Meta Description: Is your AOL email not syncing on your iPhone? This guide goes over the usual suspects and how to get your email working again, fast.
It's frustrating when your inbox isn't updating, you're not getting new emails, or things only sync when you open the app. Sounds like a sync issue! This guide is made to walk you through each possible cause and solution—starting with simple checks and going to more involved fixes. In most cases, you can get things back to normal in minutes.
You might see things like:
Cannot Get Mail
Account Error
Password Incorrect
Emails stuck loading or just gone
These messages usually mean your iPhone isn't talking to AOL's servers correctly.
Sometimes you can send emails but not get them—or get emails, but can't send replies. Usually, that means there's something wrong with your IMAP or SMTP settings, instead of a total account disaster.
Spotty Wi-Fi, weak cell signals, or networks that block stuff can stop your Mail app from updating.
Mail sync can get turned off by accident, mainly after iOS updates or when you change your account.
Changed your AOL password recently? You need to update it in the Mail app, too.
Old iPhones sometimes have problems with AOL's latest security stuff.
Wrong server names, ports, or SSL settings can totally mess up syncing.
Sometimes the problem isn't you, it's AOL. Their servers might be down for a bit.
Open Safari and see if websites load okay. If they're slow or don't load, switch between Wi-Fi and your cell data.
Before messing with settings, check if AOL Mail is having problems on their end. You can check their official help pages.
A restart clears out little problems that can stop syncing.
Go to Settings → Mail → Accounts → AOL
Make sure Mail is ON
If it's off, nothing will sync.
Go to Settings → General → Software Update and install any updates you see.
Open Settings → Mail → Accounts → AOL
Tap Account
Type in your AOL password again
This makes sure your iPhone and AOL are on the same page.
This often works:
Delete the AOL account from your Mail settings
Restart your iPhone
Add the AOL account again
It fixes messed up sync data.
Go to Settings → Mail → Accounts → Fetch New Data
Turn on Push
Set Fetch to Automatically
This way, emails show up right away.
If you're still having connection problems:
Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings
This gets rid of your Wi-Fi passwords, but not your photos or anything like that.
Make sure these are right:
IMAP Server: imap.aol.com (Port 993, SSL on)
SMTP Server: smtp.aol.com (Port 465 or 587, SSL on)
Wrong settings here can cause problems. You can double-check at AOL's help page: 👉 https://help.aol.com
If Apple Mail is giving you trouble, the official AOL Mail app might work better since it's made for AOL.
1. Why does AOL Mail only sync when I open the app?
Push is off, or Fetch is set to check for new mail too slowly.
2. Can iPhone updates mess up AOL sync?
Yeah, sometimes things get weird until you refresh your settings.
3. Why are some emails missing?
You might only be syncing recent messages.
4. Does AOL Mail work with iPhone?
Yep, it supports newer iPhones.
5. Will resetting network settings delete my emails?
Nope, just your network stuff.
6. None of this worked! What now?
Reach out to AOL Support or use the AOL Mail app.
When your email stops syncing, it can mess up your day. The good news is that it's often something simple like a setting, password, or network issue. Follow this guide, and you should be back in business in no time!