If your iPhone 11 Pro Max suddenly stopped receiving emails after a recent iOS update, you’re not alone. This kind of bug often pops up after system changes and can usually be fixed with a few simple steps. Here’s how to troubleshoot the issue and get your Mail app working again.
1. Force Quit the Mail App and Restart Your iPhone
Sometimes the Mail app just needs a fresh start.
How to do it:
- Swipe up from the bottom of your screen and pause in the middle to open the app switcher.
- Find the Mail app and swipe it up to close it.
- Do the same for any other open apps to avoid conflicts.
- Then, press and hold the Side button + Volume Up until you see “Slide to power off.”
- Slide to turn off, wait 30 seconds, then turn your iPhone back on by holding the Side button.
2. Refresh Your Wi-Fi or Cellular Connection
Email needs internet — and a shaky connection can stop new messages from coming through.
Try this:
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi and toggle Wi-Fi off, then back on.
- Or use Airplane Mode: Go to Settings > Airplane Mode, turn it on, restart your phone, then turn it back off.
- You can also forget and reconnect to your Wi-Fi:
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the “i” next to your network, and tap Forget This Network.
- Restart your phone, go back to Wi-Fi settings, and reconnect.
Once reconnected, open Safari and visit a website to confirm your internet is working. Then reopen the Mail app and check for new messages.
3. Make Sure Mail Isn’t Restricted
Your Mail app might be blocked by Screen Time settings without you realizing it.
Check this:
- Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Enter your Screen Time passcode if asked.
- Tap Allowed Apps and make sure Mail is turned on.
Restart your phone after making changes and try opening Mail again.
4. Remove and Re-Add Your Email Account
A corrupted email setup can break syncing. Re-adding it often fixes the problem.
To delete the account:
- Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts.
- Tap your email account, then tap Delete Account.
To add it back:
- Still under Settings > Mail > Accounts, tap Add Account.
- Choose your provider or tap Other for custom accounts.
- Enter your email info and follow the prompts.
Once added, open Mail and see if new emails start to come in.
5. Reset All Settings
Some update bugs mess with settings in weird ways. Resetting them can clear out conflicts without erasing your data.
Here’s how:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings.
- Enter your passcode and confirm.
This will reset Wi-Fi, VPN, notification, and other settings — but won’t delete your photos or apps. After the reset, reconnect to Wi-Fi and recheck Mail.
6. Factory Reset (If Nothing Else Works)
If everything else fails, a full wipe might be the only way to clear out deep system bugs.
Important: Back up your data to iCloud or a computer first.
To factory reset:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter your passcode, confirm, and follow the setup instructions after reboot.
Set up your iPhone as new or restore from a recent backup. Then check if Mail works properly.
Bonus Tip: Try Another Email App
Still having issues? While waiting for a fix from Apple, consider using a third-party app like Gmail, Outlook, Spark, or Edison Mail. These apps often work even when Apple Mail doesn’t.
If the issue persists, contact Apple Support for further diagnostics. They may recommend restoring in Recovery Mode or DFU Mode using a computer and iTunes or Finder.