Meta Description: Is your AOL email acting up on your iPhone? Find out why and get simple steps to get it working.
If your AOL email suddenly quit working on your iPhone—like emails won't load, sync, or send—don't worry, it happens. There are times when lots of folks need help because of server problems, iOS updates, or something's up with your login. This guide will walk you through what's causing the trouble right now and how to quickly get things running again without making it too hard.
AOL Mail isn't loading on different devices
You can't even open webmail
You see error messages about not being able to reach the server
When that happens, AOL is probably the one with the issue.
AOL works fine on another device or in a browser
It's just one AOL account that's messed up
You get errors after updating iOS
If so, something on your iPhone needs a little help.
AOL might be doing some work behind the scenes or having a short break that messes with email access.
Updates on your iPhone can mess with email permissions, how things sync, or your saved passwords.
AOL might not like your saved login info, even if you didn't change your password.
If your iPhone is set to only check for email when you tell it to, it might look like things aren't working when it's just not updating.
Spotty Wi-Fi, weak cell service, or DNS errors can stop you from reaching the email servers.
If your iPhone is almost full, the Mail app might not work right.
Open Safari and see if different sites load. Try switching between Wi-Fi and cell data to see if one is better.
Before you start messing with settings, check if AOL is having problems.
👉 https://help.aol.com
This gets rid of little problems and can work wonders.
Go to Settings → Mail → Accounts → AOL
Tap Account
Type in your AOL password again and save
This gives your login info a refresh.
Settings → Mail → Accounts → AOL → Turn Mail ON
Settings → General → Background App Refresh → Turn it on for Mail/AOL
If background refresh is off, your email might not update.
Settings → Mail → Accounts → Fetch New Data
Turn Push ON
Set Fetch to Automatically
This way, you get emails right away.
Settings → General → Software Update
App Store → Update AOL Mail (if you have it)
Updates have fixes for common problems.
If things still aren't working:
Take out the AOL account from Mail
Restart your iPhone
Put the account back in
This sets up your email from scratch.
Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings
This fixes hidden Wi-Fi or cell problems. Just so you know, you'll have to type in your Wi-Fi passwords again.
Make sure these are right:
Incoming (IMAP):
Server: imap.aol.com
Port: 993
SSL: ON
Outgoing (SMTP):
Server: smtp.aol.com
Port: 465 or 587
SSL: ON
Authentication: Password
Wrong server info can cause problems.
If Apple Mail is giving you trouble, the AOL Mail app might work better, since it's made for AOL and deals with security stuff easier.
1. Why did my AOL email stop working?
Usually, it's because of AOL issues, iOS updates, or login problems.
2. How do I know if AOL is down?
Check AOL Help or see if you can get to your email on a computer.
3. Will deleting my AOL account delete my emails?
Nope, your emails are safe on AOL's servers.
4. Do iOS updates mess up AOL Mail?
Sometimes, but it usually gets fixed with updates or a reset.
5. Is the AOL Mail app better than Apple Mail?
Some people think so, especially when AOL is having issues or making security changes.
6. What if nothing works?
Give it a few hours and check for updates, or reach out to AOL Support.
It's annoying when email quits working, but usually, it's something simple. This guide shows that most of the time, it's just temporary AOL issues, security updates, or settings that need a little tweak. By following these steps, you can get your AOL email back up and going without stressing out.