Quick Fix: Is your AOL email not working right on your iPhone? This guide will show you the correct settings and easy steps to get your AOL Mail up and running ASAP.
One of the main reasons AOL Mail acts up on iPhones is wrong email server info. If you can't send emails, aren't getting new messages, or keep seeing error messages, this guide is for you. I'll walk you through the right settings your iPhone needs and how to fix them, step by step.
Your emails won't update or show up.
Your messages get stuck in your Outbox.
You see errors like Cannot Get Mail or Server Not Responding.
You keep getting asked for your password.
These problems usually happen after you update your iPhone, change your password, or set up your account yourself.
IMAP manages your incoming mail. It keeps your inbox the same on all your devices and keeps your emails safe on AOL's servers.
SMTP handles your outgoing mail. If these settings are off, you can get emails, but you can't send them.
You need both set up right for AOL Mail to work well on your iPhone.
Use exactly these settings:
Server Name: imap.aol.com
Username: Your complete AOL email address
Password: Your AOL email password (or a special app password)
Port: 993
SSL: ON
Authentication: Password
If anything is different, AOL Mail might not work.
Here's what you need:
Server Name: smtp.aol.com
Username: Your complete AOL email address
Password: Your AOL email password
Port: 465 or 587
SSL: ON
Authentication: Password
You have to turn on SMTP authentication, or you can't send emails.
Go to Settings → Mail → Accounts
Tap AOL
Tap Account
Tap Incoming Mail Server
Check the server name, port, SSL, and username
Type your password again to make sure it's right
Tap Outgoing Mail Server
Pick smtp.aol.com
Make sure:
Use SSL is ON
Authentication says Password
Your username and password are there
Save your changes and close the settings.
If you use port 143 or turn off SSL, AOL Mail won't be able to connect.
Always use your full AOL email address, not just your username.
You need SMTP authentication on, or your emails won't send.
Go back to your account settings and re-enter your password to refresh the connection.
Remove your AOL account from Settings → Mail → Accounts
Restart your iPhone
Add the account again using the automatic setup
If you have two-factor authentication on for AOL, create a special app password in your AOL account security settings. Use that instead of your regular password.
1. Why can I get AOL emails but not send them?
Your SMTP settings are probably wrong, or authentication is off.
2. Should I use IMAP or POP for AOL Mail?
IMAP is better for keeping your email the same on all your devices.
3. Do iPhone updates mess with my AOL mail settings?
Yes, they can sometimes reset or mess up your saved info.
4. Do I need SSL for AOL Mail?
Yes, SSL has to be on for both IMAP and SMTP.
5. Will fixing my settings delete my emails?
No, your emails stay safe on AOL's servers.
6. Is the AOL Mail app easier to use than Apple Mail?
Some people think so, especially if they have trouble with authentication often.
Email problems on your iPhone usually come down to incorrect server settings. Once you put in the correct IMAP and SMTP info, AOL Mail should start working right away. Just follow these steps, and you should be good to go!