Adding Comcast Email to Mac Mail

I haven't migrated to the newer iMac yet, for a number of reasons. Not being able to set up Mac Mail didn't help. As I stated, this Mac Mail issue with Xfinity is not new, has been going on for years, and it's ridiculous that they're doing nothing about it.

Now, as of yesterday, not only can I not add my Comcast email account to the newer iMac, as I stated in my original post, I can no longer send emails through Mail. They sit in my outbox and go nowhere. I get this message: “can’t connect to the account “Comcast”. A popup window asks for my password, put the password in and get  "Unable to verify account name or password". In Mail under preferences/server settings, it shows Comcast is "offline". I'm receiving emails, but can't send. I can send through my (android) phone and tablet, and my email on Xfinity's site, but not through Mac Mail.

I just got off the phone with a tech person who couldn't figure out what the problem is. He gave me a number for Xfinity security. I'll call them tomorrow and hope they can help. In the meantime HELLO Xfinity, what is the freaking problem? There are threads going back several years about this. Why can't you fix this? What are we paying your very high rates for?

Sigh ... I'll report back if I get anything useful from security tech help.

@Lkpolo​ I did use an Icloud reload and my time machine, both should have been fine... but I had to re-add all my mail accounts.

Yes, I did ... as stated in my reply to Lkpolo. My password is not the issue. And please also note the newest issue I wrote about - no point in repeating it here. There is something seriously wrong with an issue that's been complained about for years now.

Must be nice to be a monopoly where it doesn't matter what your customers go through.

p.s. So no, my question has not been answered, and it wasn't answered in threads on the same issue from several years ago. There are also threads in Apple forums about this. DO SOMETHING.

What is this setting for, if it doesn't work?

For your iPhone or iPad, enter your email address then enter an incorrect password. The next screen that pops up should give you a choice between imap and  pop 3. That is where you enter your correct information, but for imap, your account name is your full email address. I’m not sure why it is like this now. It must be an iOS bug from the last big apple update. 

Thanks. The only Apple product I have is my iMac desktop. I don't have an iPhone or an iPad. My phone and tablet are Samsungs. As an aside, did you know that iPhones/iPads use many Samsung parts?

Anyway, I still can't add my Comcast email to my newer iMac, and I still can't send emails from Mail on my older iMac any more. Six days, and it appears that no one from Xfinity will come along and explain what the effing problem is.

Ask for advance security when you call. The out of country technicians you would usually get have no clue. I’ve been saying on here that there is a bug in the iOS software and the imap settings do not show up until you enter an incorrect password. Plus for the imap settings that you need for your iMac your user name is your entire email address. 

@user_e18qxp​   -  No, nothing to do with Yahoo, which I have not switched over to. It has to do with Xfinity not being able to offer an explanation or a solution.

Try clicking on the bell icon to see all comments/replies.

Hello @user_e18qxp have you also checked to make sure all the settings are correct for access to a third party email app? I have attached a link here with some directions Turn your access to third-party email apps

Hi there @mtngigi 

To resolve the issue with your Comcast email on Mac Mail, first ensure that third-party access is enabled. Sign in to Xfinity Email, go to Settings, then Security, and check the box for Third Party Access Security. If you previously set up your account using POP, consider switching to IMAP by adding a new account in Mac Mail and entering your Comcast.net email and password. Make sure to uncheck the option to remove copies from the server if applicable. Follow the setup instructions for IMAP to complete the process.

For more details see:

https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/pop-imap-mac-mail

@XfinityAbby​ When will you all understand that checking that option off doesn't make anything work. Again, this is an issue that has been going on for years, and no one at Xfinity can come up with solutions that work. Stop suggesting this most obvious option. I have always had the option to allow third party checked, and it DOES NOTHING.

Good morning @mtngigi. Have you completed any troubleshooting steps to try and restore access? 

@XfinityRaf​ 

You mean the only suggestion all you folks seem to have is to make sure "third party access security" is checked off? Why don't you read the entire thread, and then come back with some new suggestions? How about trying that? I'll wait.

@mtngigi​

You folks keep giving me badges, like that's going help.

You can turn off the badges by clicking on your avatar in the upper right corner, then clicking on Profile Settings/Notifications & Preferences.  Scroll down to "New Badges Earned by Me" and uncheck Email and Platform.  Scroll all the way down and click on Save Preferences.

I need solutions that work. I still cannot add my Comcast email to my new computer.

What error messages, if any, are you getting when trying to add your @comcast.net email to your new computer?  Are you able to log in to the website and see your email there?  Are you trying to use Mac Mail on your new computer?

I cannot send emails through Mac Mail on my old computer. 

What error messages are you getting when trying to send emails through Mac Mail on your old computer?  Is Mac Mail up to date?

We are trying to help you, and your frustration is completely clear.  We can't see your computer so we're needing as much information as you can give us so we can solve this together.  Be patient with us, as we are with you, and help us help you.

I’m sorry you’re all having problems setting up your mac mail and iOS, iPad mail. I’m an experienced Mac user but unfortunately for me  I had major surgery five days ago after a fall in the garage. I’m on pain killer I keep checking the posts and I’ve posted the steps. But it seems you are all having a problem of an engineering nature with XFINITY. Did anyone call apple care? Did it help? There are several things that can affect your mail. Your router, your network and security.  Also any antivirus programs on your laptop. The gatekeeper will view them at PUP, potentially unwanted programs. I dunno maybe you known more than me but my  devices are all working. My OS is up to date and I only use Maleware Bytes on my Mac and nothing on my mobile devices.  Try Apple and look under the hood and see what helps. 

I have found a couple more steps that may be helpful in addition to the third party security access suggestion.  

To set up your Comcast email on a newer iMac, ensure that the option to allow access to third-party programs is checked in your Xfinity Email settings. If you're still facing issues, verify your email address and password. You may need to follow these steps:

1. Sign in to Xfinity Email.
2. Click the Gear icon, then select Settings.
3. Go to Security and check the box for Third Party Access Security.

If problems persist, consider using the recommended settings for your email program, such as IMAP and the correct port numbers.

https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/third-party-email-access

Re: Billing concerns. I don't think there's much you can do about the $30+ increase to a bill that's already hard to pay. That, on top of all the other bills that have gone up this year. Lots of people are barely getting by, but companies don't care.

I would be happy to take a look into this further for you mtngigi. In this case I will need some additional information. 

Please send us a direct chat message with your full name and complete service address to “Xfinity Support”. To do so, click on the chat icon located at the top right of this forums page.

To send a "Direct Message" to Xfinity Support:

Click "Sign In" if necessary

Click the "Direct Messaging" icon 

Click the "New message" (pencil and paper) icon
The "To:" line prompts you to "Type the name of a person". Instead, type "Xfinity Support" there

As you are typing a drop-down list appears. Select "Xfinity Support" from that list

An "Xfinity Support" graphic replaces the "To:" line

Type your message in the text area near the bottom of the window and press Enter to send it.