U

Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 4:31 PM

Apple mail will not send through Comcast

Apple will not send through Comcast. It says there’s a problem with the SMPT.

Do you have a fix?

Official Employee

 • 

1.6K Messages

1 month ago

Hello, @user_kirzza! Thank you for visiting our Xfinity Community Forum and for posting your email concerns. I'm sorry to hear about the trouble you've been having, and I'd love to see what our team can do to help! We're great to work with because we'll do everything we can to review and resolve issues as quickly as possible. SMTP issues can be tricky, but let's troubleshoot this. Here's a breakdown of common fixes, tailored for Comcast and Apple Mail:

 

1. The App Password is Key

- Comcast's Security: we've stepped up our security, often requiring an "app password" for third-party apps like Apple Mail. This is separate from your regular email password.
- How to Get It:
Log in to your Xfinity webmail.
Look for a "Settings" or "Gear" icon (usually top right).
Find "Security" or "Account Security."
There should be an option for "Third-Party App Access" or similar.
Generate a new app password specifically for Apple Mail.
- Use it in Mail: In Apple Mail's account settings, replace your regular email password with this app password.

 

2. Double-Check Those Settings

- Outgoing Server:
Server Name: smtp.comcast.net
Port: 587
SSL/TLS: Make absolutely sure "Always Use SSL" or "STARTTLS" is selected.
- Incoming Server:
Server Name: imap.comcast.net (for IMAP accounts) or pop3.comcast.net (for POP3 accounts)
Port: 993 (for IMAP with SSL) or 143 (for IMAP without SSL) or 995 (for POP3 with SSL) or 110 (for POP3 without SSL)
SSL/TLS: Again, "Always Use SSL" is recommended.
- Authentication: "Password" should be selected.
- Username: Use your full Comcast email address.

 

3. Mail Account Tweaks

- Delete and Re-add: Sometimes, a fresh start is best. Delete your Comcast account from Apple Mail and then add it back in. Let Mail try to auto-configure it, but double-check the settings afterward.
- Password Update: Even if you think it's right, try changing your Comcast email password through our website and then updating it in Apple Mail.

 

4. Network and Software

- Network Reset: This can be a surprisingly effective fix.
Mac: System Preferences > Network > Advanced > TCP/IP > Renew DHCP Lease
iPhone/iPad: Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings
- Software Updates: Ensure your macOS and iOS are up-to-date, as well as Apple Mail itself.
- Firewall/Antivirus: Temporarily disable any third-party firewalls or antivirus software to see if they're interfering.

 

5. Comcast's Side

- Service Interruptions: Check our Status Center to rule out any service disruptions in your area.
- Contact Us: If all else fails, let us know. Explain the steps you've taken and any error messages you're getting. We might have specific server issues or account-related problems on our end.

 

Important Notes:

- IMAP vs. POP3: IMAP is generally preferred as it keeps your emails synced across devices. If you're using POP3, some settings will be different.
- Screenshots: If you're still stuck, taking screenshots of your Mail account settings (with personal info blurred) can be helpful for online forums or support.

 

I hope one of these solutions gets your Apple Mail working smoothly with Comcast again! Let me know if you have any more details or need further assistance, and we'll be here for you!

1 Message

15 days ago

I all of a sudden can no longer communicate with Comcast mail servers from THREE DIFFERENT APPLE DEVICES!  How can this fail at the same time on all three?  All different platforms and versions.  iPad Pro 11 and iPhone 14 Pro both with iOS 17.x, and a MacBook.  I’m using imap on all and verified my settings are still correct, based on the setup instructions on Comcast.    What gives?  Are these servers working anymore?  Incoming has always been imap.comcast.net and outgoing is smtp.comcast.net.  And these are what the instructions say to use.   I can get my mail with a browser, but something is clearly not working for the Apple Mail App now.  And I prefer using this app over the browser, on these devices.   HELP!

(edited)

Official Employee

 • 

790 Messages

@user_of189h Thanks for adding to the post. What happens on your Apple devices, is there an error message?

I am an Official Xfinity Employee.
Official Employees are from multiple teams within Xfinity: CARE, Product, Leadership.
We ask that you post publicly so people with similar questions may benefit from the conversation.
Was your question answered? Please, mark a reply as the Accepted Answer.tick

1 Message

I am having the same problem with SMTP.  It says " Cannot Send Mail - the user name or password for ***@comcast.net is incorrect.   But this is not the case.  It is the same username and password entered for IMAP, and incoming mail works.   Also, Webmail works.  It is only SMPT on Iphone and Mac that does not work.

Official Employee

 • 

1.5K Messages

Thank you for reaching out to us here @user_1f1488. Have you already checked our Status Center to rule out any service disruptions in your area? You can also try to delete your Comcast account from Apple Mail and then add it back in. Let Mail try to auto-configure it, but double-check the settings afterward.

(edited)

I am an Official Xfinity Employee.
Official Employees are from multiple teams within Xfinity: CARE, Product, Leadership.
We ask that you post publicly so people with similar questions may benefit from the conversation.
Was your question answered? Please, mark a reply as the Accepted Answer.tick
forum icon

New to the Community?

Start Here