.
Data limits and throttling may also impact email performance, especially when sending or receiving large attachments.
Wi-Fi: Speed and Stability
Wi-Fi typically provides faster and more stable connections than mobile data.
It’s ideal for downloading large attachments or synchronizing large mailboxes.
However, Wi-Fi availability is limited to specific locations like homes, offices, and public hotspots.
Furthermore, the quality of Wi-Fi connections can vary significantly, affecting email reliability.
Ultimately, the choice between mobile data and Wi-Fi depends on availability, speed requirements, and data usage considerations.
Verifying Network Connectivity on Your iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide
Before troubleshooting email issues, always verify your iPhone’s network connectivity.
Here’s how:
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Check the Wi-Fi or Cellular Icon: Look at the top of your iPhone’s screen. Is the Wi-Fi icon present and showing strong signal bars? If you’re using cellular data, is the cellular signal strong (e.g., 5G, LTE)? If either is weak or missing, that’s your first clue.
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Open a Web Browser: Launch Safari or your preferred browser. Try visiting a website like Google or Apple. If the page loads quickly, your internet connection is likely working. If it doesn’t load, proceed to the next steps.
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Toggle Airplane Mode: Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to access Control Center. Tap the Airplane Mode icon to turn it on, wait a few seconds, then tap it again to turn it off. This can often reset your network connection.
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Restart Your iPhone: A simple restart can resolve many connectivity issues. Press and hold the power button (and volume up button on newer models) until the power-off slider appears. Slide to power off, wait a few seconds, and then press and hold the power button again to turn your iPhone back on.
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Check Wi-Fi Settings: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi. Ensure Wi-Fi is turned on and that you’re connected to the correct network. If necessary, "Forget This Network" and reconnect, entering the password again.
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Check Cellular Data Settings: Go to Settings > Cellular. Ensure Cellular Data is turned on. Also, check if the Mail app is enabled to use cellular data. Scroll down to find the Mail app in the list and make sure the toggle is green (on).
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Test with Another App: Try using another app that requires an internet connection, such as YouTube or a social media app. If other apps are also experiencing connectivity issues, the problem is likely with your network connection, not specifically with the Mail app.
Understanding Email Port Numbers: The Channels of Communication
Email communication relies on specific port numbers to establish connections between your iPhone and email servers.
These ports act as virtual channels through which data is transmitted.
Understanding these port numbers can be helpful in diagnosing connectivity issues.
Common Email Ports and Their Significance
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Port 25: Traditionally used for SMTP (sending email). However, many ISPs now block this port to prevent spam. It’s generally recommended to use alternative ports for SMTP.
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Port 465: An older port that was once used for SMTPS (SMTP with SSL). Although deprecated, some legacy systems may still use it. Avoid using this port unless specifically required by your email provider.
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Port 587: The recommended port for SMTP submission. It’s often used with STARTTLS encryption. This is the most common and preferred port for sending email.
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Port 993: Used for IMAPS (IMAP with SSL). This port ensures secure and encrypted retrieval of email messages.
When configuring your email account on your iPhone, ensure that you’re using the correct port numbers as specified by your email provider.
Incorrect port settings can prevent you from sending or receiving email messages.
Consult your ESP’s documentation or support resources for accurate port settings.
Security Protocols: Protecting Your Email Data
In today’s digital landscape, email security is paramount, especially on mobile devices like iPhones that handle sensitive personal and professional information. Protecting email data requires understanding and implementing robust security protocols.
These protocols safeguard your communications from eavesdropping, unauthorized access, and data breaches.
The Critical Role of SSL/TLS Encryption
SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security) is the bedrock of secure email transmission.
It encrypts data exchanged between your iPhone and the email server, rendering it unreadable to interceptors.
Without SSL/TLS, your emails, passwords, and other sensitive information would be transmitted in plain text, making them vulnerable to hackers.
Always ensure that SSL/TLS is enabled for both incoming (IMAP/POP3) and outgoing (SMTP) email server settings on your iPhone.
Most ESPs (Email Service Providers) enforce SSL/TLS by default, but it’s crucial to verify the settings, especially when configuring custom email accounts.
