Mail Error: Network Error (POSIX 96)
After upgrading to iOS 18, an issue may occur where mail cannot be downloaded using the native Mail app. 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 device. 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. VPNs are highly dependent on specific hardware, operating system versions, and network settings. 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.
NOTE: If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider checking other similar articles covering mail-related problems. They might provide additional insights or alternative solutions: Gmail Account Error: Cannot Get Mail, Fix, What Does ‘Unable to Load Remote Content Privately’ Mean in Mail on iPhone, Aol Mail: “Unable to verify account name or password”, Fix, Cannot Verify Server Identity, Fix
How to Fix It
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.
- Go to General > VPN & Device Management > 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.
Additional Tips
- 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 > 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.