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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

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1.7K Messages

3 months 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

2 months 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

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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

Visitor

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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

 • 

1.7K 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

2 Messages

17 days ago

I'm having the same issue.  All of the sudden Apple Mail will not send anything.  I can receive my e-mail just fine, but I cannot send anything.  I've tried ALL of the steps and read ALL of the support articles, nothing works.  I think xfinity broke something when they updated their mail servers.

2 Messages

17 days ago

I am having the same issue as everyone else.  I've tried every suggestion that is made and I've read all of the support articles.  I think xfinity broke something with their e-mail servers when they "enhanced" their security.

Official Employee

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1.4K Messages

user_bxaeec thank you for using the Xfinity Community Forums to share your experience. Have you already attempted any of the recommended troubleshooting steps listed in this thread?

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

Visitor

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6 Messages

15 days ago

the post by XfinitySara at the top of this thread says we can generate an app specific password for Apple Mail. that's not an option. the Xfinity security page via Xfinity webmail just allows you to check or uncheck the Third Party App Security feature but does not allow for the generation of an Apple Mail specific password.  In the meantime sending from iphones, macs, and ipads is blocked.  Is there an ETA on a fix?

Expert

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29.7K Messages

15 days ago

@user_ja09m2 

In order to generate an app specific password, you have to use your Apple account.  Its not generated by Xfinity.  See here----------------

https://support.apple.com/en-us/102654

Visitor

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6 Messages

@Latoque thank you! I generated the app specific password via my apple account.  do I enter my apple ID with the app specific password in the smtp settings for comcast? this did not authenticate when I tried it.

(edited)

Official Employee

 • 

2K Messages

 

user_ja09m2 Based on the instructions, your specific app password is separate from your Comcast email password, however, it appears you won't use your Comcast email password because in the steps it says the following:

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.

When you go to set server settings, you only enter in your Comcast email address since you are bypassing the Comcast email as it is going through the App Specific 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.

 

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

Visitor

 • 

6 Messages

there seems to be a misunderstanding about how app specific passwords work with Apple. I need to connect my apple id and app specific password to comcast/xfinity.  how do I do that?  Apple says only Xfinity can do this.  

Official Employee

 • 

93 Messages

To use an app-specific password with Xfinity, you'll need to first create one within your Apple ID settings and then use it when signing in to Xfinity services on an Apple device. This is necessary because Xfinity may not support direct integration with your primary Apple ID login. 
Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Create an App-Specific Password for Xfinity:
Log in to your Apple ID account: Go to https://appleid.apple.com and sign in with your Apple ID and password. 
Access App-Specific Passwords: In the Sign-In and Security section, find and select "App-Specific Passwords". 
Generate a new password: Click "Generate an app-specific password" or the "Add" button. 
Choose a name: Give the password a descriptive name, like "Xfinity" or "Xfinity App". 
Copy the password: The app-specific password will be displayed. Copy this password to your clipboard. 
2. Use the App-Specific Password with Xfinity:
Sign in to the Xfinity app or service: Open the Xfinity app or sign in to the Xfinity website. 
Use the app-specific password: When prompted for your Apple ID password, paste the copied app-specific password into the field. 
Continue with the login: Proceed with any further prompts or security verification steps from Xfinity. 
Important Notes:
Two-Factor Authentication:
Your Apple ID must have two-factor authentication enabled to generate app-specific passwords, as this adds an extra layer of security. 
Revoking Passwords:
You can revoke app-specific passwords at any time from your Apple ID settings if you no longer need them or suspect they may have been compromised. 
Third-Party Access:
Some Xfinity services might have separate security settings for third-party app access, so you might need to enable that as well, as discussed in the Xfinity community forum.

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

Visitor

 • 

6 Messages

I completed steps #1 on how to generate an app specific password from Apple. however,

when you write "sign in to the Xfinity website" - you mean sign in using my original xfinity username? or my apple id username?

and when you write "when prompted for you Apple ID password, paste the copied app-specific password into the field" - it does not accept the app specific password whether I use my xfinity user name nor my apple id user name. 

2 Messages

15 days ago

Apple Mail - Comcast/Xfinity solution 

Do not use 5G — use Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)

Visitor

 • 

1 Message

7 days ago

I had this same problem with outgoing mail no longer working after I installed the most recent Apple system upgrade.   You won't like what I have to tell you.

After 4 hours on a call with Comcast technical service with no solution,  I went into my local Xfinity store and spoke with the manager.  After less than a minute of explaining what my problem was, he gave me the honest answer.  He said "Xfinity made a corporate decision not to do the internal upgrades to its system to properly communicate with Apple internal mail systems, and as apple continues to upgrade their service, the Xfinity systems are failing to handshake with Apple mail.  He said it will only get worse as time goes by, because Xfinity/Comcast is no longer technically supporting Apple mail.  

He suggested opening a Gmail account if you want to continue to get mail through Comcast/Xfinity.  That's not what I wanted to hear, as I have hundreds of business contacts who have my comcast.net address and every one will have to be notified of any change of contact address.


I'm angry and frustrated. I'm paying for useful email capability through Xfinity, but apparently that is no longer a Comcast/Xfinity priority.

Almost all Comcast/Xfinity non-email content can be duplicated by other internet providers.  I've had a comcast.net internet address for 25 years read exclusively through an Apple hardware system, but its not going to last much longer, due to Xfinity's decision to not upgrade their connection system with Apple.  If you have an Apple computer running an Apple software system, you will have this happen to you as soon as you perform any upgrade to your Apple computer operating system.

Official Employee

 • 

2K Messages

 

user_6lsofn Thanks for reaching out! You should be able to access your Comcast.net email from the Xfinity Connect Email Portal. Xfinity Email Login - Access and manage your account

 

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
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