Authentication: Verifying Your Identity
Authentication is the process of verifying your identity to the email server before granting access to your account.
This typically involves providing your username (email address) and password.
The authentication process ensures that only authorized users can access and manipulate email data.
Modern authentication methods often incorporate encryption and security tokens to enhance security.
When setting up an email account, your iPhone securely stores your credentials and uses them to authenticate with the server each time you access your email.
The Power of a Strong Password
A strong, unique password is your first line of defense against unauthorized access.
Avoid using easily guessable passwords, such as birthdays, names, or common words.
Instead, create a password that is at least 12 characters long and includes a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Consider using a password manager to generate and securely store complex passwords for each of your email accounts.
Regularly update your passwords, especially if you suspect that your account has been compromised.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): An Extra Layer of Security
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your email account by requiring a second verification factor in addition to your password.
This factor can be a code sent to your phone via SMS, a push notification from an authenticator app, or a biometric scan.
Even if someone manages to obtain your password, they would still need access to your second factor to log in to your account.
Enabling 2FA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access and enhances the overall security of your email data.
Most major ESPs offer 2FA as an option. Take advantage of it to enhance your email security.
When setting up 2FA, ensure you have backup recovery methods available (e.g., backup codes) in case you lose access to your primary second factor.
Troubleshooting Common Email Problems: Practical Solutions
Even with proper security measures in place, email issues can still arise. Fortunately, many common problems have straightforward solutions. This section provides practical steps to troubleshoot and resolve email sending, receiving, and account lockout issues on your iPhone.
Resolving Email Sending Issues
The frustration of not being able to send emails is a common one. Here’s how to diagnose and fix the problem.
Troubleshooting SMTP Server Settings
The SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) server is responsible for sending outgoing emails. Incorrect settings are a frequent cause of sending problems.
To troubleshoot, navigate to Settings > Mail > Accounts > [Your Email Account] > SMTP. Verify that the server address, port, and authentication method are correct for your email provider.
Consult your ESP’s (Email Service Provider’s) documentation for the correct SMTP settings if you’re unsure.
Correcting Incorrect Email Server Settings
Even a small typo in the server address or port number can prevent emails from being sent. Double-check every detail, including capitalization and spacing.
Common SMTP ports are 465 (SSL) and 587 (TLS/STARTTLS). Ensure the correct port is selected and that the corresponding encryption method is enabled.
Resolving Authentication Failures
Authentication failures occur when your iPhone cannot verify your credentials with the SMTP server. This can happen if your password has changed or if there’s a temporary issue with the server.
First, ensure that you’re using the correct password. Try logging in to your email account via a web browser to confirm.
If you’ve recently changed your password, update it in your iPhone’s email settings. In the SMTP settings, re-enter your username and password.
If the problem persists, contact your ESP’s support team to rule out any account-specific issues.
Resolving Email Receiving Issues
Difficulty receiving emails can be just as disruptive as sending problems. Here’s how to get your inbox flowing again.
Verifying IMAP/POP3 Settings
Incoming emails are handled by either IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) or POP3 (Post Office Protocol version 3). Incorrect settings here will prevent you from receiving new messages.
Navigate to Settings > Mail > Accounts > [Your Email Account] and check the incoming mail server settings. The server address, port, and security settings must match your ESP’s recommendations.
IMAP typically uses port 993 with SSL/TLS, while POP3 commonly uses port 995 with SSL/TLS. Ensure the correct settings are configured.
Checking Spam Folders and Managing Spam Filters
Sometimes, legitimate emails end up in the spam folder. Regularly check your spam folder to ensure that you’re not missing important messages.
To manage spam filters, log in to your email account via a web browser and adjust the filter settings according to your preferences. You can often whitelist specific senders to prevent their emails from being marked as spam.
Verifying Email Server Settings
As with sending issues, verifying the receiving server settings is crucial. Ensure that the server address, username, and password are correct. Also, check the authentication type used by the server and ensure that it’s correctly configured on your iPhone.
Addressing Account Lockout Situations
Being locked out of your email account can be alarming. Understanding the reasons and how to unlock it is essential.
