The “cannot verify server identity” error is a common issue that iPhone users face when trying to access email or other internet services on their devices. This error occurs when there is a mismatch between the security certificate presented by the server and the details configured on the iPhone.
When you attempt to connect to a secure server, your iPhone checks the validity of the certificate to ensure it comes from a trusted source. If there is any discrepancy, you will see the “cannot verify server identity” warning.
Here are various methods you can use to resolve it:
1. Check Calendar and Mail Accounts
Go to Settings => Calendar => Accounts and Settings > Mail => Accounts and delete any accounts you don’t recognize. This error can sometimes be caused by a rogue calendar or mail account trying to sync.
2. Reset Network Settings
Go to Settings > General > Reset and choose Reset Network Settings. This will reset all network settings and can clear out invalid certificates.
3. Remove Suspicious Profiles
Go to Settings => General => Device Management and remove any profiles you don’t recognize. The error can be caused by invalid certificates associated with those profiles.
4. Disable Syncing for Certain Microsoft Apps
Go to Settings => Mail => Accounts => Outlook account => and disable syncing for apps like Contacts, Calendars, Reminders if you don’t need them. The error can specifically be caused by the Notes syncing trying to connect to hotmail.com.
5. Check WiFi Connection
Make sure you have properly connected to the WiFi network by logging into any captive portals. The error can occur if your connection is not fully authorized.
If the issue persists across networks and devices, it likely indicates some app is repeatedly trying to access a server with an invalid certificate, which will require further investigation. Some users recommended fully resetting the Safari app and removing recently installed apps.