Are you frustrated with the dreaded “Cannot Verify Server Identity” warning on your iPhone? You’re not alone. It’s an incredibly common issue among iPhone users, and it can be a real pain to try to troubleshoot. Fortunately, I’m here to help! In this post, we’ll go over some of the most useful techniques for dealing with this error message so you can rid yourself of any unnecessary stress that comes along with such technical headaches.
Plus, I’ll be explaining the potential reasons behind this error too. Make sure to follow the instructions accordingly. Here we go!
What Does “Cannot Verify Server Identity” Mean?
The “Cannot Verify Server Identity” warning message is a security feature that can pop up when you’re trying to access certain websites on your iPhone. It basically means that the website you’re trying to access cannot be authenticated, meaning there is a potential risk involved in connecting to it.
To identify the origin of this mistake, we must become more familiar with SSL certificates. These codes authenticate ownership of websites and gauge whether a company is reliable or not. Understanding SSL permits us to make sure our information remains secure and intact.
The dreaded “cannot verify server identity” error that pops up on iPhone is often caused by an untrusted server. Though, iOS bugs and incorrect email configurations may contribute as well. If you experience this issue after setting up a new email account, it’s likely because SSL verification has just taken place.
In any case, take caution when getting the “cannot verify server identity” alert – don’t risk entering sensitive information until you can confirm its authenticity!
Potential Reasons Behind The “Cannot Verify Server Identity” Message On iPhone
Here are some potential factors that can lead to the “Cannot Verify Identity Message” on an iPhone.
Incorrect Email Configuration
If you’re getting this error after setting up a new email account on your phone, then it’s likely because your email settings are incorrect. Make sure all of the information is correct and that you have selected the SSL/TLS option for incoming/outgoing servers.
Incorrect Date & Time Setting
Your date and time settings may be off, causing your iPhone to not recognize the website’s SSL certificate. To change this setting, head over to the Settings app > General > Date & Time and check if everything is correct.
Untrusted Server Certificate
Sometimes, websites are using a certificate issued by an untrusted authority or one that has since expired. In such cases, you’ll need to contact the website owner in order to get them to update their server’s certificate so it can be trusted again.
iOS Bugs
iOS bugs can also cause this error message to pop up on iPhones sometimes. If none of the solutions listed above are working, try updating your iOS version to the latest one available in order for this error message to disappear.
Outdated iOS Version
If you’ve been using an aged or out-of-date version of iPhone software, it could be causing some issues on the device. Therefore, if your iPhone hasn’t been updated in a while, updating to the newest iteration is recommended in order to address this error.
Mismatched Server Name And Domain
If the name given for your server differs from the domain provided, then iPhone will detect any certificate of yours to be unauthentic or fake. This is why you receive this error message in such cases. To rectify it, all you have to do is change your mail server’s name or set up a free dedicated certificate.
Not-Secure Network Connection Usage
Using an unsecured network connection can potentially cause such an issue. To avoid this and ensure a seamless experience, it is best to opt for a private network over public networks.
Old iOS Carrier Settings On iPhone
If your iOS device is equipped with outdated carrier settings, you may experience this error. Updating the iOS carrier settings should resolve the issue completely!
How To Fix “Cannot Verify Server Identity” On iPhone?
Now that you have a thorough understanding of the possible reasons behind this error on iPhone or iOS devices, it is time to select an effective solution from the options below and quickly begin resolving the issue.
Get A Secure Connection
This particular error on your iPhone may be caused by using a public network. Therefore, to avoid any complex technical solutions down the line, it is recommended that you switch from using a public network to a private one in order to effectively solve the problem.
The private network has proved to be the answer for many users experiencing this error. Using your home WIFI or mobile hotspot connection, you should try out this solution and see if it works for you. With its good success rate, it is worth giving it a go!
Reset Your Network Settings
If using a private network does not work for you, then resetting your network settings may prove useful. To do this, head over to the Settings app > General > Reset and tap on “Reset Network Settings.” This should take care of any connection errors that may be hampering your experience.
Restart Your iPhone
A simple restart is sometimes all that you need to fix a Cannot Verify Server Identity error on your iPhone. Force restarting the device by pressing and holding both the Power and Home buttons until the Apple logo appears can do the trick for you.
Contact Website Owner For Certificate Update
If the problem persists after trying out all of these solutions, then there might be something wrong with the website itself. In such cases, the only option left is to contact the website owner and ask them to update their server certificate so it can be trusted again.
It is also possible that they are using an expired or untrusted certificate, in which case they will need to acquire a new one in order for you to be able to access their website without running into any issues.
Update Your iOS Version
Another way to fix the ” Cannot Verify Server Identity” error is by updating your iPhone’s version. Doing so can potentially solve many issues caused due to bugs or outdated software versions.
To update the software, head over to the Settings app > General > Software Update and check if there is an available update. If there is one, download it and install it right away in order to get rid of this error.
Force Start The Mail App
Resolving certain server identity issues can be done quickly and easily with the removal of your email account. Simply delete the current email and add it back in; you are only unlinking your email from this particular instance, not losing any data that was stored on it! Rest assured, all of your emails and other information will stay safe.
Disable The SSL Encryption
Although I do not recommend it, you can also try disabling the SSL encryption. To do this, open the Settings app > Accounts & Passwords and tap on your account name. From there, switch off the toggle for the SSL Encryption option and see if it solves the error or not.
It is important to note that this particular solution should only be used as a last resort since it will affect your level of security with any network connection.
Update iOS Carrier Settings
The issue of Cannot Verify Server Identity can also sometimes be caused due to outdated iOS carrier settings. To address this, you should make sure that your device is equipped with the latest version of carrier settings by going to Settings > General > About and checking for any available updates. If there are any, proceed to download and install them right away!
Factory Reset Your iPhone
If all of the above solutions have been exhausted and the Cannot Verify Server Identity error still occurs, then a factory reset will be your next step. It is important to note that this should only be used as a last resort since it will erase any data stored on your device.
To try this solution out, head over to the Settings app > General > Reset and tap on “Erase All Content & Settings.” This should completely reset your iPhone and resolve the Cannot Verify Server Identity issue in no time!
Final Note
If you have been facing Cannot Verify Server Identity on your iPhone, then hopefully this article was able to help you out. You can try any of the solutions mentioned here. Factory resetting your iPhone and disabling the SSL encryption are fixes that you should try in case none of the rest work.
I do not recommend going for these two solutions first. If the issue still persists, then you will have to contact the website owner and ask them to update their server certificate so that it can be trusted again.