Common Reasons for Email Account Lockouts
Email accounts are often locked out due to repeated failed login attempts. This is a security measure to protect your account from brute-force attacks.
Other reasons include suspicious activity detected on your account, such as logins from unusual locations or devices, or a violation of the ESP’s terms of service.
Unlocking an Email Account: Step-by-Step Instructions
The process for unlocking an email account varies depending on the ESP. Typically, you’ll need to verify your identity by answering security questions, providing a recovery email address, or using a phone number associated with your account.
Follow the instructions provided by your ESP on their website or in their account recovery process. You may need to request a password reset link or a verification code.
Preventing Future Account Lockouts
To prevent future account lockouts, use a strong, unique password for your email account. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for an added layer of security.
Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts, and be cautious about entering your password on unfamiliar websites or devices.
Keep your recovery information up-to-date so that you can quickly regain access to your account if it’s locked out. Regularly review your account activity for any suspicious behavior.
Advanced Troubleshooting: Deep Diving into Email Issues
When basic troubleshooting steps fail to resolve persistent email problems on your iPhone, it’s time to delve into more advanced techniques. These methods require a deeper understanding of how email accounts are configured and how network connectivity impacts email functionality. This section provides expert guidance on performing email account reconfiguration, password resets, utilizing network reset options, and employing simple connection resets.
Email Account Reconfiguration: A Fresh Start
Sometimes, the most effective solution is to start fresh. Deleting and re-adding your email account can resolve configuration errors or corrupted data that may be causing email issues.
Deleting and Re-adding an Email Account
Before proceeding, ensure you have a record of your email server settings, including incoming and outgoing server addresses, port numbers, and security protocols. This information is crucial for a successful reconfiguration.
To delete an email account on your iPhone, navigate to Settings > Mail > Accounts, select the account you wish to remove, and tap Delete Account. Confirm your decision.
To re-add the account, return to the Accounts screen and tap Add Account. Choose your email provider or select Other if your provider is not listed. Follow the on-screen instructions to enter your account details and server settings.
Ensuring Correct Email Server Settings
During reconfiguration, meticulous attention to detail is paramount. Incorrect server settings are a common cause of email problems.
Double-check the incoming and outgoing server addresses, port numbers, and security protocols against your ESP’s documentation. Pay close attention to capitalization and spacing, as even minor errors can prevent successful email communication.
For optimal security, always use SSL/TLS encryption when available. Verify that the correct authentication method is selected and that your username and password are entered accurately.
Password Reset: A Necessary Step
If you suspect your password may be compromised or if you’re experiencing authentication failures, resetting your password is a prudent step.
Resetting Your Email Password
The password reset process is initiated through your ESP’s website or app, not directly through your iPhone’s settings.
Visit your ESP’s website and locate the password reset or account recovery option. Follow the on-screen instructions, which typically involve verifying your identity through a security question, recovery email address, or phone number.
Choose a strong, unique password that is difficult to guess. Avoid using personal information or common words.
Updating the Password on Your iPhone
After resetting your password, you must update it in your iPhone’s email settings to regain access to your account.
Navigate to Settings > Mail > Accounts > [Your Email Account] and update the password in the account settings. For outgoing mail, ensure you also update the password in the SMTP settings if prompted.
Save the changes, and test your email account by sending a test message to yourself.
Network Reset: Re-establishing Connectivity
Network connectivity issues can sometimes manifest as email problems. Resetting your iPhone’s network settings can resolve underlying network conflicts or corrupted configurations.
To reset network settings, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Note that this will erase all saved Wi-Fi passwords, cellular settings, and VPN configurations, so be sure to have them readily available for re-entry.
After the reset, reconnect to your Wi-Fi network and reconfigure your cellular settings if necessary. Then, test your email functionality.
Quick Connection Resets: Airplane Mode
For temporary connectivity glitches, a simple toggle of Airplane Mode can often restore email functionality.
Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to access the Control Center. Tap the Airplane Mode icon to enable it, wait a few seconds, and then tap it again to disable it.
This action forces your iPhone to disconnect from and reconnect to the cellular and Wi-Fi networks, potentially resolving minor connectivity issues that may be affecting your email.
