If you’re seeing the dreaded error message “Outgoing Server smtp.gmail.com Failed” on your iPhone, you’re not alone. Many users face this frustrating issue, which can disrupt email communication, especially when you rely on Gmail for both personal and professional correspondence. This error typically indicates a failure in connecting to Gmail’s SMTP server, meaning your device can’t send emails, although it may still receive them. Understanding what causes this issue and following the correct troubleshooting steps can save you from unnecessary stress and ensure smooth email functionality once again.
TL;DR
If your iPhone is failing to send emails through Gmail and showing the “Outgoing Server smtp.gmail.com Failed” error, it’s likely due to incorrect settings, outdated credentials, or connectivity problems. Start by checking your SMTP settings and ensuring that two-factor authentication or app-specific passwords are configured if you use them. Sometimes, deleting and re-adding the Gmail account on your iPhone can quickly resolve the issue. Follow the detailed step-by-step guide below to fix the error permanently.
Common Causes of the SMTP Gmail Error on iPhones
This error can be triggered by a variety of issues. Here are the most frequent causes:
- Incorrect SMTP settings – Port numbers, SSL/TLS options, or authentication settings might be misconfigured.
- Outdated or incorrect password – Password changes made elsewhere might not be updated on the device.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – If 2FA is enabled, an app-specific password may be needed instead of your regular password.
- Connectivity problems – Poor or no internet connection can block outgoing server access.
- Gmail account security blocks – Google may block sign-in attempts it deems suspicious.
Step-by-Step Solutions
1. Check Internet Connection
This might sound basic, but start by confirming your device is properly connected via Wi-Fi or cellular data. Try loading a webpage or another app to verify connectivity.
2. Ensure SMTP Settings Are Correct
Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts, select your Gmail account, tap on Account > Outgoing Mail Server > SMTP, then tap on the primary SMTP server (smtp.gmail.com).
Verify the following details:
- Host Name: smtp.gmail.com
- User Name: your full Gmail address (e.g., johndoe@gmail.com)
- Password: your Gmail or app-specific password
- Use SSL: ON
- Authentication: Password
- Server Port: 465 or 587
Tap Done to save the settings and exit. Try sending an email after this step.
3. Update Your Gmail Password
If you’ve recently changed your Gmail password or account has been locked due to security reasons, you will need to update the password on your iPhone.
- Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts.
- Select your Gmail account.
- Tap Account and enter the new password.
Also consider logging into Google Account Settings on a browser to verify if there are any security flags or prompts to verify a recent login attempt.
4. Generate an App-Specific Password (If Using 2FA)
If two-factor authentication (2FA) is enabled on your Gmail account, the standard password will not work for the Mail app. In this case, generate a one-time app-specific password:
- Go to your Google Account’s App Passwords page.
- Log in and verify if required.
- Select Mail as the app and iPhone as the device.
- Click Generate and copy the 16-digit code.
- Use this code in the password field in your iPhone’s SMTP settings.
This often resolves authentication issues caused by 2FA.
5. Reboot Your iPhone
A simple but occasionally effective trick is to restart your device. Memory cache or active connections can sometimes become corrupted. Rebooting your iPhone may refresh the system and restore the connection to Gmail’s servers.
6. Remove and Re-Add the Gmail Account
If none of the above steps solve the problem, remove the Gmail account from your iPhone and add it back. This ensures all configurations are reloaded properly.
- Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts.
- Tap your Gmail account and choose Delete Account.
- Reboot your iPhone.
- Go back to Settings > Mail > Accounts and tap Add Account.
- Select Google and follow the on-screen steps to log in and authorize access.
7. Disable and Re-Enable Mail in Account Settings
Instead of deleting the entire account, you can also attempt to toggle Mail service off and on:
- Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts, choose your Gmail account.
- Turn off the toggle next to Mail.
- Wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.
Then try sending a test email to yourself.
8. Reset Network Settings (as a Last Resort)
Persistent network configuration problems on your iPhone may require a full reset of network settings. Be aware this will erase all stored Wi-Fi passwords and VPN configurations.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset, then tap Reset Network Settings.
- Your iPhone will reboot. Reconnect to Wi-Fi and try again.
9. Contact Google or Apple Support
If you’ve tried every step here with no success, the issue may be server-side or more complex than standard user-level troubleshooting can resolve. Visit the Google Support website to check SMTP outage alerts or reach out directly. You can also log a case with Apple Support to verify if the issue is with iOS compatibility or specific Gmail integration bugs.
Preventing Future SMTP Failures
While some issues are unavoidable, you can reduce the chances of encountering SMTP errors in the future by taking these precautions:
- Keep iOS updated – Updates often resolve bugs in connections and authentication methods.
- Enable 2FA and use app-specific passwords for added security and improved compatibility.
- Regularly check and update Gmail login credentials across all devices.
- Avoid switching networks mid-email, which might confuse the SMTP connection.
Conclusion
The “Outgoing Server smtp.gmail.com Failed” error on iPhones is more than a minor inconvenience—it can halt your ability to communicate effectively. However, with a clear understanding of what causes the issue and a methodical approach to solving it, you can typically resolve this error quickly. Start with the basic checks and settings updates, and escalate to more comprehensive solutions like app-specific passwords or re-adding the account as needed.
Don’t ignore these errors; resolving them ensures your iPhone remains a reliable communication tool at all times.
