In general, iPhone comes up with “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error when a New Email Account is being setup or added to the Mail App and also while trying to send an Email.
The reason for this error on iPhone could be due to various reasons, ranging from a software glitch preventing the Mail App from functioning properly to iPhone being unable to fetch or verify the Mail Server’s SSL certificate.
The latter issue can occur, if the SSL certificate has expired, is fake or inconsistent with the domain name and also if iPhone is unable to verify a valid SSL certificate.
iPhone “Cannot Verify Server Identity”
If your iPhone is coming up with “Cannot verify server identity” error, while adding an Email Account to iPhone or while trying to open or send an Email message, you should be able to fix the problem using the following methods.
1. Exit And Restart Mail App
The problem might simply be due to a glitch in the Mail App. In most cases, this can be fixed by closing the Mail App and restarting it back again.
2. Restart iPhone
Restarting iPhone might help in fixing the problem by clearing out stuck programs or processes, which might be causing the problem on your device.
You can restart iPhone by using the Power button and also by going to Settings > General > Shut Down and using Slide to Power off option on the next screen.
Wait for 30 seconds and restart your device by pressing the Power button.
3. Install Updates
Make sure that your iPhone is up-to-date with the latest iOS updates.
1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
2. On the next screen, tap on the Download option (If an update is available).
4. Install Carrier Updates
It is possible that your mobile service provider has released an update to fix a conflict or syncing issue with Email service.
1. Go to Settings > General > About.
2. Follow the instructions to install carrier updates (If any).
5. Delete Email Account and Add Back
If your iPhone is still bothering you with the same issue, removing your Email Account from iPhone and adding it back again might help in fixing the problem.
1. Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts.
2. On the next screen, select your Email Account.
3. On the next screen, select the Delete Account option.
With above steps you have removed your Email Account from the Mail App on your iPhone. The next steps will add back your Email Account.
4. Go to Settings > Mail > Add Account > Select your Email Service provider.
5. On the next two screens, enter your Email Address and Password to Sign-in.
6. On the next screen, move the slider next to Mail to ON position and tap on Save.
This can help in fixing the problem, if it was being caused due to the Mail App settings on your iPhone being damaged or corrupted.
6. Uncheck Use SSL Option
If above solutions did not help, the problem might be due to expiry of SSL Certificate for the main or sub-domain of your Email Service provider.
1. Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts.
2. On the next screen, select your Email Type or Email Service Provider.
3. On the next screen, select your Email Account > tap on Advanced.
4. On the next screen, uncheck Use SSL option.
As mentioned above, this helps in fixing the problem; if it was being caused due to expiry of SSL certificate.