Seeking Additional Support: When to Escalate the Issue
Even with diligent troubleshooting, some email issues stubbornly persist. Knowing when to seek expert assistance is crucial to avoid further frustration and potential data loss. This section outlines scenarios where contacting Apple Support or your Email Service Provider (ESP) becomes necessary, and it guides you on checking for widespread service outages.
When to Contact Apple Support
Apple Support is your primary resource for issues directly related to the iPhone’s hardware or iOS software. If your email problems stem from system-level glitches or integration conflicts, Apple Support can provide invaluable assistance.
iOS and Mail App Glitches
If you suspect that the problem is with the Mail app itself, and not your account settings, consider Apple Support. This includes app crashes, inability to update the app, or features behaving erratically after an iOS update.
System Integration Issues
When email functionality is disrupted after an iOS update, or if the email account refuses to sync correctly with other Apple services, escalating to Apple Support is recommended.
Hardware-Related Problems
While rare, hardware malfunctions can indirectly affect email. If you suspect network connectivity problems due to faulty Wi-Fi or cellular hardware, contact Apple Support to explore repair options.
When to Contact Your Email Provider Support
For account-specific email problems, your Email Service Provider (ESP) is the best point of contact. ESPs possess expertise in diagnosing and resolving issues related to account settings, server configurations, and potential security breaches.
Account Lockouts and Suspensions
If your account is unexpectedly locked or suspended, contact your ESP immediately. They can investigate the reason for the lockout and guide you through the account recovery process.
Server-Side Issues
If you suspect the issue originates from the ESP’s servers, contacting their support team is essential. They can confirm whether there are any known server problems and provide an estimated time to restoration.
Authentication Failures
Repeated authentication failures, despite correct credentials, could indicate an issue on the ESP’s side or potential security concerns. Contact your ESP for assistance with resolving authentication issues.
Spam Filtering Issues
If legitimate emails are consistently marked as spam, or if you are receiving excessive spam despite configured filters, contact your ESP to adjust your account’s spam settings.
Checking the Email Provider’s Status Page
Before contacting support, check your ESP’s status page. Many email providers maintain dedicated pages that display real-time information about service outages and known issues. These pages can often provide immediate answers and save you time.
Identifying Outages
Status pages often list active outages, scheduled maintenance, and overall service performance. This can help you determine whether the email issue is widespread or specific to your account. If the status page indicates an outage, patience is key. The ESP is likely working to resolve the problem.
Real-Time Updates
Status pages also provide updates on the progress of resolving outages and estimated restoration times. Regularly check the status page for the latest information before reaching out to support.
FAQs: Cannot Send Email from iPhone? Fixes (2024)
Why is my iPhone unable to send email?
There are several reasons why you cannot send email from iPhone. Common causes include incorrect outgoing mail server (SMTP) settings, network connectivity issues (Wi-Fi or cellular data), or a problem with your email account’s authentication credentials. The iPhone may also be facing an operating system error.
How do I check my outgoing mail server settings?
To check your outgoing mail server (SMTP) settings, go to Settings > Mail > Accounts > [Your Email Account] > SMTP. Verify the primary server is correctly configured. If it’s incorrect, you won’t be able to send email from iPhone. Ensure the server name, port, and authentication are accurately entered.
Could a simple network problem stop me from sending emails?
Yes. A weak or unstable network connection can prevent your iPhone from sending emails. Make sure you are connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network or have adequate cellular data signal strength. Try turning airplane mode on and off or restarting your iPhone. This may resolve why you cannot send email from iPhone.
What if my email account password is the problem?
Incorrect email account password can definitely be the reason you cannot send email from iPhone. Try updating your password in Settings > Mail > Accounts > [Your Email Account]. If you’re unsure, reset your password through your email provider’s website and then update it on your iPhone.
Okay, so that’s a wrap on troubleshooting your iPhone email woes! Hopefully, one of these solutions got you back up and running. Dealing with technical glitches, especially when you cannot send email from iPhone, can be super frustrating, but remember to take a deep breath and work through the steps. Now, go forth and conquer your inbox!