In Europe and can't access email, asks for IMAP password over and over

There were no useful suggestions in that link. I hope you guys fix this, it seems to be a recurrent problem with many users. Gmail works just fine abroad.

Hey there user_126a7d were you able to give the suggestion above a try by any chance?

Same problem December 11, 2025 in Nuremberg

@user_0a22mx - That sounds incredibly frustrating, especially while you're traveling. This is a common issue with our email when trying to access it via third-party mail clients (like Outlook, Apple Mail, etc.) from outside the United States. Our security system often flags repeated login attempts from foreign IP addresses as a security risk, leading to a temporary block or repeated password prompts. Here are the most effective steps to try and resolve this, based on user reports and our general recommendations:

1. Access via Webmail First (Crucial Step)

The first step is to prove to Xfinity that you are the legitimate user.

- Go to the Xfinity/Comcast Webmail Portal: Use a web browser on your phone or computer to sign in directly to your email account on the official Xfinity website (e.g., connect.xfinity.com).

- Sign In: If you can successfully sign in and view your email in the browser, it confirms your account is active, and the issue is with the third-party apps connecting from Europe.

2. Check Third-Party Access Security Setting

We added a security setting that controls whether third-party apps can access your email. This often gets unchecked or is the source of the repeated prompts.

- Navigate to Settings: Once logged into webmail, find the Settings (usually a Gear icon $\text{⚙}$).

- Find Security: Look for the Security section.

- Enable Third-Party Access: Check the box that says something like "Allow access to third-party programs" or "Third Party Access Security."

- Save Changes: Make sure to save the settings.

3. Reset Your Password (Again, but only via Web)

Even if you just reset it, resetting your password while you are in Europe and then updating all your devices can sometimes clear the security lock.

- Change Password: Use our website (while logged in) to change your email password.

- Update All Devices: Immediately after changing the password on the web, update the new password in your email app settings on all three devices (Android/Outlook, iOS/Apple Mail, Windows PC/Outlook). Do not just wait for the prompt; go into the account settings to manually enter the new password.

4. Verify IMAP/SMTP Server Settings

A small change in security protocols can cause this. Double-check that your mail clients are using the most secure settings:

Setting: Server Name

Xfinity/Comcast IMAP (Incoming): imap.comcast.net

Xfinity/Comcast SMTP (Outgoing): smtp.comcast.net

Setting: Port

Xfinity/Comcast IMAP (Incoming): 993

Xfinity/Comcast SMTP (Outgoing): 587 (or 465)

Setting: Security/Encryption

Xfinity/Comcast IMAP (Incoming): SSL/TLS

Xfinity/Comcast SMTP (Outgoing): SSL/TLS (or STARTTLS)

Setting: Username

Xfinity/Comcast IMAP (Incoming): Your full Xfinity email address

Xfinity/Comcast SMTP (Outgoing): Your full Xfinity email address

Setting: Password

Xfinity/Comcast IMAP (Incoming): Your Xfinity password

Xfinity/Comcast SMTP (Outgoing): Your Xfinity password

Note on Port: If 587 doesn't work for Outgoing, try 465. Ensure Authentication is set to use the same settings as your Incoming mail server.

5. Try a U.S.-Based VPN (If available)
Since the issue is often related to the foreign IP address, temporarily connecting through a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that routes your connection through a server in the United States can sometimes bypass the foreign IP security block.

- Connect to a U.S. server using your VPN.

- Try accessing your email again through the third-party apps. If it connects, your apps will sync and save the credentials, potentially allowing you to disconnect the VPN and continue using your email normally.

Since you're on multiple devices in Europe, the most likely solution involves completing steps 1 and 2 — logging into webmail and ensuring the third-party access setting is enabled. Please let us know if this helps, and our Digital Care Team remains here to support you the best we can!