How To Make iOS Mail Sync With Your Email Server

Check Your Email Account Type

• IMAP: Keeps messages synced between your device and the server (recommended).
• POP: Downloads messages to your device only (not recommended if you want real sync).
  • Tip: Most modern accounts (Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, etc.) use IMAP by default.

Add or Review Your Email Account in iOS Mail

To check or set up your account:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Scroll down and tap Mail.
3. Tap Accounts.
4. Select your email account, or tap Add Account to set up a new one.

Ensure IMAP Is Being Used

If you’re adding a new account, select IMAP if prompted. For most providers (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, etc.), this is handled automatically.

Enable Push/Fetch for Your Account

• In Settings > Mail > Accounts, tap Fetch New Data.
• Turn on Push (if supported by your provider) for real-time sync.
  • If Push isn’t available, set Fetch to a schedule (e.g., every 15 minutes).
• Make sure the appropriate fetch schedule is selected for each account.

Confirm Server Settings

If mail isn’t syncing, check these:

• Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts > [Your Account] > Account > Advanced.
• Confirm the IMAP Path Prefix (usually “INBOX”), server ports, and SSL settings match those provided by your email service.

Common IMAP settings:

• Incoming server: imap.yourprovider.com, port 993, SSL enabled
• Outgoing server: smtp.yourprovider.com, port 465 or 587, SSL enabled

Test Sync

• Open the Mail app and try sending/receiving messages.
• Make a change on another device or webmail—confirm that the change appears in iOS Mail.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Delete and re-add your account if sync fails.
• Ensure your internet connection is active.
• Update your device to the latest iOS version.
• Contact your email provider for correct server settings if unsure.