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After installing the latest iOS 18 on your iPhone, you may experience a problem where mail cannot be downloaded using the native Mail app for iPhone. Each attempt to refresh or sync mail may result in the following error message:
"Cannot Get Mail. The connection to the server failed. Network Error (POSIX 96)"
This error can disrupt workflow and requires troubleshooting to identify and resolve the root cause. Research and analysis indicate that the problem is often linked to VPN configurations on the iPhone. This article provides steps to resolve the issue and restore Mail app functionality.
Why This Happens
One potential cause for this error is the presence of a Virtual Private Network (VPN) configuration on the device. A virtual private network, or VPN, boosts your privacy by masking your device’s geographical location. VPNs are useful for various purposes, including general privacy, streaming and travel. While having a VPN on your iPhone is handy, any changes–like an iOS upgrade–can disrupt the VPN’s functionality, leading to network issues that may prevent the Mail app from syncing properly.
Steps to Fix Mail Error: Network Error (POSIX 96) on an iPhone in iOS 18
To resolve this error, it may be necessary to remove and reconfigure VPN settings. Follow these steps:
- Delete the VPN Profile:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap General.
- Tap VPN & Device Management.
- Tap VPN.
- Select the VPN profile and tap Delete. Important: Simply turning off the VPN won’t fix the problem. The VPN profile must be completely deleted.
- Restart the iPhone:
- Once the VPN profile is deleted, restart the iPhone. This ensures that any residual settings or cached configurations are cleared.
- Test the Mail App:
- Open the Mail app and attempt to download emails again. In most cases, this should resolve the error.
- Reinstall the VPN (Optional):
- If the VPN is still needed, reinstall the VPN app and re-add the VPN profile. The new installation will configure itself to the updated iOS environment.
Further troubleshooting
- Check Network Settings: Ensure that the Wi-Fi or mobile data connection is stable and that no other restrictions, such as parental controls or Content & Privacy Restrictions, are interfering.
- Update the VPN App: If the VPN is reinstalled, ensure the app is updated to the latest version compatible with iOS 18.
- Re-add the Mail Account: If the issue persists, consider removing and re-adding the email account in the Mail app. Go to Settings > Apps > Mail > Mail Accounts, select the email account, and tap Delete Account. Then, add it back and test.
Following these steps can help resolve the issue and restore the ability to download emails in Mail app on your iPhone.
See also: How to fix Mail not working on iPhone after iOS 18 update