How to fix “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error message pop-ups on iPhone

What is “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error?

Cannot Verify Server Identity error message on an iPhone is a common yet perplexing issue that arises primarily when the Mail app or Safari cannot verify the security of a connection. This often happens when the server’s certificate doesn’t match the domain, has expired, or hasn’t been signed by a trusted authority. Such discrepancies suggest the connection might not be secure, prompting the device to warn the user. Another reason could be the change of the email provider’s server settings, causing misalignment with previously saved configurations. Outdated iOS versions can also contribute, as they might not recognize newer certificates or encryption standards. Network settings, specifically corrupted or outdated settings, might interfere with the certificate verification process. Sometimes, even third-party apps that alter network configurations can trigger these warnings. The issue highlights the delicate balance iPhones maintain between user convenience and stringent security protocols, emphasizing the importance of ensuring updated software and accurate server credentials. Addressing the issue typically involves resetting network settings, updating iOS, or reconfiguring the email account settings to realign them with the server credentials.

Full text of the error message:

Download repair tool

Sometimes resolving the errors is out of our control and possibilities. This is where third-party tools are more than welcome to contribute and carry all the difficulties away. If you are facing “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error or similar issues, but fail to benefit from any of the manual steps below, try using Tenorshare ReiBoot — a great recovery tool designed for resolving errors like that. Get to know how one can use it to address the errors and restore or update an iOS device successfully on their website.

Tenor Reiboot Dashboard

Tenor Reiboot Download iOS

Tenor Reiboot Repair Modes

Tenor Reiboot Repair Process

Download iOS Repair Tool

1. Download and install ReiBoot for either Mac or Windows.
2. Once done, open the app and plug your device into the computer.
3. The program should recognize your device and offer a couple of options.
4. Choose Standard if you simply want to update your device, or Deep repair if you want to fully restore it.
5. Then, download the firmware found by the app for your smartphone by clicking Download.
6. Once the process is finished, click Repair now to start resolving the problems.

Standard is meant to search for basic issues and bugs to address them without wiping out your data.
Deep repair will reset your device to factory settings and delete the entire data stored on it.

7. Wait until the app finishes its repair and restores your device. It will take about 15 minutes to end.

How to fix “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error manually

“Cannot Verify Server Identity” error on an iPhone can be frustrating, especially when it interrupts your email or browsing experience. Here are comprehensive solutions to fix this issue:

1. Restart Your iPhone

Restarting your device can resolve minor software glitches that might be causing the error.

• iPhone X and later: Press and hold the Volume Up or Volume Down and Side buttons until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off the device. After a few seconds, press and hold the Side button to turn it back on.
• iPhone 8 and earlier: Press and hold the Side button until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off the device. After a few seconds, press and hold the Side button to turn it back on.

2. Force Quit and Reopen the Mail App

Force quitting and reopening the Mail app can clear temporary issues.

1. Open the App Switcher by swiping up from the bottom of the screen and pausing in the middle (iPhone X and later) or double-clicking the Home button (iPhone 8 and earlier).
2. Swipe up on the Mail app to close it.
3. Reopen the Mail app to see if the issue persists.

3. Check Date and Time Settings

Incorrect date and time settings can cause SSL certificate errors.

1. Go to Settings > General > Date & Time.
2. Ensure Set Automatically is turned on.

4. Update iOS

Updating to the latest iOS version can fix bugs and improve system stability.

1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
2. If an update is available, tap Download and Install.

5. Reset Network Settings

Resetting network settings can resolve network-related issues that might be causing the error.

1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
2. Enter your passcode to confirm.

6. Delete and Re-add Email Account

Removing and re-adding your email account can refresh the connection settings.

1. Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts.
2. Select the problematic email account and tap Delete Account.
3. Re-add the account by tapping Add Account and following the setup instructions.

7. Disable SSL

If the issue persists, you can try disabling SSL for the email account (note this is less secure).

1. Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts.
2. Select the email account and tap Account > Advanced.
3. Toggle off Use SSL.

8. Update Carrier Settings

Updating carrier settings can resolve connectivity issues.

1. Go to Settings > General > About.
2. If a carrier update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

9. Removing Entries from Subscribed Calendars

If you receive unwanted calendar invitations or event notifications, you may have subscribed to a spam calendar by accident. Here’s how to remove these entries:

Using the Calendar App

1. Open the Calendar app on your iPhone.
2. Tap Calendars at the bottom of the screen.
3. Look for the subscribed calendar you want to remove.
4. Tap the i icon next to the calendar.
5. Scroll down and tap Delete Calendar.

Using the Settings App

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Calendar (or Passwords & Accounts for iOS 13).
3. Tap Accounts.
4. Tap Subscribed Calendars.
5. Select the calendar you want to remove.
6. Tap Delete Account and confirm your choice.

10. Factory Reset (Last Resort)

If all else fails, a factory reset can resolve persistent issues. Backup your data before proceeding.

1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.

By following these steps, you can ensure a smoother and more secure email and calendar experience on your iPhone.